Using VR and Digital Signage Together to Propel Your Business

It is a well-heard rumor that virtual reality is going to take over anything and everything in its path. However, it is safe to say that although VR will bring about many changes, some things are better together. Is VR a threat to digital signage? No. In fact, VR and digital signage should be working together to create immersive and powerful experiences for consumers.

Seeing digital signage as an extension of VR, Lyle Bunn, a media analyst and advisor states, “VR is ideally applied for individual engagement and so is a natural extension to digital signage, which best messages and engages audiences of many or a few. Each applies digital content in different ways and it is useful to promote a VR experience using digital signage or offer a user’s view to other members of the party or bystanders.”

VR doesn’t have to include a headset. Instead, digital signage can immerse groups of consumers at once, creating a unique experience. How can VR and digital signage work together to propel your business?

VR and Digital Signage – The Virtual Tour

For years, future homeowners who are shopping for their next home online were given photos that may or may not enhance the listing. Museums post photos of their exhibits online to try and entice visitors to their location. Retail stores have used video as a part of their in-store selling process. The one thing these examples all have in common? VR and digital signage mixed together could take them to a new level.

A realtor using digital signage could take home buyers into a home, without leaving the office. Museums will be able to immerse visitors into their exhibits, bringing them to life and remaining accessible to all. Retail stores could offer “try before you buy” experiences with products.

Digital signage takes the headset out of the way. Instead of impacting one visitor, digital signage can impact several, all at one time.

The Customer Experience

The customer experience is a huge focus this year, as technology is changing the way we communicate. VR and digital signage together can give customers the interactive experience that they crave. Digital signage can be used in many ways to enhance this experience including:

• Advertisements and Discounts. Personalized advertisements for products that your customers are looking for as they peruse a retail store enhances the shopping experience and gives it a personal touch. Discounts can be shown on screen to help consumers get the most bang for their buck.
• Personalization. Greeters at the front door of your retail store without a physical person? Yes, it’s possible. Couple that with the benefits of virtual reality and your customer can choose a shopping experience that is uniquely their own.
• Story. Customers want to feel connected to what you offer. You can use digital signage to tell a story about your products or experience while the customer visits. Window displays, billboards and more should reflect the story to immerse customers to draw them in.

Mobile Interaction

Mobile devices are the device of choice for shopping, watching Netflix and more. It is smart to use this technology to propel your business. Digital signage using Bluetooth technology and VR can now connect to mobile devices.

According to Digital Signage Today, “The use of Bluetooth and beacons enable bi-directional communication between the digital signage and customers’ mobile devices. This increases customer engagement by enabling businesses to deliver highly relevant messaging and content. Additionally, customers can be presented the option of interacting with and controlling the signage via their mobile devices.”

For example, a McDonald’s in Malaysia created a campaign using a melting ice cream cone. Messages on the sign encouraged customers to slow the melting of the cone by turning on the fan that was pictured behind it on with their cell phone. Customers that “saved” the ice cream cone were rewarded with digital coupons that could be used in-store. This is an example of an enhanced customer experience that drove sales for the business.

Digital signage is not dead. In fact, it’s on the rise. Through using VR and digital signage together, you can do wonders for your customer experience, engagement, and communication. It’s time to think outside of the headset and move forward with digital signage. If you are interested in discussing your options contact New Era Tech today.

This article was originally published on New Era Technology.

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