Display boards are everywhere. We all used a school display board for our science fair; we are greeted by an office display board every morning when we get to work; and we’ve seen our kitchen cork display board overflowing with notes. They are such a simple and handy tool for visual communication.
It’s no wonder that they’ve been such an indispensable tool for communication in a host of different environments. Their structure and versatility has rendered them essential, but what if we could make some of them smarter and more efficient?
What is a Display Board?
A display board, or poster board, is any flat board-shaped rigid material which can stand on its own. It is used for exhibiting information in visual or text form and it applies to a variety of settings where displaying information is crucial for communication or engagement.
Display boards come in all shapes and sizes but their most common formats are mobile, tri-fold board structures. Often mounted on other surfaces, tabletop display boards or presentation boards are typically smaller and more portable. Several sizes, colors, and material combinations are available, and their cost varies accordingly.
What are Some Examples of Display Boards?
Below are some examples of how display boards can typically be used based on different settings and communication goals:
- Educational Tool: Often a large tri-fold board used to display research projects, educational material and visual aids for presentations.
- Advertising Medium: Any board that serves advertising or promotional material, most commonly in the form of a billboard or digital display.
- Information Signage: Often found in public spaces providing directions, maps, and tourist information.
- Artistic Exhibition: Commonly a simple flat surface onto which paintings, photographs and curatorial notes are displayed.
- Corporate Use: Typically in the form of a whiteboard, it is utilized in presentations as well as planning and brainstorming sessions.
- Conference and Fair Poster: Traditionally displaying research posters, event schedules and directional signs to attendees.
How Much Does a Display Board Cost?
The cost of a display board can vary widely. Its price range depends on several factors including material, size, quality, and any additional features like portability, interactivity (like whiteboard surfaces), or even electronic components in the case of digital display boards. Below is a general idea of their price ranges:
Basic Cardboard or Foam Boards
These are the most affordable options as their price can range from a few dollars to around $30 or $40, depending on the size and quality. They are often used for school projects, presentations, or temporary displays.
Professional Presentation Boards
These boards, which are commonly found in businesses or academic conferences, can range from just a few dollars up to a couple of hundreds, as they can also feature more functionality and extras like write-on whiteboards. They often have more durable materials and may have a tri-fold design. They can also come with carrying cases.
Digital Display Boards
These advanced solutions, such as LED display boards, could set you back at least a few hundred dollars for the screen, plus some other gear and software to run content management and playback. If you are planning to use a digital signage setup as a display board, your initial investment should include a TV, a media player and a content management system license or subscription.
Benefits of Digital Display Boards
When compared to traditional display boards, digital displays offer several advantages which more than justify their costlier initial investment. Some of the key advantages for upgrading to a digital signage solution like Yodeck include:
Dynamic Content
With digital boards you can display a wide range of image, video, and document formats. You can change, edit, layout, and schedule content easily and quickly, making your visual communication channel more attention-grabbing than a static inanimate display.
Easy Management
With a cloud-based solution, you get all your content and screens on a single dashboard no matter where your displays are located. This can be especially useful for large organizations managing many displays.
Real-time Updates
When it comes to getting accurate and time-sensitive information to your audience, digital displays will outperform their analog counterparts. With a digital signage platform you can quickly and remotely update your information, making digital displays ideal for presenting real-time information like news, weather, schedules, or promotional offers.
Interactivity and Other Integrations
As digital displays can run more than just static image or text formats, this allows you to integrate apps offering an extra layer of functionality. QR codes, interactivity features, and a host of other apps, when integrated into a reliable digital signage deployment, can greatly enhance user experience and engagement.
Higher Visibility
With bright displays and the ability to operate 24/7, digital boards are highly visible even from a distance and in various lighting conditions, including at night.
Cost-effectiveness Over Time
While the initial investment might be higher, digital boards can be more cost-effective and eco-friendly in the long run. This is due to the ease of updating content without the need to print new materials every time.
How to Make the Switch?
The transition from traditional boards can seem daunting. But if you want to try what digital boards have to offer, Yodeck can help you make that transition seamlessly and efficiently.
Start by assessing your needs, then research and budget for the transition. In this phase, it is important to note that with Yodeck you get your first screen for free, forever. This will come particularly handy if you decide to pilot test a digital board setup.
Sign up for free or request a demo today to see how the software can help you transition to your digital board era!