Last Updated on August 21, 2026 by Craig Allen Keefner
The Kiosk Industry article asserts that Wikipedia's definition of digital signage is inaccurate for including self-service kiosks. According to the article, digital signage, in its original form, focused solely on presenting information on a digital screen. Kiosks, however, are distinct due to their inherent use of interactive media, a key differentiator that the article emphasizes.
Opinion on Digital Signage and Interactive Digital Signage (and Kiosks)
We have been reviewing the WikiPedia entry for Digital Signage and have a few modifications we would like to make. Bear in mind that we are big supporter of Wikipedia and donate financially to their support. Like the Wayback Machine they provide information not available anywhere else.
Display devices
Display devices are the most prominent components of a digital signage system, serving as the primary medium for presenting content. Display devices come in various technologies, such as LCD, LED, and OLED formats, each offering different advantages in terms of clarity, color reproduction, and energy efficiency.
In addition to flat-panel displays, projectors are also commonly used in digital signage, particularly in large-scale settings. Projectors can cast large-format visuals onto walls, screens, or other surfaces, providing flexibility in display size and positioning.
Screen sizes vary widely to suit different applications. Smaller panels are often used in kiosks and point-of-sale systems, while larger displays, such as video walls and projection surfaces, are deployed in venues like stadiums, auditoriums, and other public spaces.
Many digital signage displays are also equipped with touchscreen capabilities, allowing for interactive applications. These interactive displays are commonly used in information kiosks, wayfinding systems, and self-service applications.[1][6]
Why Wikipedia's Definition of Digital Signage is Inaccurate Regarding Kiosks?Even Wikipedia Gets It Wrong
Even Wikipedia inserts self-service kiosks into digital signage.
What is Wikipedia's Definition of Digital Signage and Why is it Debated?Digital signage From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Digital signage is a segment of electronic signage that uses digital display technologies to present multimedia content in both public and private environments. Content may include video, images, text, or interactive media and is typically displayed for purposes such as advertising, information dissemination, branding, or entertainment.[1]
Digital signage systems can be either networked or standalone. Networked systems are managed through centralized content management systems (CMS), often cloud-based, enabling remote updates, scheduling, real-time data integration, and dynamic content delivery. These systems may also incorporate audience analytics, IoT sensors, or AI-driven personalization.[2]
Standalone systems, by contrast, operate without a network connection. They rely on local media playback via USB drives, SD cards, or internal storage. These solutions are simpler and suitable for locations where connectivity is limited or content changes infrequently.[2]
You can see the inclusion of “interactive media”. The original definition was simply presentation of info on digital screen.
Note the original definition by Wikipedia for Digital Signage was “a form OOH advertising in which content and messages displayed on an electronic screen or digital sign. A form of one-way advertising or information.
Very accurate. Screens and content. But then it changed.
Since then Digital signage people have always wanted to splice in interactivity since they need an ROI. By definition though, adding in interaction, it then is no longer digital signage. I believe the current definition of digital signage provided in the Wikipedia is also an inaccurate paraphrasing from the 2014 book. The Shaeffler book (available for $72 by the way) is all about digital signage and presenting content, and that is how it defines it.
The final chapter 11 on “Future of Digital Signage” actually brings up interactivity.
In the market there are 500 CMS content providers of software for digital signage and presenting multimedia content. That is the market.
There are also less than 10 “Interactive Display” software packages.
I would think it in Wikipedia best interest, if they bring up kiosks and interactivity, then to accurately characterize the two as two separate markets/entities, not to conflate the two (presentation versus interaction)
Craig
Interactivity
It’s tough for Wikipedia to stay current, especially in niche industries like Digital Signage. What started as a one-way presentation tries to take a turn with kiosks and cameras.
Kiosks are rarely used with digital signage. Hoping that viewing one promo screen first before engaging with a kiosk is certainly a possibility, but rare. There was an early time that kiosks and ATMs experimented with overhead “attractor screens” but the added cost and neglectable return killed those off.
Cameras could serve a purpose but privacy issues, legal issues and cost to include and maintain outweigh the potential return.
Showing its age, Wikipedia is unable to take comments on interactive digital such as a dual 55″ hi-bright menuboards being used in conjunction with a microphone and speaker. A case for interactive digital signage could be made there but it doesn’t come up. Large wayfinding and smart city. Digital signage in tandem with EV charging and Lockers. I’m surprised there are not more lectures and papers from universities. Wikipedia would accept those as sources.
Interactivity in digital signage allows users to interact directly with displays using input methods like touch, gestures, voice, or proximity sensors. This feature enables real-time responses and personalized content, improving the user experience. Interactive digital signage is commonly used in places like retail, transportation, education, and public areas to create engaging and informative interactions.[1][4][6][7]
Additionally, self-service kiosks are often integrated into interactive signage solutions,[1] allowing users to perform tasks such as ordering products, checking in for flights,[8] accessing information, or making payments. These kiosks empower users to complete transactions or obtain services independently, improving efficiency and convenience in high-traffic locations.[9]
Audience measurement
Cameras can be integrated into digital signage systems to enable audience measurement. They are used to detect and count viewers, estimate demographics such as age and gender, measure dwell time and attention, and sometimes analyze emotional reactions using computer vision techniques. This process is valuable for understanding audience behavior and refining business strategies. Privacy concerns are addressed by anonymizing collected data and avoiding the storage of personally identifiable information.[10][11][12]
Accessibility
There is no mention of accessibility, and within a pure digital signage context, there isn’t any need? But then what about smart city? Or large screen Wayfinding in airports? Those are the unmentioned exceptions.
