Billboards
Billboards have evolved over time, and their emergence can be traced throughout the history of advertising and information communication technologies. Here’s a brief overview of the evolution of billboards:
- Antiquity. Even though there were no billboards in the modern sense of the word, antiquity witnessed various forms of advertising. Murals and painted wooden boards were used to convey commercial or political messages.
- 19th Century. With the industrial revolution and the rise of urbanization, the first billboards appeared in the form of large posters promoting products and services. These were usually hand-painted and displayed in crowded areas.
- Early 20th Century. Printing technology advanced, leading to the production of more complex and higher-quality posters. Billboards began to be illuminated for visibility at night.
- 1920s. The first illuminated billboards with neon were introduced, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. This had a significant impact on generating interest in advertising messages.
- 1960s-1980s. Technologies like video screens and LED displays developed during this period. Dynamic advertising with animated elements emerged, leading to a significant diversification of billboards.
- Digital Era. With the progress of digital technology, billboards became increasingly interactive and personalized. Digital ads can now be programmed to change based on specific criteria.
Thus, while the advertising industry in the past relied on traditional media (radio, TV, print), technological advancements have shifted trends towards digitization. Advertising has become more digitally developed and is now in high demand due to the potential for socio-demographic targeting.
However, recent technological innovations have led to a reconsideration of traditional forms of advertising, with a focus on digital billboards. Why? Because, unlike online ads, billboards are not perceived as a nuisance and cannot be easily ignored. In some cases, they are even considered “artistic,” especially when they are original and creative.