5 Game-Changing Innovations from ISE 2025: Insights from f.r.a.’s Wesley Meyer & Jamie Trippier
Creative Director Wesley Meyer and Projects Director Jamie Trippier from built environment, wayfinding, brand, placemaking leaders f.r.a. recently attended the ISE Conference 2025, which ran 3rd-6th February in Barcelona.
Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) is the world’s largest AV systems integration show, showcasing cutting-edge technology and innovation across various industries. The event spans multiple halls and features exhibitors from around the globe, covering areas such as digital signage, audio systems, lighting, and AI-driven solutions.
This year’s conference was a remarkable experience, and we are excited to share 5 of Wesley and Jamie’s key takeaways.
Key Takeaways
1. Digital Wayfinding: A Decline in Focus
When we visited ISE in 2020, there were a handful of vendors focusing on digital wayfinding. However, this year, there were none. We suspect this shift is due to increased interest and profitability in other areas of digital signage, particularly advertising. The industry seems to be prioritising solutions that offer higher returns on investment, leaving digital wayfinding deprioritised. We’ll continue our search for quality partners working in the field of digital wayfinding.
2. Space Vision AI: Revolutionary Consumer Insight Software
We were thoroughly impressed by Space Vision AI’s consumer insight software. This AI-driven solution is detailed enough to track (using a simple camera) even finger movements and monitor individual users across a site, all while complying with GDPR regulations. Although it doesn’t currently support wayfinding, the level of user insight it provides would be transformative if applied to that domain.
3. BoldVu Screen Totems: Unmatched Build Quality
BoldVu screen totems left us totally impressed. Their in-house development has resulted in features and build quality that are unparalleled in the industry. Some standout features include ultra-high brightness displays, robust weatherproofing, and advanced thermal management systems and even a ‘play dead’ mode if attacked. These totems set a new standard for outdoor digital signage solutions.
4. Colour E-Ink Technology: A Promising Future
Colour e-link technology has made significant strides, with colour rendering that exceeded our expectations. Medium-sized screens are now available from multiple vendors, which could be highly useful for wayfinding applications. We demonstrated wayfinding content on a prototype 75” screen, and its performance was better than anticipated, showcasing the potential of this robust and low-energy technology.
5. Other Highlights
Among the other highlights, we were intrigued by Losofinante’s innovative audio system, which uses your elbows and wrists to discreetly transmit audio in public spaces. Additionally, PIXELIDY by Ereimul Lighting stood out as the only tasteful product in the entire lighting hall. This tiny yet powerful LED light demonstrated exceptional design and functionality.