What Is Interactive Digital Signage? 

Interactive digital signage is a screen that people can use instead of just watch. They can click on a menu or scan a QR code for more information. There are also movement and voice controlled screens. According to the research conducted by AIScreen team, 65% of the limited service restaurant customers surveyed by the National Restaurant Association used a self service kiosk to order food and beverages during the 2024 research.

In shops and restaurants, interactive screens are used. They also assist in navigating airports and other public areas. This guide provides a description of how interactive signage works. You will be able to find out about its examples and benefits. In addition, we will demonstrate the hardware required, and how to create interactive digital signage in AIScreen. 

What Is Interactive Digital Signage?

Interactive Digital Signage is a type of digital signage that can react to a user’s input. Individuals can touch the screen or scan a code using their phone. A few systems are also equipped with cameras and sensors that can detect motion. This is because it allows individuals to select what they would like to see instead of seeing the same as everyone else.

For instance, when a customer touches an object on the touch screen, it can display the object’s price. Using a touch screen map, a visitor will be able to search for a room. These are all actions that add value to the use of the display, rather than a standard video playing TV.

Interactive screens can be in various forms using a variety of technologies: 

• Touch Screens: Let people tap buttons and move between pages.
• QR Codes: Navigate to menus and websites on a cell phone.
• Motion Sensors: Replace information if a user who moves nearby.
• Voice Controls: Give voice commands.
• AI and AR: Assist in the development of more personal digital experiences. 

At AIScreen we’re convinced that every screen has a purpose. For basic messages a normal display is adequate. However, a touch screen is beneficial when people are looking for something or when making a decision. By the use of the right digital signage software, companies can develop and oversee material for computer screens. 

What Are the Examples of Interactive Digital Signage?

Examples of interactive digital signage include self service kiosks and touch screen menus. Social Mediawall and QR Code Stickers are other examples. A few companies are also leveraging motion tracking and augmented reality (AR) to develop innovative ways to interact with content.

Best choice is based on what visitors want. A restaurant would like to ease the ordering process. Store can desire to assist customers to locate products. View additional interactive digital signage examples to see how other businesses are utilizing digital signage. 

Digital Self Service Menu Kiosks

A digital self service menu is an electronic sign providing a menu for the consumer to select food from. They can browse the menu and choose their desired item(s). Some of the kiosks also allow customers to customize their meals and pay for orders.

The kind of screens that are found in a fast food restaurant. Touch menus can also be employed for smaller cafes to assist customers to snoop around food options. If customers are going to order through the screen then the system should be integrated with the correct ordering tools. 

Interactive Social Media Walls

Social media walls display tweets and images from a brand’s social media feeds. Photos of customers can be displayed on a screen in a store. Visitors can share their posts on an event.

When the content of these displays are made interactive, people can send content to the screen. For instance, a visitor can scan a QR code and upload a photo. The business will be able to take a look at it first before presenting it to others.

AIScreen can integrate with social media and offers apps like Instagram Social Wall integration for these social media. In a company, it is best to review posts prior to posting them on public 

QR Code Interactive Displays

QR code digital signage enable to open more content with people’s phones. A restaurant may distribute its menu over the internet. A retail outlet can promote a special promotion. You can create QR codes that will open a visitor form on an office website.

Our team did an extensive research and found that The National Restaurant Association also found that 57% of surveyed limited service customers would use a QR code to view a menu on their phone. This is why QR codes can prove a valuable choice for restaurants.

AIScreen Team Pro-Tip: Inform people about what they are going to find out when scanning the code. Use a short sentence such as “Scan to View Menu” or “Scan for Offers. Before publishing the code we recommend to test the code that is seen when you view it from normal distance. 

Motion Tracking Digital Signage

Motion tracking digital signage is technology that reacts to motion which is typically implemented through a camera or sensor. Screen playing a video when someone walks near. Other systems are able to detect hand motion.

A museum can employ this technology to display more information about one of the exhibits. When a customer approaches a retail shop, a product video can begin to play for him or her.

The motion tracking system must be compatible with hardware and software. Not all digital displays will have this feature. 

Augmented Reality Displays

Augmented reality overlays digital images onto the image of an actual physical object. Also known as AR. A clothes shop could allow the consumer to view the fashion in a different shade. When selecting a piece of furniture for a room, a furniture store can use AR to demonstrate how that piece fits.

Games and events can also be developed using AR. The visitors can access digital content with a phone or a screen with a camera. Special software and supported hardware are required for these experiences. 

AI Powered Interactive Screens

Interactive screens with AI can answer questions or answer the choices. The shopping assistant can lead the user in searches, for example. The visitor can leave a question and receive information about a service.

In some advanced systems the sensor information can also be used to modify what is displayed on the screen. Further tools and privacy management of these features are required. Not all of these interactive signings will be found on every display. 

What Is Interactive DOOH Digital Signage?

Interactive DOOH digital signage is advertising that is placed in the outdoor or public environment, and allows viewers to participate in the ad. Digital Out of Home (DOOH). Such screens tend to be used in malls and public areas. The person can scan a code or interact with a screen to obtain additional information.

A public screen can be used for example by a car company to demonstrate the various different car colors. A store can enable individuals to scan a code to get an offer. Some ads also vary in accordance to the current weather or time of day. Some of those changes are only considered as a direct user interaction when they result from the user’s direct involvement with the ad itself, either physically or through digital interaction.

The AIScreen team conducted research on interactive digital signage and read the 2024 study from OAAA and The Harris Poll. The study revealed that 79% of Americans age 18-64 were aware of the digital billboard ads. This demonstrates that digital billboards can reach the audience in public areas. However the study focused on digital billboards in general and not interactive screens alone.

AIScreen’s DOOH advertising solution assists businesses to keep an eye on digital ads on supported screens. Content and update campaigns from a central place. 

What Are the Benefits of Interactive Digital Signage?

The primary advantages of a digital signage system that is interactive is that it provides improved access to information and more control to the user. Developers and consumers of media can select it rather than have it pushed upon them.Developers and users of the media can choose what is needed and not have to await the screen being made it. Businesses can also discover which options individuals pick when the system allows for interaction tracking.

The AIScreen team looked at the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 report as they studied the benefits of interactive digital signage. The report indicated that 83% of restaurant owners indicated that technological tools had improved their business. This is one reason why Telematics is crucial for restaurants. The study was conducted on restaurant technology in general, not on interactive signage specifically, however. 

Better Customer Engagement

Interactive screen allows users to explore content at their own pace. Opening product details is possible for a shopper. A visitor will be able to look up a location. This allows for more control of the information seen by users. 

Improved Customer Experience

Touch screen may aid individuals in accomplishing basic jobs. A patron of a restaurant may review the list of food and beverage choices. A directory can be used to determine which department a hospital visitor needs to visit. Steps (when present) are clearly marked. 

Useful Interaction Analytics

Some interactive systems are able to capture what actions a person takes like tapping a button or scanning a QR code. These results can be shared with businesses to ensure that they have content that users are interested in. As a consequence, the arrangement of the screen will be improved over time for the teams. 

More Ways to Help Visitors

Maps and product searches can be complemented by interactive displays. They also can be used for check in forms etc. That allows for their application in a wide variety of locations. 

More Sales Opportunities

The touch screen is a tool that can be used to help customers locate products and view offers. Some choose to include ordering/payment tools, as well. However, enhanced sales is not assured. The results will vary according to the content and the business. 

Before installing screens we recommend creating a clear digital signage software strategy. Decide what users should do and how you will measure success. A screen should solve a real problem rather than add more steps.

Do You Need Special Hardware for Interactive Digital Signage?

There are some types of interactive digital signage that require special hardware. The panel of a touch screen needs to be capable of detecting taps. Systems that rely on motion require motion-compatible sensors. However, QR code signage can be utilized on an ordinary screen as the users are using their personal phones to communicate with it. 

A basic interactive setup may include:

• Display Screen: A TV or touch screen that shows the content.
• Media Player: A device that runs the signage application.
• Interactive Software: A platform that manages content and touch actions.
• Sensors or Cameras: Extra hardware for motion or gesture features.

Decide on hardware depending on the type of interaction desired. For a QR code screen, only a basic display might be required. If you’re interested in a touch kiosk, you will need a compatible touch screen and player.

Accessibility matters too. In 2025, the CDC reported that 28.7% of adults in the US had a functional disability as a result of data from 2022. To ensure that touch buttons are easy to reach and easy to read, businesses should make them easily accessible. They should also think of individuals who are unable to use touch controls. 

Is Interactive Digital Signage Hard to Set Up?

Interactive Digital Signage can be readily implemented for the simple project. QR code display only require a screen and a working link. The buttons are tied to actions and this is not the case with a touch kiosk, so more planning is required. Higher echelon systems that require sensors or artificial intelligence could require additional equipment and tech support.

The cost depends on setup. A small touch screen will be more affordable than an outdoor large touch screen. This can include the cost of software and installation. You’ll need to determine the purpose of the screen before purchasing hardware.

The first challenge we would do at AIScreen would be to define one task. Store: You want visitors to search for a product, for example a store may want visitors to search for a particular product. We will create that first and then test it using real users. Once it functions well, then business can add more features. 

How Do You Set Up Interactive Digital Signage With AIScreen?

Setting up interactive digital signage with AIScreen is as simple as choosing hardware and creating your screen content. You then attach the player to your account if your tv is not smart and set-up the touch settings you want. AIScreen’s Touch Kiosk Module is a dedicated area for Interactive Projects management. 

Step 1: Choose Your Interactive Display

Depending on your project, use a touch screen or a regular display. In the event that people require tapping buttons, a compatible touch hardware is necessary. For those cases where QR codes are only needed occasionally, a supported TV might suffice.

Make sure the screen fits and where it will be placed. Ensure content is visible to and accessible by users. 

Step 2: Connect Your Digital Signage Player

Set up an account with AIScreen and download the player application to a compatible device. Pair the screen and enter the pairing code that appears on the player to add the player to AIScreen Manager.

Make sure the device is connected. After that, be sure to display normal content on the screen before adding to the touch controls. 

Step 3: Create Your Interactive Content

Open Aura Studio and get your content ready. Images and text can be used to create the screen layout. For common business needs AIScreen offers ready made templates.

For supported touch projects use the Touch Kiosk Module. Include buttons and configure Tap Actions for navigating from page to page or for opening content. Maintain an easy-to-access menu of options. 

Step 4: Publish and Test Your Interactive Screen

Set up your completed work on your screen that you can use. Test all buttons and ensure that the correct content is accessed when each button is pressed. Use QR codes to check links with phone.

Observe someone working on the screen without giving him/her directions. If they are not able to get to the next step then simplify the layout. Test if screen goes back to the main page when the user is done. 

How Is Interactive Digital Signage Different From Smart Digital Signage?

Interactive Digital Signage reacts to people, via touch or other means. Smart digital signage is all about connected screens and automated media. The content of a smart screen can change over time, according to a predetermined timelimit, or according to real time data. Does not have to be a touch screen.

They can operate in conjunction with one another. To manage an interactive kiosk and keep it up-to-date, remotely, a business can leverage cloud software. For more information on connected screens and automation follow our guide to smart digital signage. 

Are You Ready to Create Interactive Digital Signage With AIScreen?

Interactive digital signage allows one to locate information and/or execute tasks via a screen. There are numerous ways to enhance a display’s usefulness, ranging from touch menus to QR codes. Have a clear objective, and then select the appropriate technology that allows people to achieve it.

From the one dashboard, you can create and manage digital signage content with AIScreen. It is compatible with interactive projects via its Touch Kiosk Module. Aura Studio also allows you to create layouts and control the content of the screens. Try AIScreen for free a single screen or experience the 14-day trial to learn how it operates for your business. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an Interactive Digital Signage Kiosk?

An interactive digital signage kiosk is a screen on which people can select information or perform tasks. Uses a touch screen frequently. Typical applications involve ordering foods and compiling building directories. 

Does Interactive Digital Signage Need a Touch Screen?

No. Some interactive displays use QR codes or motion sensors. People can scan a code with their phones or use gestures with supported hardware. A touch screen is needed only for direct touch control.

What Is the Difference Between Digital Signage and Interactive Signage?

Normal digital signage shows content for people to watch. Interactive signage lets people take action. They can tap buttons or scan codes to view more information.

Can Interactive Digital Signage Work Without the Internet?

Yes, Some interactive digital signage screens can work offline if their software and content support it. Features such as live websites and cloud updates need internet access. Check your device and software requirements before setup.

How Much Does Interactive Digital Signage Cost?

The cost of interactive digital signage depends on the display and software. Touch screens and sensors can add to the price. AIScreen offers one free screen and paid plans starting at $10 per screen per month. Hardware costs are separate.

Can AIScreen Run Interactive Touch Kiosks?

Yes. AIScreen has a Touch Kiosk Module for supported interactive projects. It allows users to configure touch actions and manage content. You need compatible hardware for the touch features to work.