Part 2: Small Displays Deliver the Most Value in the “Last Mile” of AV
In Part 1 of this series, we introduced the idea of the “Small Display Layer,” the network of interactive display endpoints that connect users to AV systems. Now let’s take a closer look at where these displays deliver the most value.
Because while small displays may not be the centerpiece of an AV system, they are often the most frequently used and most impactful touchpoints in any space.
The "Last Mile” of AV
In networking, the “last mile” refers to the final connection between infrastructure and the end user. In AV, that last mile is where users interact with technology such as checking a room schedule, starting a meeting, navigating a building, or sharing content.
Increasingly, that interaction happens through small-format displays and tablets. These devices sit at critical points across environments, shaping how users experience and interact with AV systems on a daily basis.
1. Room Scheduling Displays
One of the most visible and widely adopted use cases for small displays is room scheduling. Mounted outside meeting rooms, these displays allow users to:
- View availability at a glance
- Book rooms on the spot
- Confirm or extend meetings
For systems integrators, room scheduling systems improve space utilization, reduce meeting friction and integrate with workplace platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or Zoom. They also represent a scalable deployment opportunity across entire offices or campuses.
2. Meeting Room Control Interfaces
Inside the room, small displays often serve as control panels for AV systems. These interfaces allow users to:
- Start meetings
- Select inputs
- Adjust audio and video settings
- Launch conferencing platforms
Well-designed control interfaces can dramatically improve user experience. Poorly designed ones? They create frustration and support tickets. For integrators, this is where thoughtful design - both hardware and UI - makes a measurable difference.
3. Kiosks and Check-In Systems
Across corporate, healthcare, and hospitality environments, small displays power self-service experiences. Common applications include:
- Visitor check-in
- Patient intake
- Event registration
- Employee time tracking
These systems reduce staffing demands while improving efficiency and user flow. They also require hardware that can support continuous operation, secure mounting and reliable touch interaction
4. Wayfinding and Navigation
In large facilities, small displays are often used for wayfinding and navigation. These displays help users:
- Locate meeting rooms or departments
- Navigate campuses or multi-floor buildings
- Access directories and maps
For integrators, wayfinding systems often integrate with digital signage platforms, building management systems and real-time data sources. This creates opportunities to deliver more dynamic, connected experiences.
5. Digital Signage Endpoints
While large displays dominate traditional signage, small displays are increasingly used as targeted signage endpoints. These displays deliver contextual, location-specific content, often closer to the point of decision. Examples include:
- Elevator banks
- Reception desks
- Retail shelving
- Point-of-sale environments
6. Collaboration and Wireless Sharing
Small displays are also playing a growing role in collaboration workflows. In meeting rooms and huddle spaces, they can serve as:
- Interfaces for wireless content sharing
- Companion displays for hybrid meetings
- Touchpoints for launching collaboration tools
As organizations prioritize simpler, more intuitive meeting experiences, these devices help reduce friction and support BYOD environments.
7. Smart Building and Industrial Applications
Beyond traditional AV environments, small displays are essential in:
- Smart building dashboards
- Industrial control systems
- Manufacturing environments
- Security and monitoring stations
These use cases require displays that are:
- Reliable in demanding environments
- Flexible in mounting and integration
- Capable of long-term deployment
Why These Use Cases Matter for Integrators
Across all of these applications, a few themes emerge:
- High-frequency interaction - Small displays are often the most frequently used interfaces in an AV system.
- Distributed deployment - They can be deployed across entire facilities, not just individual rooms.
- Expanded scope - They open the door to projects beyond traditional AV—touching IT, facilities, and operations teams.
- User experience impact - They directly influence how users perceive and adopt technology.
Designing for the “Last Mile”
As small displays become more central to AV systems, integrators should consider:
- Where users interact with technology most often
- How intuitive those interactions are
- Whether the hardware is designed for commercial use
- How easily devices can be deployed and managed at scale
In many cases, the success of an AV system isn’t determined by the largest display in the room - it’s determined by the smallest ones.
Coming Next in the Series
Part 3: Commercial Tablets vs. Consumer Tablets in AV Deployments
We’ll explore the key differences between consumer-grade devices and commercial solutions and what systems integrators and AV consultants need to consider when specifying hardware for long-term deployments.
