How to Create Effective Idle Screens for Kiosks

Design Intent

An idle screen should hint at interaction. Include a simple message like “Touch to begin” or “Tap for assistance.”
Use animation that loops smoothly every 30 to 60 seconds. Motion keeps the panel pixels refreshed and avoids image retention.

Branding Without Overload

Keep colors aligned with your palette. Avoid clutter that confuses users.
The goal is curiosity, not distraction.
Combine a logo, tagline, and light movement.

Timing and Transition

Set inactivity timers between 20 and 90 seconds depending on traffic.
Shorter timers work for check-in stations where users leave quickly.
Use fade transitions rather than sudden cuts.

Technical Efficiency

Idle screens can run at reduced brightness, saving energy and heat.
ELOView allows brightness changes during idle state, then restores full output when touched.

For video-based screensavers, compress files efficiently to prevent high CPU load.

Example

A shopping mall directory uses an ELO 21.5 inch display. After 45 seconds of inactivity, the screen fades into a slow pan of brand logos and ambient motion, then instantly brightens when a user touches it.

Maintenance Tip

Update idle content seasonally to prevent static brand fatigue.
Review playback logs to confirm the idle trigger activates as intended.

Final Thoughts

An idle screen is both marketing and maintenance. Subtle motion, correct timing, and brand alignment transform waiting time into quiet engagement.

Tags: Screensaver, Branding, UX, Power Saving
Author: Emilio Bourdages
Blog: Learn