Digital Outdoor Menu Board
A digital outdoor menu board (DOMB) is a digital menu that displays marketing information, and can be changed quickly. DOMBs present menus in ways that a static board cannot, through bright, high-resolution display.[1]
History
[edit]Outdoor menu boards go back to the 1920s and 1930s. Then, they were simple painted signs or chalkboards. In Mid-20th century, there was development of backlit menu boards in the 1960s and 1970s, which were easier to use and could better be seen at night. After that, during the late late 20th and early 21st centuries, the digital revolution brought about a new era of outdoor digital menu boards, like what is seen today.[2]
Build
[edit]Digital outdoor menu boards use LCD or LED screens, and have a Content Management System (CMS).[3] They are built from materials like aluminum, steel, and High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWP).[4]
DOMBs are built to withstand strong weather conditions.[5] Some are protected from damage of rain, humidity, and dust.[6]
AI
[edit]Some DOMBs use AI to change the display on the screen automatically. For example, AI can change the screen to the breakfast menu in the morning, or dinner menu later in the day.[7] AI can also be used to recommend costumers specific things they might want to buy, through the digital outdoor menu board.[8] Some DOMBs also use AI for voice recognition to try to improve accuracy for consumers.[9]
Usage
[edit]Digital outdoor menu boards can be used in drive-through pickups.[10] They also have become a big component to fast-food restaurants.[11]
DOMBs can cost $2,000 to over $5,000 depending on their size and features. Some can be as expensive as $20,000[12] or as cheap as $250.[13]
Downsides
[edit]The boards can be a big investment for some companies and are expensive to repair and maintain. Though, the cost of DOMBs has went down in recent years.[14]
Benefits
[edit]A study showed that using digital outdoor menu boards in drive-through lowered customer wait time by 15%.[15] 70% of companies that use digital outdoor menu boards have been able to make back the money that the boards cost in less than 18 months, from using them.[16]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ David, Michael (2024-07-16). "The Rise of Outdoor Digital Menu Boards: Revolutionizing the Dining Experience". NENTO. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ "Menu Boards". Uni-Structures. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ Thomas, Elle (2024-02-23). "Digital Menu Board Guide: Boost Your Restaurant with Smart Choices". NENTO. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "Best Outdoor Menu & Digital Drive Thru Menu Boards". The Display Shield. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Outdoor Digital Menu Board". Pelican. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ Taylor, Alex (2025-02-05). "The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Digital Signage: Weatherproof Displays That Last". Crown TV. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "Best Digital Menu Boards for QSR 2025 | AIScreen". 2025-03-10. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ PublicisSapient. "Designing the Digital Menu Board of the Future | Publicis Sapient". www.publicissapient.com. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "Enhance the Drive Thru Experience with Digital Outdoor Menu Boards | Hughes". www.hughes.com. 2025-01-20. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ The Howard Company. "Drive-Thru Solutions | The Howard Company". www.howardcompany.com. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ Haynes, Dave (2024-08-16). "6 ways digital menu boards for restaurants enhance service — and profits". Samsung Business Insights. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ Chatterjee, Shivangi (2023-02-27). "What is the cost of digital menu boards in 2025-26?". Pickcel Digital Signage. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "How Much Do Digital Menu Boards Cost?". 2023-07-05. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "The Pros and Cons of Using Digital Signage Menu Boards in Your Restaurant - EKAA". EKAA TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "3 Benefits of Outdoor Digital Menu Boards - The Official Kuusoft Blog". 2023-12-05. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ Tie, Black (2018-01-18). "The Rise of the Outdoor Digital Menu Board". USSI Global. Retrieved 2025-05-04.