And Why You Want Both in Your Transit Center 

In most transit stations, audiovisual installations are strictly reserved for functional purposes. That may be displaying schedules in train stations or playing pre-recorded boarding announcements across an airport terminal. 

While this is helpful and necessary, utility is only one-half of the AV equation. With today’s video wall technology, interactive touch displays, and AI-enhanced content, you can leverage AV to create a memorable experience in your transit space. We call this McCannX, our experiential AV division of McCann Systems.

You may be wondering how necessary experiential AV really is, and what that even looks like. Let’s ask Brandon Harp, our Director of Digital Experiences at McCann, as he answers FAQs on experiential AV in transportation. 

Experiential Project Spotlight: Our Award-Winning Boston Bruins Heritage Hall 

Why Is Experiential AV Important in Transportation Settings? 

Installing an LED video wall or a large FIDS display doesn’t inherently make your AV “experiential.” It’s not so much what technology you implement—it’s how you use it. 

“What makes it experiential is a video wall that fits into the architecture; one that is interactive or tells a story,” Harp says. Maybe it enhances a brand or location, or embraces the local community. Perhaps when people touch down at your airport or arrive at your bus station, they notice local art on display that makes them excited to be in your city. It sets off their entire journey on a positive note—which is rarely the case during a busy travel day. 

“Once we establish the what, then the when and where, we can determine the proper technology for the space and work with you to understand the ROI of the installation,” shares Harp. 

ROI may seem intangible when it comes to cultivating an experience. But think about it: if someone has a great experience in your station or terminal, odds are they’ll be more likely to use it again and will recommend it to others. Someone may consider driving a far distance to visit family, but then they’ll remember how lovely and easy it was to travel in your station. In no time, they’ll be buying tickets for their next trip. 

How Should I Use Experiential AV? I Don’t Have Any Ideas. 

Most of our transportation clients at McCann are in the same boat. Often, people tell us they’ve seen something they liked in a different airport or transit hub and want to replicate it at their facility. 

“While it’s great to pull inspiration from other award-winning spaces,” continues Brandon Harp, “we try to steer our clients towards being unique. This is where we engage with our design and content partners to help craft the journey, uncover the story they are looking to tell—or the revenue they are trying to generate.” 

How Can AI Help Create a Memorable or Helpful Experience? 

“AI is still very much a buzzword, in my opinion,” jokes Harp. But there are a number of cases of AI being experimented with in transportation, specifically in airports. 

“I’m interested in how AI can assist passengers with decision making. Whether it’s real-time flight statuses or interactive wayfinding, the use cases seem endless,” he says. 

Imagine a traveler stopping at a kiosk and inputting the cuisine they’re in the mood for, then sharing how much time they have. A display could tell the visitor where to go, how long it takes to walk there, and current wait times at the food counter. 

We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to use AI as part of the connected passenger journey. With AV and intelligent technology, even the wildest ideas are becoming increasingly possible. 

Create an Experience Worth Traveling For 

Ready to enhance your train station, bus depot, airport, or ferry terminal? McCann provides award-winning AV installations across the country, from experiential McCannX work in New York City to the West Coast and beyond. 

Send us a message below to schedule a consultation or ask about our AV services.