How Digital Signage and Projection Technologies Are Reinventing the Guest Experience

The hotel guest experience has evolved rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic began. What used to be normal is now considered taboo, and what used to be considered impersonal is now considered convenient, sanitary and safe. Consider digital signage and wayfinding. Prior to the pandemic, signage was always necessary – but speaking with a hotel staff member and asking directions a specific conference room was commonplace. Now, with social distancing, masks and concerns about infection, the role of digital signage has become much more prominent. But this is just one thing, among a myriad, that have changed. To learn more about the need for touchless environments and digital signage, HT spoke with Remi Del Mar, senior product manager at Epson America, Inc.

How has the guest experience evolved since the pandemic began?

As today’s hotels look for new ways to enhance the guest experience while keeping everyone safe, digital is a driving force behind elevating the ways companies communicate and create experiences. With advancements in projection and an increase in the need for touchless – motion or voice activated – technologies, digital is reinventing the guest experience in hospitality environments.

From important directive information via wayfinding to automating the check-in process, digital signage technology continues to adapt and play a vital role in evolving the customer experience. With the ability to create reactive and instant content from the push of a button or deliver timely messaging with one’s presence, today’s digital signage projectors are more advanced, available and affordable than ever before. These technologies will continue to provide value to hotels as they thrive to meet current consumer needs while propelling toward the digital future of hospitality environments. 

What kind of digital technologies are hotels looking for? And guests?

Digital is critical when it comes to developing engaging displays without the need for physical touch. Today’s hotels are looking for new ways to interact with guests while elevating their experience. Advancements in digital signage technology – projection specifically – is changing the way companies create safe, personalized experiences.

It is an important time for the digital signage industry as touchless technology is becoming more invaluable and easy-to-use software and enhanced installation features continue to emerge. Today’s projectors deliver powerful, bright, big images combined with content creation tools and flexible installation options that are designed to grow with hotels. Take the check-in process, for example. From projecting check-in FAQs across different languages to interactive floor cues to start the check-in process, projectors can help bridge the language gap and deliver important information while also being used as a hands-free solution that expedites the check-in process.

Can a digital experience still be a personal one?

Consumer habits are changing and will only continue to do so as technology advances. Most consumers expect instant, personalized interactions. With flexible content delivery, projection makes it easy to create inspiring, timely and informative experiences, while also personalizing content to consumer needs.

For check-ins specifically, projection can integrate AI to take simple contextual information and turn it into dynamic content. For example, when a guest begins the check-in process, projection and AI technology can identify and project the guest’s name along with any questions they may have. If turndown service or hotel amenities are frequently asked upon check-in, AI technology can push content to display that information – before it’s even asked or thought of by guests.