What Should Be The Size Of A Digital Menu?
- Nate Cake
- Oct 13, 2024
- 4 min read
One of those who have furrowed their brow at a restaurant menu board, perhaps trying to make out tiny text or fuzzy images? Or maybe the opposite problem is your meal options yelling at you from some sort of enormous screen? If any of those scenarios sound all too familiar, then you are not alone. At Benchmark Audiovisual, we've seen it all in the realm of digital menus, and we're here to help guide you through some of the tricky waters when it comes to sizing up your menu in Austin, TX.
The Digital Menu Dilemma: One Size Doesn't Fit All
When it comes to digital menus, size really does matter. But here's the kicker: There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The perfect size of your digital menu depends on a variety of factors. Let's dive in and explore the menu of options, shall we?
Location, Location, Location: Where Will Your Digital Menu Live?
As with real estate, the location of your digital menu helps to determine its optimal size. Let's break it down:
Behind the Counter: The Classic Menu Board
Is your digital menu going to be mounted behind the counter? You'll want to think big - but not too big. Here's a general rule of thumb:
For a small café or quick-service restaurant: 40" to 55" screens
For larger fast-food chains or busy cafeterias: 55" to 65" screens
In all cases, you want your customers to be able to read the menu from the back of the line without it making them feel like they entered an IMAX theater.
Table-side Tablets: The Personal Touch
For restaurants catering to table-side ordering, smaller usually better. Think:
7" to 10" tablets for individual diners
10" to 12" tablets for shared menus at larger tables
These sizes strike an excellent balance between readability and portability. In addition, they will not hog too much of that priceless table estate.
Outdoor Displays: Fighting the Weather
If you are one of those renegades who venture out into outdoor digital menus-to say, drive-thrus-then you want to go big or go home:
55" to 75" screens are common for drive-thru menu boards
Multiple screens are many times joined together to make up a larger general display
Keep in mind, these screens are going to need to be easily readable from a car, so big is often better.
Content is King: What's On Your Digital Menu?
When considering size for your digital menu, that also means how much you're trying to show on each screen. Here are some tips:
Keep it simple: Don't try to cram your entire inventory onto one screen. Focus on your most popular items and daily specials.
Employ zones: Divide your screen into areas of appetizers, mains, desserts, etc.
Rotate content: If you have an awful lot to show, consider the rotation of menu items throughout the day.
Resolution Revolution: It's All About the Pixels
With digital menus, size isn't everything-resolution does indeed play a huge role. Here's what you need to know:
For smaller screens less than 32", 1080p resolution usually does the trick.
Larger screen sizes-40" and above-can use 4K resolution to display sharp and clear text with high-quality images.
Keep in mind that the sharper your display, the smaller the text can get and still be readable.
The Goldilocks Principle: Finding the Just-Right Size
In reality, choosing the size of your digital menu is much like Goldilocks searching for the right bowl of porridge: neither too large nor too small, but just right. Key considerations include:
Distance from Viewer: With every 10 feet of viewing distance, you will need at least 5 inches of screen size measured diagonally.
Ambient light: The brighter the environment, the larger your screen should be, or the brighter its lights.
Menu complexity: The more items you have to show, the larger your screen needs to be.
Brand aesthetics: Complement your overall restaurant design without overpowering it.
Budget: Larger screens and high-resolution models are more expensive. You need a good balance between your needs and your available budget.
Testing, Testing: The Proof is in the Pudding
Still not sure what size of digital menu is right for you? Well, here is a pro tip: try it on! The good news is that many digital signage providers at Benchmark Audiovisual offer demos or trial periods. Take advantage of those so you see how different sizes work in your space.
The Future is Flexible: Scalable Digital Menu Solutions
Remember, one of the beauties of digital menus is their flexibility. Start with a size that works for you now, knowing you can always adjust and scale as your needs change.
Ready to size up your digital menu options? At Benchmark Audiovisual, we're experts in creating custom digital menu solutions tailored to fit your space, your brand, and your budget. From the coziest of cafes to the busiest of food courts, we have the tools and expertise to help you serve up the perfect digital menu.
We would help you get just the right size for a digital menu to take away the confusion in menu sizes. Contact us today and let's get cooking!
Comments