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Rob Bosher

Interactive Touchscreen Presentations for Multiple Devices: Native vs Web App

Updated: Jul 27, 2023

Did you know there’s more than one type of technology that can power your interactive touchscreen presentation?


The main two - Native and Progressive Web App technology.


It can be difficult to know which option best suits your situation, especially as both are brilliant, but they’re subtlety different in their pros and cons. So, which one should you choose and when? Here’s some advice on the best solution for your scenario:


I need the best display on my large format screens:


Native format is your best bet here. For the best results, your presentation should be produced with the best screen size and resolution for your hardware in mind. For example, if you have a large video wall consisting of four screens joined together, the presentation should be built specifically for that format. Presentations are often a very large file size to maximise their visual impact and graphics are optimised, crisp and the exact ratio for the screen to achieve optimum glory.


If I’ve invested in a native, large format presentation, how does this then work on an iPad?


The decision to migrate your presentation to another device can be unexpected or an afterthought; it’s always best to consider if you’ll need your presentation to run on a mobile device from the get-go to avoid last-minute challenges.


In an ideal world, presentations would resize on a simple button click. Sadly, that’s not the case, as most mobile or iPad displays have different resolutions and aspect ratios. While it’s absolutely possible to rebuild a native format for a smaller device, it takes time and adds to your costs, so we recommend it’s in your thoughts (and budget!) from the beginning.


What’s the Web App alternative?


If you know you’ll need multiple applications from the start, your application can be built in a progressive web application format; this means it can be built to be resized easily and is mobile-device friendly.


However, where this method provides more flexibility across lower-resolution devices, it doesn’t suit larger interactive touchscreen installation displays as larger file sizes can’t be displayed through web browser applications. This leaves you with the opposite resolution challenge and a poorer experience for your customers.


Your presentation is only as good as your internet connectivity too. Event venue connectivity is usually poor and installation at experience centre locations is usually delayed. This means you run the risk of having no presentation on your launch day, so always consider using a mobile device with alternative, built-in connectivity.


What else do I need to think about?


Firstly, consider if the presentation on your large format display is also what’s required on your iPad. From our experience, the navigation design and the sales intent are different when presenting on a mobile device, so what works on one doesn’t always work on the other. As it’s used one-to-one rather than one-to-many, a lighter presentation framework is better suited to the iPad. In short, a second presentation design/format is usually needed for mobile devices.


What are the Rules of Thumb?


· If your screen size is less than 55” inches and there’s a requirement for an iPad, then it can be treated as a progressive web app.


· If the screen size is over 55” inches and there’s a requirement for iPad, then you need to consider native for the large format display and native/web app for the iPad devices.


In short summary, it’s essential that you work backwards from the worst-case scenario and balance the pros and cons. Need to discuss what’s best for your next project? Get in touch for a chat: rob@quintessenceltd.co.uk


About the Author


Rob Bosher has built a portfolio of companies that deliver creative interactive experiences and innovative solutions for forward-thinking companies worldwide.

Across numerous sectors, Rob has innovated Smart Cities, Smart Buildings and Smart Workspaces, delivering engaging visualisation, presentation and collaboration technologies for better sales, marketing and communication.


Contact via LinkedIn

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