Having an attention-grabbing menu board can make a difference in the bustling world of restaurants and businesses.
According to a study, a well-designed menu board can increase sales by up to 30%. That’s a big boost!
Making your menu easy to read is a top priority for 70% of customers. This is where AIScreen steps in as a top-notch digital signage provider. We specialize in making dynamic and captivating displays that keep your customers engaged.
This blog post enables you to master the art of menu design with the top tips and free templates provided by AIScreen. So let’s get started.
Short Summary
- Well-designed menu boards can boost sales by up to 30%.
- AIScreen is a leading digital signage provider specializing in dynamic and engaging displays.
- Key design tips for digital menu boards: Invest in quality visuals, incorporate motion graphics, use exciting takeovers, keep it clear and simple for easy reading, and reduce perceived wait times.
- Presence detection technology can customize menu content based on customer presence.
- Content management systems (CMS) are crucial for easy menu updates and control.
- AIScreen software offers extensive customization options for interactive digital menu boards.
Design Tips Specific To Digital Menu Boards
Digital menu boards are now fixtures in numerous restaurants and stores, but their design is far from standardized. Creating successful digital menus demands unique design considerations. If you are confused about how to make a digital menu board for restaurants, we got you covered.
Invest in Quality Visuals
To create compelling digital menu boards, start with high-quality visuals. Crystal-clear images and videos are essential for engaging customers. Avoid using low-resolution or blurry visuals, as they can discourage potential buyers.
A 2023 survey by AIScreen experts found that effective digital menu board design in cafes is key to enhancing customer engagement, with strategies involving high-quality visuals, motion graphics, and clear, simple layouts proving to be most effective.
Remember, professional photography and editing can make a significant difference. Just think about the mouthwatering burger you see in McDonald’s ads compared to what you get in the restaurant! McDonald’s excels at this by showcasing their burgers and fries, making them irresistible.
It is essential to ensure that the images accurately represent the dishes to manage customer expectations and avoid disappointments. Investing in top-notch visuals will undoubtedly lead to boosted sales.
Incorporate Motion Graphics
An experiment conducted by Living Retail Lab shed light on the power of visuals in digital menu boards. Surprisingly, animated visuals proved the most effective, resulting in an astounding 800% increase in sales compared to text-only or still images.
By incorporating motion graphics, your digital menu board gains an edge that leaves a lasting impression. It makes the featured food even more irresistible, drawing customers in. This dynamic element elevates the overall customer experience and enhances your chances of making a sale.
Maximize Attention with Exciting Takeovers
Using digital menu signs instead of static ones brings a great advantage – you can make your displays move and grab customers’ attention. So, if you want to show off a special deal or limited-time offer, consider making a big 10-second takeover where all the boards show info about that special item.
For those hungry customers, a lively takeover with cool pictures and sounds (like sizzling, bubbling, or clinking) might be just what they need to order that highlighted item.
Keep It Clear and Simple for Easy Reading
Every part of your digital menu should have a clear purpose. Don’t pack it with too many things; avoid making it too busy or jumpy, as it might confuse customers. Instead of showing everything all at once, put up the most popular stuff and change it every few minutes.
Aim for about five or six menu items on each screen. This way, your menu will be neat and easy for customers to read. This will keep customers interested and let you introduce new stuff!
Reduce Wait Time Perception
By showing your menu items clearly and using space wisely, you can make it seem like customers wait less (by up to 35%). This makes the experience nicer for your guests.
Make sure your digital menu boards show something different from regular menus. This way, you’ll get the most out of these powerful tools.
Check All the Placeholder Text and Pictures
Digital menu boards have a big advantage over regular ones – they can be updated immediately and show different deals depending on the time of day or what’s available. So, you’ll usually use placeholders when you design your digital menu.
It’s super important to ensure all the placeholder words and pictures look right for every possible menu version. This stops problems that might come up from having words or pictures that are the wrong size.
Leave enough space for long words so all the names and descriptions fit nicely on the digital menu board.
Make It Easy to Read with Fonts and Colors
When creating digital menus, it’s super important to use fonts that people can read easily, especially since some folks might be more than 15 feet away. Choosing big enough fonts helps everyone see and read the menu without any trouble. This makes the whole experience better for customers.
Colors are a big deal, too! Use colors that make each item stand out. High contrast (like light text on a dark background) makes the words easier to read. This way, customers can quickly find what they want and are more likely to order.
Also, using different text sizes, styles, colors and typography can make the menu look nice and get people interested in what’s available.
Plus, good contrast means your menu will be easily read, even if the lighting isn’t great. Don’t forget to use a tool that checks if your choices meet the accessibility rules in your area.
Size of Display Considerations
Decide on the size of your digital menu board carefully because it affects how people use it. Smaller boards focus on just a few things at a time, while bigger boards can show more info simultaneously.
The size also determines how much detail and design you can put in, like how big the text is and how things are arranged. If it will be outside, it’s best to have a big board so people can see it from far away. So, think carefully about what size works best for what you need.
Try Presence Detection for Smarter Menus
For digital menus, think about using presence detection tech. This means using cameras or Wi-Fi to see if customers are around.
Then, the menu can change to show info that matters to them. It can even offer special deals just for them. This might not work well in busy spots, but it’s great for drive-throughs or quieter places.
Choosing Between Dots and Lines for Connecting Items to Prices
When visually connecting items to prices on a restaurant menu sign, the choice between dots or lines depends on the information presented.
If the menu is extensive, employing dots or lines can facilitate the customer’s eye in smoothly associating menu items with their respective prices. However, for shorter menus, such embellishments might not be essential.
It’s worth noting that some unscrupulous restaurant owners may opt for a deliberately perplexing menu layout. This tactic aims to create confusion, potentially leading customers to inadvertently select higher-priced items due to the challenge of discerning which price corresponds to each item.
Rethinking The .99 Strategy for Menu Pricing
The popularity of pricing items ending in .99 on menus has a rationale behind it. However, the question arises: does this strategy still yield results?
The underlying theory is that consumers focus on the first digit and overlook the .99 portion of the price as we naturally read from left to right.
Yet, it’s reasonable to assume that a significant portion of individuals tend to round up to the nearest whole number when calculating their total expense.
Additionally, considering the prevalence of credit card payments in today’s restaurant transactions, patrons are less concerned about having exact cash.
We propose that omitting decimals can provide a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing menu board layout, offering more visual real estate.
Nonetheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that specific pricing data may suggest that using .99 leads to improved sales and profits. Conducting tests tailored to your specific business context can offer valuable insights.
The Dilemma of Too Many Menu Choices
Having an extensive menu can pose a challenge for restaurant owners. The question arises: should you offer many options or stick to a more limited selection?
On the one hand, if your menu boasts an abundance of 50 or more items, your restaurant may not excel at preparing every dish to perfection.
This can result in a spread of mediocrity rather than excellence, potentially causing customers to pass by in favor of the next dining option. On the other hand, if your regulars frequent your establishment nearly every day, you wouldn’t want them growing tired of the offerings.
Regarding menu design, the principle of “less is more” holds. A streamlined selection leads to quicker decision-making, reduced wait times at the counter, smoother operations, and overall contentedness among employees and patrons.
This approach also allows for greater focus on perfecting each item. Therefore, we highly recommend contemplating a reduction in the number of offerings.
An intriguing study conducted near an upscale grocery store in Menlo Park, California, a few years ago provides an illuminating example. The study revealed that when a greater variety of jam samples was offered, sales decreased.
We’re not advocating an immediate overhaul of half your menu. Rather, consider this a valuable menu design guideline. Once again, as always, conducting a test specific to your business context could lead to substantial improvements!
Classic Menu Board Design Tips Applied to Digital Boards
Digital menus are like regular but cooler because they’re on a screen. They let restaurant owners make the menu changes and do fun stuff.
You can show different things at different times, so it’s easy to switch if customers want something else. It’s like having a super flexible menu that keeps everyone happy.
Use Psychology to Boost Sales
Menu psychology is about making menus that make people spend more. This works for digital menus, too. You can use tricks like making things seem scarce so people think they might miss out.
To do this, you can use phrases like “limited-time offer,” “hurry while supplies last,” or “24 hours only.” It makes people feel like they need to order quickly. If you want to learn more about this, check out a great article on menu psychology.
Make It Easy to Read
Did you know 74% of customers want a menu they can easily read? Digital menus can sometimes be hard to read because of the screen. To fix this, choose thick fonts and use colors that stand out from the background. Also, put your menu items in the “golden triangle,” where people look first.
Use Colors Wisely
Digital menus can have many bright colors, but too many can be overwhelming. Use just a few colors and keep your branding the same throughout the menu. This makes it look good and makes people want to look at it.
Guide People with Design
Digital menus can use arrows, colors, and bold text to show people what to look at. Pictures of the food can make it look yummy and get people interested.
Responsive Design is important in the digital age, where online ordering and digital menus have become commonplace. To achieve responsive design, consider utilizing software tools like Photoshop to optimize images and content for different screen sizes and resolutions.
You can also use bright colors and big text to show off special deals. Plus, you can use pictures that make the place look nice.
An effective menu board should align with the restaurant’s ambiance and cuisine, enabling customers to connect emotionally with the brand and its offerings.
When designing a menu board, it’s essential to use these elements effectively, whether you’re creating a physical menu or a digital presentation in PowerPoint.
Place Expensive Items on the Right
The right side of a digital menu is like the best spot in a store. People tend to pick things from that side more often. Studies have found that. So, when making a digital menu, put the pricier stuff on the right. That way, they’re more likely to get ordered.
Updating your Digital Menu Board Design
Like regular menus, digital menu boards must be updated often to show the newest dishes, prices, or ingredients.
Considering Seasonal Tastes
It’s crucial to think about seasonal preferences when making any menu updates. For example, in summer, people might prefer salads and cold seafood, while warm comfort dishes could be more popular in winter.
Knowing what your customers like at different times of the year gives a good starting point for seasonal menu changes. This way, your menus will always stay appealing, no matter the season.
Simplify Updates with a CMS
A content management system (CMS) is a game-changer when setting up digital menu boards. It’s like having a super easy way to change and control what’s shown. This is important because you want to update your customers with the latest information.
With a CMS, restaurants can stay on top of their ever-changing menu without constantly having to do manual updates.
Plus, it lets restaurant owners customize how the menu looks, like picking the size, font, colors, and where to put their logo. This way, it always matches their brand perfectly. And the best part? They can manage it all from afar, controlling their brand design.
Templates Of Digital Menu Board Designs You Can Build with AIScreen Software
With AIScreen, you have the power to craft dynamic and engaging digital menu boards that captivate your customers and present a diverse range of menu choices. Unlike fixed templates, AIScreen allows you to bring any design you envision to life.
Digital menu board creators can personalize the user journey and add interactive elements! You can set timers to switch up content, build a comprehensive food ordering station, or even forge an interactive create-your-own dining adventure. The creative options are boundless!
Need a spark of creativity for your menu board? Check out the following templates. These exemplars can be freely downloaded in AIScreen Composer, serving as a wellspring of inspiration for your unique creations.
Restaurant Menu Template
Take a stroll through an interactive menu from a delightful sushi restaurant. This virtual tour showcases the delicious dishes and brings the restaurant’s lively atmosphere to your screen with clear, high-quality images.
Experience this interactive feature, made available through AIScreen’s web deployment capabilities.
QSR Restaurant Digital Menu Board Template
Here’s a template of how you can create a digital menu board. In this demonstration, we showcase menus for breakfast and lunch at a Quick Service Restaurant.
The menu information comes directly from cloud-based storage, ensuring that any changes made there are instantly shown in the running display. Additionally, a scheduler is employed to switch between breakfast and lunch menu content based on the time of day.
QSR Fast-Food Ordering Kiosk
The Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Fast-Food Ordering Kiosk offers a streamlined and efficient solution for placing fast-food orders. It provides a versatile framework easily customized to align with your specific requirements.
Every element of this interactive experience can be tailored to create a seamless and personalized retail encounter that perfectly suits the unique needs of your business.
Product Browser Template
Explore this Product Browser template, which showcases a Brewery Browser sample. It allows users to effortlessly browse a selection of beers and access detailed information about each.
Suppose you’ve already grasped the importance of effective Digital Menu Board Design and are keen to explore the world of restaurant menu boards in greater detail. In that case, our helpful guide on restaurant digital menu boards is a must-read.
FAQ’s
Can I customize the layout of my online menu board?
Absolutely! With AIScreen, you have full control over the layout. Add or remove sections, rearrange items, and experiment with fonts and colors to create a visually appealing menu board for free.
Can I update my menu board in real time?
Yes, you can! AIScreen allows for real-time updates, so you can instantly change your menu items, prices, or special offers and reflect them on your online menu board.
Can I incorporate images and videos into my menu board design?
Yes, AIScreen free online menu maker supports high-quality images and videos. You can showcase your delicious dishes with enticing visuals, giving customers a mouthwatering preview of your menu.
How does AIScreen stand out from other menu board design options?
AIScreen offers an intuitive interface, an extensive template library, customization options, support for high-quality visual elements, real-time updates, and scheduling capabilities. It’s a comprehensive solution to create captivating and engaging online menu boards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, digital menu boards serve as a dynamic and engaging tool to captivate customers and present diverse options. Content management systems (CMS) ensure easy and swift updates, granting businesses flexibility.
AIScreen software is a powerful resource, offering various customization options to create interactive digital menus perfectly suited to individual needs. With control over fonts, colors, animations, and more, restaurant owners can craft a tailored and engaging customer experience.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to implement these creative tips today! And for the best digital signage provider, consider AIScreen. Contact us for more details.
