When Displays Overwhelm: Reflections from a Casino Visit

This past weekend, my wife and I took a trip to a local casino. What was intended to be a blast turned into a journey of sensory overload—and it had everything to do with the overwhelming number of varying touch screens, their immense size, and fantastic shapes.

As soon as I stepped into the casino, of course, I was bombarded by lights, colors, and animations from every corner. Slot machines lined the walls, each with its own bright, attention-grabbing screen showcasing spinning reels, jackpot animations, and enticing themes. Overhead, displays advertised upcoming shows, jackpots, and promotions. Even table games had durable touch screen solutions integrated into their design, providing real-time game stats or welcoming new players. The ATM even had a high-bright touch screen you’d be happy to have hanging on your living room wall! It wasn’t just the number of displays—it was the sheer intensity. Every screen screamed for attention with vibrant colors, high contrast, and rapid motion. The result? A sensory overload that felt impossible to tune out, which of course, is their objective.

Now, as someone who is in the business of selling custom high-bright touch screens for applications ranging from outdoor kiosks to medical devices, I live and breathe display technology. I appreciate a well-designed screen, and I understand its power to engage and inform. But this casino experience got me thinking: “I both hate this and love this at the same time!”

At DCL Technologies, Inc. (DCLTEK), we focus on creating custom displays that enhance and support the product and our clients' objectives. Our products are tailored to meet specific needs, whether it’s a sunlight-readable screen for an outdoor vending machine or a precise, reliable touch panel for medical devices. These high-bright, durable touch screens are designed to complement the user experience, not make you crazy ??

Contrast that with a casino, where the goal seems to be total sensory domination. Every display competes for your attention, creating an environment where subtlety and nuance are non-existent. It’s a stark reminder of the power of design and intent. This experience also reinforced the importance of context when creating custom display solutions. A well-placed high-bright, sunlight-readable touch screen with the right brightness, clarity, and interactivity can transform a user’s experience for the better… perfect in a casino but also in every application.

As I left the casino, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony: I had come to unwind, yet I left with my head spinning, not from the roulette wheel, but from the displays. It was a reminder of why thoughtful design matters and why at DCLTEK, we strive to build custom touch screens that stand out for their visual quality and utility—not always their ability to overwhelm.

Have you ever had an experience like this, where technology’s abundance became a challenge instead of a benefit?

(And no, I didn’t hit the jackpot!)