HomeIn-Depth Reports & Industry White PapersEmpowering Local Businesses: Interactive Public Directories Driving Visibility in Municipal Spaces

Published: Oct 8th, 2024

Empowering Local Businesses: Interactive Public Directories Driving Visibility in Municipal Spaces

Target Audience: Government Municipalities, Local Government Agencies, City Planning Departments Introduction As municipalities continue to explore digital transformation strategies, interactive touch screen digital signage presents a unique opportunity for cities to engage residents and visitors while simultaneously promoting local businesses. Prism Digital Signage offers innovative outdoor interactive signage solutions that support these objectives, combining cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features that enhance community experiences. This white paper outlines the ideal specifications and customizations for outdoor digital kiosks in public spaces, designed to provide municipalities with an integrated platform that boosts local business visibility. It also explores how cities can benefit from supporting local commerce by featuring interactive directories, event promotions, and collaborations with local chambers of commerce.

Technical Specifications for Municipal Digital Signage Solutions

To ensure that outdoor interactive touch screen signage is durable, versatile, and compliant with industry standards, the following specifications are recommended for municipalities:

1. Display Screen:

  • Minimum size of 55”, with options for single or dual-sided screens for increased visibility.
  • IP65-rated for protection against dust, water, and environmental conditions, ensuring functionality in outdoor settings.
  • Full HD or 4K resolution for sharp, clear visuals that support text and interactive elements.

2. Operating System and Hardware:

  • The system should run the latest version of Windows, offering a familiar and flexible environment for software integration.
  • UL, ETL, or equivalent certified hardware to ensure safety and compliance with municipal regulations.
  • Touch screens should support multi-touch functionality, allowing multiple users to interact simultaneously.

3. Installation and Customization:

  • Architectural Drawings: Comprehensive installation drawings, including architectural notes for permitting, should be provided to align with municipal requirements.
  • Branding & Aesthetics: Kiosks should support full-body graphic wraps made from durable materials like 3M for custom city branding or advertising purposes.
  • Software Customizations: Interactive kiosks should feature a secure SOC 2-compliant system, ensuring data security for all users.

4. Tourism Enhancement Features:

  • The software should integrate interactive applications, such as a photo booth that allows visitors to take pictures with city landmarks or historical backgrounds. This enhances the tourist experience and encourages sharing on social media platforms, which boosts city visibility.

Enhancing Local Business Visibility Through Digital Signage

Interactive Public Directories:

Municipalities can support local businesses by integrating interactive public directories into their digital kiosks. These directories can feature shop and restaurant locators, helping both residents and tourists discover nearby dining and retail options. Customizable categories make it easy for users to filter by business type, price range, or distance.

Key features include:

  • “What’s Nearby?” Locator: A GPS-enabled function that shows users nearby restaurants, shops, and services based on their current location.
  • Local Business Promotions: Municipalities can collaborate with local businesses to showcase special offers or seasonal promotions, driving foot traffic to participating stores and restaurants.
  • Event Promotions: Cities can promote local events through the directory, offering residents and visitors quick access to information about festivals, community events, and city-wide celebrations.

Collaboration with Chambers of Commerce:

Municipalities can partner with local chambers of commerce to include up-to-date listings of business members in the public directory. This partnership could also extend to cross-promoting city events with local businesses, creating a cohesive network that strengthens local economies. This level of integration enhances the business environment while providing valuable services to the community.

Customizations Tailored to City Needs

Beyond business directories, Prism’s digital kiosks can be tailored to meet a city’s specific goals and priorities. These customizations include:

  • Calendar & Events Integration: The kiosk can serve as a public bulletin board, allowing users to view a city’s calendar of events, register for activities, and even receive reminders through itinerary creation with mobile handoff.
  • Wayfinding System: Interactive wayfinding allows users to navigate city spaces easily, with step-by-step directions to local attractions, government offices, or public transport hubs.
  • Revenue Generation for Municipalities: The platform can support rotating banner ads, sponsored messages, and local business advertisements, providing a revenue stream for the city while promoting local enterprises.

Conclusion

Outdoor interactive touch screen digital signage offers government municipalities an unparalleled opportunity to enhance public engagement and support local businesses. By implementing advanced features like interactive directories, wayfinding systems, and customizable branding, municipalities can create an immersive experience that benefits residents, visitors, and local economies alike.

Prism Digital Signage remains a trusted partner for municipalities looking to integrate these innovative solutions. By adhering to the highest technical standards and offering customizable features that align with city goals, Prism’s digital signage systems serve as a valuable tool in the modern urban landscape.