A digital outdoor menu board (DOMB) is a digital menu that displays marketing information, and can be changed quickly. DOMBs present menus in ways that a static board cannot, through bright, high-resolution display.

Outdoor menu boards were first made in 1920s and 1930s. Back then, they were painted signs or chalkboards. In the 1960s and 1970s, there was development of backlit menu boards which were easier to use and could be seen better at night.^[1] They listed items and prices on plastic or paper in a lightbox. The signs were small and making changes required human work on the board.^[2]

In the 1980s, operators found that using photos boosted sales, but there was becoming limited space on the boards as restaurants' menus expanded. Later, during the 1990s, changing menus required manual adjustments or turning the panels around. When the 2000s came, digital menu boards were being used. Since they were digital, it expanded capabilities, increased shop revenues, and made the boards no longer have to be adjusted by hand.^[2]

Digital outdoor menu boards use LCD or LED screens, and have a Content Management System (CMS).^[3] They are built from materials like aluminum, steel, and High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWP).^[4]

DOMBs are built to withstand strong weather conditions.^[5] Some are protected from damage of rain, humidity, and dust.^[6]

Some DOMBs use AI to change the display on DOMB screens. AI can automatically cycle through the menus of different meals throughout the day automatically^[7] and recommend costumers specific items.^[8] Some DOMBs also use AI for voice recognition to try to improve accuracy for consumers.^[9]

Digital outdoor menu boards can be used in drive-through pickups.^[10] Sometimes they are placed right in front of a restaurant's entrance. Passing costumers can browse through the menu, learn more information about the products, and see pictures of the food.^[11] DOMBs also have become a big component to fast-food restaurants.^[12] They are used to display information for advertising menus in a high-resolution display. DOMBs are also bright, so costumers can see them.^[13]

DOMBs can cost US $1,500 to over $7,000 depending on their size and features.^[14] Some can be as expensive as $20,000.^[15]

The boards can be a big investment for some companies and are expensive to repair and maintain. Though, the cost of DOMBs has gone down in recent years.^[16] They can also consume large amount of energy, while static signs don't. As technology advances, LED and LCD screens are becoming more power efficient. Ambient lights can cause the DOMBs to be harder to see. Increasing the brightness and using high-quality displays can counter these issues. Also, streaming delays can affect the way the boards look, making them look lower quality. From this, using DOMBs at times requires good internet access.^[17]

The DOMB signs' displays can be changed quickly and remotely from a different location than the board. It can be done from a device that is connected to the internet.^[18] 70% of companies that use digital outdoor menu boards have been able to make back the money that the boards cost in less than 18 months from using them.^[19] The boards can help promote deals on items and support unplanned purchases from costumers.^[20]

A study showed that using digital outdoor menu boards in drive-through lowered customer wait time by 15%.^[11] DOMBs also improve ordering accuracy by reducing the chance of errors and miscommunication with integrated voice recognition, even if there are ambient sounds that would normally make communication through a talking system hard.^[21]

Some DOMBs are not used at drive-through. They are used in storefronts or outdoor dining areas, serving as a way to showcase menu offerings.^[22]

Drive-through menu boards are bigger and made to be seen through a car window. They are used for order efficiency and support upselling.^[1]

Hybrid outdoor menu boards are customizable for dayparting. They can be used for standard menus,^[23] and are both static (not using electricity; non-digital) and digital at once.^[1]

Freestanding DOMBs can be placed outdoors and are used for spaces without suitable wall space.^[1]

Wall-mounted out menu boards can be a space-saving solution and often integrate well with building architecture.^[1]

• Television
• Lighting