How to Choose Between Touch and Non-Touch Displays for Your Digital Signage

Understanding the Two Modes

Displays fall into two main categories:

• Non-touch signage: Screens that simply show content. Ideal for menus, promos, static info.

• Touch-enabled displays: Users interact via touch, scan, or gestures. Perfect for kiosks, self-service, and interactive catalogues.

You’ll find both options in the products you sell (e.g., commercial-grade displays vs full interactive monitors). Choosing correctly ensures you match workflow, budget, and maintenance.

Key Considerations

1. User Interaction Needs

• If the screen is purely informational (e.g., welcome board), non-touch may suffice.

• If users must select items, scan codes, or fill in forms—choose touch displays (like PCAP multi-touch monitors).

2. Hardware and Cost Differences

• Touch displays cost more (glass, sensors, calibration).

• Non-touch units have simpler hardware, less maintenance, and may last longer in simple use cases.

• Touch adds complexity: calibration, durability of surface, cleaning protocols.

3. Maintenance and Lifecycle

• Touch panels exposed to user contact wear faster; they need regular cleaning and inspection.

• Non-touch have fewer moving parts (only display/backlight) and are simpler to replace.

• Ensure warranties and support for touch units are commercial-grade (24/7 use).

4. Software and Content Design

• With touch displays you must design interactive UI: large targets, clear feedback, responsive design.

• Non-touch content focuses on readability, motion/design, timing and passive engagement.

• In both cases, content must match display specs (resolution, orientation, brightness).

Real-World Scenarios

• Retail checkout lane: Large touch display allows barcode scanning, loyalty input, upsell prompts. A non-touch screen beside it shows promotional loop.

• Restaurant self-order kiosk: Touch display where customer chooses menu items + a second non-touch screen facing queue showing current offerings.

• Factory status board: Non-touch displays show dashboards for mounting behind production line; touch panels used in operator stations for control.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between touch and non-touch is about matching user role, environment, and maintenance reality. When in doubt, opt for the display type that gives users the right interface rather than just the lowest cost.
Tags: Digital Signage, Touch vs Non-Touch, Display Selection, Interactive Kiosks
Author: Emilio Bourdages
Blog: Learn