Why Use Cases Matter More Than Industry Labels in Digital Signage
Discover how invidis is setting a new industry standard for Digital Signage categorization.
Learn why Use Cases matter more than verticals – and how Compass helps you find the right solution.
1 min read
2 weeks ago
Understanding the invidis Compass Approach
In the world of digital signage, searching for the right software solution can quickly become overwhelming. The market is full of diverse offerings that vary in functionality, flexibility, and target audience. To bring structure and clarity to this landscape, invidis has introduced a shared vocabulary for describing software solutions: a model based on clearly defined Use Cases and Industry Verticals.
We believe this model brings consistency and comparability to the market — and with the support of leading software vendors, invidis proposes it as a shared framework for how digital signage software is described, positioned, and selected. This helps vendors communicate their capabilities more clearly and empowers integrators and end users to make better-informed decisions.
Developed with Industry Input
The invidis Use Case model wasn’t developed in a vacuum. It’s the result of close collaboration with the digital signage industry. We asked software vendors to define the use cases they support and share how their customers actually use their platforms. Their input helped us create a practical, usable structure – grounded in the day-to-day reality of integrators and end users.
Why We Focus on Use Cases
Use Cases describe the actual purpose or application of a digital signage solution. Unlike traditional filters like feature lists or hardware compatibility, Use Cases focus on outcomes. What is the signage solution being used for — wayfinding, advertising, internal communication, or interactive kiosks?
These are the real questions clients ask when planning their projects. That’s why our Compass platform lets users search and filter software based on real-world usage scenarios, not just industry labels or technical terms.
For example, consider a large retailer: They may operate video walls for brand messaging, self-checkout kiosks, digital price tags, and employee communication screens — all within the same store. These are multiple, distinct Use Cases — even though the industry is just one: Retail.
This is why we encourage users to search by Use Case first, and then filter by industry if needed.
Our Defined Use Cases
Music or Audio Broadcasting Background music or centrally managed audio advertising in retail, hospitality, or public spaces.
Information & Product Kiosks Interactive screens for browsing products, accessing information, or managing queues.
Brand Experience & Marketing Large-format digital displays for impactful brand storytelling and immersive campaigns.
Information Display Screens used to present operational, event, or public information clearly and in real time.
Self-Service Kiosks Digital terminals for self-ordering or self-checkout, often used in QSR, retail, and hospitality.
Advertising / Digital Out of Home (DooH) Displays for promotions in retail spaces or public areas—either managed internally or monetized.
Visitor Guidance & Navigation Digital signage used to guide visitors through buildings, venues, or events.
Internal Communication / Workplace Tools Displays for employee messaging, production stats, and internal announcements in corporate or industrial settings.
Each Use Case comes with a clear definition and examples — visible within the Compass interface and supported by structured filters.
Industries: Still Important, But Not Primary
We still capture the industry verticals a software solution serves, such as:
Retail
QSR & Restaurant
Museum
Entertainment
Industry & Manufacturing
Airport & Transportation
Trade Fairs
Healthcare
Banking & Finance
Hotel & Hospitality
Education
However, we use industries as secondary filters. Why? Because most digital signage platforms are designed to support multiple verticals, and the same Use Case (e.g. wayfinding) can apply in hospitals, airports, trade fairs, and malls alike.
The Search Module on compass.invidis.net brings this structure to life. It allows users to search for the best software solution based on their individual project needs, by selecting Use Cases, filtering functionalities, and optionally narrowing down by industry.
Looking to implement queue management for a transportation hub? You’ll find solutions tested for that.
Need a CMS that supports both retail advertising and internal employee messages? Easy.
And because we collect vendor-verified data — not just marketing promises — the results are reliable.
Setting a New Standard
By aligning the language of the market — from vendors to buyers — the invidis Use Case model brings clarity and transparency to a complex landscape. We invite all industry stakeholders to adopt this shared vocabulary and contribute to a more navigable ecosystem.
