7 ways to use digital screens you might not have thought of

TL;DR:

• Digital screens can build belonging, transparency, and local relevance across the organization
• Playful, interactive, and unexpected use cases increase engagement and attention
• There are no fixed rules, digital signage works best when tailored to your real challenges

Digital screens have the potential to do much more than just display information. Effective use of content management systems (CMS) and well-planned content strategies are essential for maximizing the impact of digital signage displays, enabling organizations to create, schedule, and update multimedia content efficiently.

They can create a sense of belonging in the organization through transparent communication, improve accessibility for visitors, and make content relevant to each local unit. Use digital signage screens to deliver engaging content that captures attention and encourages interaction, building engagement around internal events, daring to be more playful in your communication, and testing touch functions in meetings. There are no fixed rules for how screens should be used. Think about what challenges you have in your organization, and chances are digital signage can be part of the solution.

Digital screens enhance communication, engagement, and operational efficiency in workplaces and educational settings.

What I’ve learned from our customers

As Customer Success Manager at PLAYipp, I often talk with customers about how they use their digital screens. Sure, we all know the obvious use cases like internal communication and marketing. But it’s when customers think outside the box that things get really interesting.

In many environments, individual screens and digital signs are used for wayfinding, information sharing, and coordinated communication. These digital signs can be deployed as standalone displays or as part of a larger network, making them versatile tools for improving navigation and disseminating information across different spaces.

Here are seven ways to use digital screens that I’ve seen work really well, and that you might not have thought of.

1. Create belonging & transparency in the organization

This is something I hear about time and time again from satisfied customers. In larger organizations where people are spread out, screens can become an important link between management and staff.

Use the screens to share major company decisions as they’re being communicated. Show the results from the latest board meeting, explain why you’re making certain investments, or share a short video where the CEO talks about the quarter. When everyone gets the same information at the same time, regardless of where they sit, it creates a sense that we’re all on the same journey.

2. Improve accessibility

With new accessibility laws, more and more organizations need to start thinking about accessibility, and this is an area where digital screens can really make a difference. Unlike paper on the wall, you can easily adjust text size and contrast so that more people can read the information.

Is your target audience visually impaired? Then you can optimize the content to make it easier to read. Some screens even have audio, which means you can add voice support for those who need it. Simple adjustments that make a big difference.

3. Work more locally and relevantly

Often, those responsible for communication sit at headquarters, while the screens are located at different offices, stores, or on the factory floor. With PLAYipp’s ability to work both centrally and locally, you can give each unit the chance to share what’s important specifically to them. See how DB Schenker works with local & cenral information!

Maybe the store in Gothenburg wants to showcase employee of the month, while the department in Stockholm highlights their sustainability project. When the content feels close and relevant to the specific group seeing it, it creates a completely different level of engagement.

Digital signage can also serve as a unified communication channel within organizations, displaying relevant content to specific departments.

4. Use the screens for internal events

Christmas parties, Cinnamon Bun Day, countdown to vacation. With PLAYipp’s scheduling function, you can plan content in advance and use widgets like countdown timers to create buzz around events. Built-in media players support content playback, enabling seamless display of multimedia content for internal events. Create attractive designs and let the screens help you build anticipation. The screens don’t have to be just for must-have information, they can also be for what’s fun.

Digital signage software also allows users to schedule when and where specific content should be displayed based on predefined criteria.

5. Dare to be more playful with information

I wish more people dared to use the screens more as a way to create interest and engagement.

Take Tre as an example. They make short videos where colleagues remind people to fill out the employee survey or take an internal course. No advanced production, just a simple video with text that makes the message more fun and personal. It could also be a meme, a quiz, or something else that stands out from the usual information flow.

When people from the company appear on the screens, it creates recognition. You don’t need a large team to do this either, a mobile camera and a bit of creativity are enough.

6. Build morning meetings around the screens

One of my favorite examples comes from manufacturing. There, they’ve started using touch screens and interactive displays in their startup meetings, where the team gathers and scrolls through Power BI reports directly on the screen. Screen-sharing technology also allows remote participants to view and interact with the same content, facilitating dynamic and collaborative meetings.

Instead of the screens just displaying information in the background, they become an active part of the meeting routine. Everyone can see the same numbers at the same time and discuss directly around what’s being shown.

7. Test completely new use cases

Some customers really surprise me with how creatively they think. I’ve seen everything from horse simulators and digital paddock schedules to large LED walls for a stage.

Menu boards are commonly used in restaurants to display food and beverage options, pricing, and specials.

Promotional screens and digital signage are also widely used in retail stores and hotels for advertising and environmental displays, effectively showcasing promotional content to attract attention and promote products or services.

So think about what you specifically need to solve, chances are digital signage can help.

Measuring the effectiveness of your digital screens

To get the most out of digital signage, it’s important to understand how your screens are actually performing.

Tracking the right metrics helps you see what’s working, what’s being ignored, and where there’s room to improve your digital signage strategy.

What to track

Start by looking at viewer engagement.

Are people stopping to watch the content, or are they just walking by? Many digital signage software platforms include analytics that help you understand:

• How often content is shown
• Which screens get the most attention
• When engagement peaks during the day

In retail stores, you can also compare foot traffic and sales data to see whether certain digital signage content influences behavior.

Encourage interaction and feedback

Interactive elements help turn passive viewing into action.

For example:

• QR codes can link to special offers, surveys, or more information
• Social media feeds can create real-time interaction and visibility

These interactions make it easier to measure interest and understand what resonates with your audience.

Review, learn, and adjust

Analytics only matter if you use them.

Regularly review your data to identify:

• Which content formats perform best
• What visuals attract attention
• When updates should be scheduled

Use these insights to adjust scheduling, test new design tools, and refine what’s shown on your screens. A data-driven approach helps ensure your digital signage delivers both engaging visuals and real results.

Content strategy for digital screens

A successful digital signage strategy starts with a clear content plan.

It’s not about filling screens with information. It’s about delivering content that connects with the people who see it and supports the goals you want to achieve.

Start with purpose

Begin by defining what you want your digital screens to do.

For example:

In retail stores

• Highlight promotions
• Showcase new products
• Announce upcoming events to boost foot traffic and sales

In corporate offices

• Share company news
• Display safety or compliance alerts
• Broadcast emergency information when needed

Clear goals help guide both content creation and scheduling.

Keep content engaging

To keep screens relevant, use a mix of formats such as:

• Images and short videos
• Animations or live data
• Interactive elements like quizzes or countdowns

Content creation and design tools make it possible to create clear, engaging visuals even without a design background. Testing different formats helps you learn what works best for your audience.

Use data to refine your strategy

A strong content strategy is flexible.

Use analytics from your digital signage software to see which content gets attention and which doesn’t. Reviewing performance regularly allows you to adjust your approach and keep screens fresh, relevant, and useful over time.

Digital display options you might not have considered

Digital signage is not limited to standard TV screens.

Exploring different display options can help your digital signage strategy stand out and reach people in new ways.

Think beyond single screens

Video walls

Large-scale video walls can turn empty spaces into attention-grabbing focal points. They work well in high-traffic areas such as retail stores, entrances, and lobbies, where visibility matters most.

Interactive displays

Touch screens and self-service kiosks invite hands-on interaction. In retail environments, they can be used for browsing products, checking prices, or placing orders directly.

Mix hardware and placement

Digital signage can be displayed across many formats, including:

• LCD screens in offices or meeting rooms
• Outdoor displays for public-facing communication
• Smart TVs and different media players across locations

Placement also matters. Screens can be installed in unexpected locations such as elevators, corridors, or building exteriors to reach people where they already move.

Combining different display types and placements allows you to build a digital signage network that fits your business and your audience.

Conclusion: The future of digital screens in your organization

Digital screens are quickly becoming an essential part of how businesses communicate, engage customers, and share information. As digital signage technology evolves, organizations that invest in a robust digital signage platform and a thoughtful digital signage strategy will be best positioned to succeed.

Managing multiple screens across retail stores, corporate offices, and public spaces is easier than ever with advanced features like remote management and content creation tools. These capabilities allow you to effectively manage digital signage, keep content fresh, and respond quickly to changing needs, all from a central control center.

Looking ahead, expect to see even more powerful tools and advanced features, such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality, that will take customer engagement and the overall customer experience to new heights. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends and investing in the right digital signage hardware and software, your organization can create a dynamic, interactive, and effective communication network.

Whether you’re aiming to boost sales, improve internal communication, or simply make your business stand out, digital signage offers endless possibilities. Embrace the future of digital screens, and unlock new ways to connect with your target audience, drive results, and keep your organization ahead of the curve.

Want to see how PLAYipp can enhance your workplace with digital screens? Book a demo today.

Want to learn more? Check out this article by Emil Lindblad