Elevators are one of the most essential components of modern architecture, offering a quick and convenient way for people to travel between different floors in buildings. They are widely used in commercial, residential, and public buildings, making vertical transportation more efficient. With technological advancements, elevators have evolved from simple mechanical systems to highly sophisticated units equipped with smart features. One of the most significant innovations in this evolution is the elevator digital display.

An elevator digital display serves as a vital component in modern elevators, providing essential information to passengers in a way that is easy to read, interactive, and highly functional. These displays are designed to provide users with floor information, directions, elevator status, safety alerts, and even entertainment options, making the entire elevator experience more seamless and user-friendly.

In this article, we will explore the importance of elevator digital displays, their different types, the technology behind them, their benefits, and the future trends of digital displays in elevators.

What Is an Elevator Digital Display?

An elevator digital display is a visual system installed in an elevator to communicate information to passengers. It uses digital technology, such as LED, LCD, or OLED screens, to show a variety of information, including the current floor, the direction of travel (up or down), and the next destination floor. These displays are designed to enhance the user experience by providing clear and real-time data, which improves convenience, safety, and overall functionality.

Elevator digital displays can be found in different parts of the elevator system. Most commonly, they are placed inside the cabin on the ceiling, walls, or doors. These displays often feature large, easy-to-read fonts and bright lighting for visibility in low-light conditions. Additionally, they can display emergency notifications, maintenance alerts, or advertisements, depending on the design of the elevator and the building.

Types of Elevator Digital Displays

Elevator digital displays come in a variety of forms, depending on the functionality and design preferences. Some of the common types of digital displays found in modern elevators include:

Floor Indicators Floor indicators are the most common and simplest form of elevator digital displays. They show the current floor number the elevator is on, and often indicate the direction of travel. These indicators typically use large numbers, illuminated in bright colors such as red, green, or blue, making them easy to read from a distance.
Floor indicators are usually located at the top of the elevator cabin, near the doors, and are sometimes visible on the exterior of the elevator doors as well. In many cases, floor indicators also display the next floor the elevator will stop at, allowing passengers to plan their movement accordingly.

Directional Arrows Alongside floor indicators, directional arrows are another type of elevator digital display. These arrows typically appear next to the floor number and show the direction of travel. For example, an up arrow would indicate that the elevator is traveling upwards, while a down arrow shows the elevator is moving downward.
Directional arrows are helpful for passengers to determine if they should enter the elevator, based on their destination. These arrows also provide clarity, especially in multi-story buildings where elevators might be in high demand.

Interactive Touchscreens In more advanced elevators, especially in high-rise commercial buildings, interactive touchscreens are becoming increasingly common. These touchscreen panels allow passengers to select their desired floor directly from the display without the need for physical buttons. In some systems, passengers can also interact with additional building services, such as viewing directory listings, checking building news, or finding events.
Interactive touchscreens can enhance the user experience by allowing passengers to engage with the system, access building maps, and even personalize their elevator journey.

Digital Signage and Advertising Displays Many commercial buildings incorporate advertising digital displays inside their elevators. These displays serve a dual purpose: offering valuable building or elevator-related information and showcasing advertisements to passengers. These screens can be used for anything from promoting upcoming events or special offers in the building to displaying relevant news or weather updates.
For instance, an elevator in a shopping mall might show advertisements for stores, while an office building could display internal announcements or news updates. Digital signage can also be interactive, offering opportunities for passengers to engage with content or participate in surveys.

Emergency and Safety Displays Elevator digital displays are crucial for conveying safety information during emergencies. In the event of a malfunction, fire, or other emergencies, digital displays inside the elevator can be programmed to show important instructions for passengers, such as evacuation routes, fire safety guidelines, or how to communicate with emergency responders.
Additionally, the display might show if the elevator has been taken out of service or is undergoing maintenance. These features help ensure passenger safety and smooth evacuation procedures in critical situations.

Destination Control Displays Some modern elevators are equipped with destination control systems, which are a more advanced feature aimed at improving traffic flow in high-rise buildings. In these systems, passengers select their destination floor before entering the elevator, often via a keypad or touchscreen in the lobby or building entrance.
Once a floor is selected, the elevator system directs passengers to the appropriate car that will take them to their destination. Digital displays are used to communicate which elevator car has been assigned to a passenger, reducing wait times and optimizing the elevator’s overall performance.

Technology Behind Elevator Digital Displays

The technology behind elevator digital displays has rapidly evolved, offering clearer, more energy-efficient systems that enhance the user experience. Here are some of the primary technologies used in these displays:

LED Technology One of the most widely used technologies for elevator digital displays is LED (light-emitting diode) technology. LEDs are bright, energy-efficient, and durable, making them ideal for use in elevator displays. LED displays can show large, easy-to-read characters and consume significantly less power than traditional light bulbs or other lighting sources.
LED technology also allows for customizable colors, which can be adjusted to match the design of the elevator or building. For example, the floor indicator might be green for up and red for down, with different colors used to signify various alerts or notifications.

LCD Technology LCD (liquid crystal display) technology is another popular option for elevator digital displays, particularly for touchscreens. LCD screens provide high-resolution graphics, which makes them ideal for interactive displays and advertising content. LCD technology is versatile, providing sharp images and videos that can enhance the aesthetic of the elevator and the building.

OLED Technology OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology is a newer option for elevator digital displays that provides even more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and improved contrast compared to LED and LCD. OLED displays are thinner and more flexible, which makes them a great choice for modern, stylish elevator systems. OLED displays are also energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional display technologies.

Touchscreen and Capacitive Touch Technology Interactive elevators often feature touchscreen displays that use capacitive touch technology. This allows passengers to select their desired floor or interact with other digital services using a simple touch of their finger. These displays are responsive and can be made to work even with gloves or in varying environmental conditions.

Smart Integration Elevator digital displays are increasingly being integrated into smart building systems. With the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), elevators are becoming more intelligent. Digital displays can be connected to building management systems (BMS) to share real-time information about elevator performance, usage, and maintenance schedules. This integration allows building managers to monitor the system remotely, predict maintenance needs, and ensure the elevator runs efficiently.
Additionally, passengers can now use smartphone apps to interact with elevators. For example, they can call an elevator from their phone, track its location, or even request specific floors to be selected before entering.

Benefits of Elevator Digital Displays

The implementation of digital displays in elevators offers a wide range of benefits, both for building owners and passengers. Some of the primary benefits include:

Improved User Experience The clear, visible information provided by elevator digital displays improves the overall user experience. Passengers can easily track the elevator’s current location, know when it will arrive, and make informed decisions about which elevator to use. This leads to reduced wait times and more efficient use of the elevator system.

Increased Safety Digital displays can convey important safety instructions, such as emergency alerts, evacuation routes, or maintenance notifications. This contributes to a safer environment for passengers, ensuring they are well-informed in case of an emergency.

Energy Efficiency Modern elevator displays, particularly those using LED or OLED technology, are highly energy-efficient. This reduces the building’s overall energy consumption, contributing to cost savings and environmental sustainability.

Aesthetic Appeal Digital displays enhance the aesthetic appeal of elevators by adding a modern, high-tech touch to the interior design. The sleek, bright displays complement contemporary elevator cabins and align with the overall design of modern buildings.

Customization and Branding Elevator digital displays offer a platform for building owners and managers to promote branding, advertise services, or display building information. For instance, digital displays can be used to showcase an office building’s services, highlight upcoming events, or promote retail offers in shopping malls.

Increased Accessibility Elevator digital displays can improve accessibility by providing information in multiple languages, and some systems even integrate voice assistance for those with visual impairments. This makes elevators more user-friendly for people with disabilities, ensuring everyone has a positive experience.

The Future of Elevator Digital Displays

As elevator systems continue to evolve, so too will the technology behind digital displays. The future of elevator digital displays is expected to include:

Smarter, Integrated Systems: The integration of digital displays with other smart building technologies will continue to grow, offering more personalized services for passengers and improving operational efficiency.

Augmented Reality: Augmented reality (AR) could be used in elevator displays to provide interactive experiences for passengers. For instance, AR could allow passengers to interact with virtual elements, such as viewing building directories or navigating complex buildings.

Voice-Controlled Systems: Voice-activated commands will likely play a significant role in the future of elevator systems. Passengers may be able to use voice commands to call elevators, select floors, or request other building services.

Sustainability: As sustainability becomes a priority, elevator digital displays will continue to evolve with energy-saving technologies, ensuring they are as eco-friendly as possible.

Conclusion

Elevator digital displays have come a long way in transforming the vertical transportation experience in modern buildings. From simple floor indicators to advanced interactive touchscreens, these displays provide crucial information, enhance user experience, improve safety, and add aesthetic value. As technology continues to advance, the future of elevator digital displays looks even more promising, offering smarter, more integrated solutions that meet the needs of passengers while contributing to more sustainable and efficient buildings. Whether used in a commercial skyscraper, a residential building, or a public facility, elevator digital displays are revolutionizing how we navigate vertical spaces in the modern world.