As the CEO of Skykit, I’ve seen my fair share of digital signage innovations. But what I witnessed at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2025 was nothing short of revolutionary. Electronic Ink (E Ink) technology, long relegated to e-readers and small displays, is poised to transform how we think about corporate communications. Let me take you on a journey through this exciting development and explore its potential impact on our workplaces.
The Unexpected Star of ISE 2025
When I entered ISE this year, I expected the usual array of dazzling screens and eye-catching LEDs. Instead, I was captivated by something far more subtle yet profoundly impactful: the latest advancements in E Ink technology.
Gone are the days when E Ink meant monochrome displays on Kindles. The technology has evolved dramatically, now offering:
- Vibrant, full-color displays
- Larger format screens
- Incredibly low power consumption
- Flexible installation options
These improvements have opened up a world of possibilities for corporate communications that we’re only beginning to explore.
Numbers That Make CFOs Smile
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: energy consumption. In an era where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a business imperative, E Ink displays offer a compelling advantage.
That’s a staggering 92% reduction in power consumption. For organizations pursuing LEED certification or striving to meet ambitious sustainability goals, this difference alone warrants serious consideration.
But the benefits don’t stop at energy savings. Consider these factors:
- Weight: A 32-inch E Ink display weighs just 7 pounds, compared to much heavier traditional displays.
- Installation: Many E Ink displays can be powered via PoE (Power over Ethernet), eliminating the need for specialized electrical work.
- Flexibility: These displays’ lightweight nature and simple power requirements allow them to be installed almost anywhere with network connectivity.
Beyond the Boardroom: Reimagining Corporate Spaces
As I wandered through the ISE exhibition, my mind raced with possibilities. E Ink displays reimagine how and where we communicate in corporate environments. Imagine…
Sun-drenched lobbies with crystal-clear messages, visible even in bright light.
Safety notifications in places previously deemed impractical for digital screens due to power constraints.
Daily events displayed in LEED-certified buildings where every watt counts.
The ability to place digital displays in virtually any location opens up new avenues for corporate communication strategies. It’s not about bombarding people with more information. It’s about providing the right information in the right place at the right time.
Content Conundrum: Playing to E Ink’s Strengths
Now, E Ink displays aren’t going to replace your flashy video walls or high-refresh-rate screens anytime soon. That’s not their purpose. Instead, they excel in scenarios where information needs to be highly visible but updated less frequently.
Some ideal use cases include:
- Corporate lobbies welcoming daily visitors.
- Conference rooms displaying scheduling information.
- Cafeterias showing daily menus and nutrition.
- Critical safety messaging and health advisories.
- Important announcements requiring visibility, regardless of power availability.
The key is to play to E Ink’s strengths: high visibility, low power consumption, and the ability to maintain an image without constant power draw.
The Installation Dream: IT-Friendly Deployment
As someone who has overseen countless digital signage deployments, I can’t overstate the importance of easy installation. Traditional displays often require a small army of professionals – electricians, mounting specialists, and IT personnel.
E Ink displays flip this script entirely:
This shift doesn’t just save on installation costs; it dramatically reduces the complexity of scaling your digital communication network across an enterprise.
ROI Equation: Looking Beyond the Price Tag
I’ll be frank. E Ink displays still come with a higher upfront cost today compared to traditional LCD screens. But as any savvy business leader knows, the initial price tag is just one part of the total cost of ownership equation.
When evaluating the ROI of E Ink displays, consider:
- Energy savings: The dramatic reduction in power consumption translates to lower electricity bills over time.
- Installation costs: Simplified mounting and power requirements mean lower installation expenses.
- Maintenance: With no bulbs to replace and no fans to clean, ongoing maintenance costs are minimal.
- Longevity: E Ink displays typically have a longer lifespan than traditional LCD screens.
- Flexibility: The ability to place displays in previously impractical locations can improve communication effectiveness and reach.
While the initial investment might be higher, the long-term benefits could make an E Ink display a smart financial decision for many organizations.
The Sustainability Angle (More Than Just Energy Savings)
Sustainability isn’t just about reducing energy consumption – it’s about holistic environmental responsibility. E Ink technology aligns well with this broader view:
By integrating E Ink displays into your corporate communication strategy, you’re not just saving on energy bills. You’re making a statement about your organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Our Future is Flexible with Emerging E Ink Applications
As excited as I am about the current state of E Ink technology, I’m even more thrilled about what’s on the horizon. Based on what I saw at ISE and conversations with industry insiders, here are some developments I’m watching closely:
- Improved color reproduction: While current color E Ink displays are impressive, ongoing research promises even more vibrant and accurate color representation.
- Faster refresh rates: This could open up new use cases where more dynamic content is needed.
- Battery-powered options: Imagine displays that can run for months on a single charge, enabling truly wireless installations.
- Integration with IoT and building management systems: This could allow for more sophisticated automation and content management.
- Flexible and curved displays: These could open up entirely new design possibilities for corporate spaces.
The potential for innovation in this space seems boundless, and I’m eager to see how these advancements will further reshape corporate communications.
Implementing E Ink: A Roadmap for Forward-Thinking Organizations
If you’re intrigued by the potential of E Ink technology for your organization, here’s a roadmap to help you get started:
Assess your current digital signage strategy | Identify areas where E Ink’s strengths (low power, high visibility in bright light, flexible installation) could address current pain points.
Pilot program | Start small with a pilot program in a high-impact area. This could be a lobby, a frequently used meeting room, or a space where traditional displays have been challenging to implement.
Gather data | Monitor energy consumption, maintenance requirements, and employee engagement with your E Ink displays compared to traditional screens.
Refine your content strategy | Develop a content strategy that plays to E Ink’s strengths, focusing on information that needs to be highly visible but doesn’t require frequent updates.
Scale thoughtfully | Based on the results of your pilot, develop a plan for scaling E Ink implementation across your organization.
Integrate with existing systems | Work with your IT team to integrate E Ink displays into your existing content management and building management systems.
Remember, the goal isn’t to replace all your existing displays but to complement them with E Ink technology where it makes the most sense for your organization.
A Revolution in Corporate Communications
As we look to the future of corporate communications, it’s clear that E Ink technology will play a significant role. Its unique combination of energy efficiency, flexibility, and visibility opens up new possibilities for how and where we share information in corporate environments.
While challenges remain – primarily around initial cost – the potential benefits in terms of energy savings, installation flexibility, and sustainability make E Ink a technology worth watching closely.
At Skykit, we’re excited about the possibilities E Ink brings to the digital signage landscape. We’re exploring how to integrate this technology into future offerings to ensure our clients have access to the most effective and efficient communication tools available.
The future of corporate communications isn’t just about flashier screens or more dynamic content. It’s about delivering the right information, in the right place, at the right time – all while minimizing environmental impact. E Ink technology is poised to help us achieve this balance, ushering in a new era of smarter, more sustainable corporate communications.
As we move forward, I encourage all forward-thinking organizations to consider how E Ink displays might fit into their communication strategies. Change is coming – are you ready to be part of it?
About the Author:
Irfan Khan is the Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Member at Skykit, bringing over two decades of experience in building and leading successful enterprise software companies.
He oversaw the launch of the Skykit Digital Signage Platform in 2016 and continues to set the strategic direction for the company. Under his leadership, Skykit has emerged as an innovation leader in the US digital signage market. With his extensive experience and proven track record in the enterprise software industry, Khan continues to drive Skykit’s growth and innovation in the digital signage sector. His expertise in building successful companies and navigating strategic partnerships positions him as a respected leader in the field.
