Touchscreens have become one of the most reliable ways to generate engagement at events, and the reason is simple: audiences instantly understand how to use them and the content can easily be updated.
From interactive tables in sponsor zones to vertical displays in retail pop ups, touch continues to outperform other media because it is clear, accessible and comfortable for all ages. This preference is strongly validated by market data, with 91% of B2B buyers reporting a preference for visual and interactive content over static formats (Demand Gen Report, 2025).
Touchscreens also remain one of the most effective ways to guide people through complex content. They are simple. Intuitive. Highly adaptable. This article explores why touch continues to lead, how it works in real environments and what makes a successful touchscreen experience in 2026.
See how FutureLabs builds high performance interactive displays →
Touch has returned as a preferred format because audiences trust what they can control. A well designed interactive touchscreen gives visitors ownership of the journey. They choose what to view, set their own pace and discover information through movement.
What changed in 2026 is not the technology. It is the behaviour around it. Audiences now expect interactive digital surfaces in events, exhibitions and retail precincts. They look for screens they can touch, not just screens they can watch.
Below are the three touchscreen formats that continue to perform strongly across real events, supported by global examples that shape the standard in 2026.
These large format touch surfaces help visitors break down complicated information through simple gestures. People can zoom into sections, scroll through layers or compare visuals that would be impossible to present with static boards.
A clear example is the work FutureLabs recently delivered with Toll. Building on a touchscreen experience we had developed the previous year, we worked with their team to update the app with 12 months worth of content updates that showcased Toll’s recent initiatives, projects and case studies. The experience is structured into different content pillars, helping exhibition visitors easily navigate to content that matters to them.
Take a closer look at our projects →
Touchscreens are now a key part of product storytelling. Visitors browse ranges, compare features, rotate models or view configurations without staff intervention. This format supports a slower, more thoughtful experience that feels personal.
For example, at the SkinCeuticals launching event, our creative team at FutureLabs created an interactive PlayTable in collaboration with PIM Group and Makara Design.
The table travelled across Australia and invited attendees to touch, feel and learn about the scientific roots of SkinCeuticals skincare solutions. When a product was lifted and placed on a sensor the touchscreen displayed information tailored to that specific item.
This simple gesture made the learning process intuitive which encouraged visitors to explore more products across the table.
Product discovery screens work well at retail launches, automotive events, fashion drops or sponsor activations.
Events often involve stories that stretch across years. A swipe driven timeline makes that history easy to follow. Visitors move through chapters, view milestones or open deeper layers of content through touch.
A clear example is the touchscreen wall FutureLabs delivered for the Wests Tigers. The installation combines multiple vertical touchscreens with a layout that feels clean, structured and easy to explore. Visitors swipe through decades of club history, open player profiles or view key milestones on screens that sit seamlessly within the environment.
Timelines are valuable for heritage exhibitions, brand anniversaries, public storytelling or tourism experiences.
See how we turn ideas into live experiences →
At FutureLabs we design touchscreen experiences that feel intuitive from the first touch. Our team builds interfaces that stay smooth in high traffic environments, support clear storytelling and present complex content in a way that feels simple to explore. We focus on clarity because visitors stay longer when the information is easy to follow. This is where our work has the strongest impact. We turn detailed material into structured journeys that people enjoy moving through.
With our experience collaborating with brands like Porsche, SkinCeuticals, AFL and Mastercard, we understand how to tailor interactive systems for very different environments. From retail education moments to multi screen timelines to data heavy event tables, each project is designed to guide visitor flow and keep engagement high. These real world collaborations shape how we build every new touchscreen system.
Our touchscreen solutions support events, exhibitions, retail precincts and public spaces. We design interactive tables, large format walls, kiosks and digital installations that add depth to a campaign without losing clarity. Every project blends thoughtful design with reliable technology so the interaction stays stable across long event days or permanent environments.
If you are planning your next activation, our team is ready to help you shape the right direction with ideas that are clear, purposeful and built for real world use. A strong touchscreen experience can elevate your campaign, create deeper engagement and help your brand stay memorable in 2026.
