By some miracle, one banner contains the address, a full list of services, a loud slogan, a phone number, and a website, and on top of that — several product photos from different angles. It seems that more information is better, but in practice, it almost always works the opposite way.  

In the saturated flow of visual noise, where dozens of billboards, digital signs, facades, and road signs stand side by side, such an “overloaded” banner simply gets lost. Instead, a simple, minimalist presentation wins: a large canvas filled with a bright color, short text, or a single striking photo can instantly attract attention and be remembered.  

What is minimalism in advertising

Minimalism is a design approach based on simplicity and the removal of the unnecessary. Laconic shapes, a minimum of text, clean colors, and a clear focus on the main message. This approach simplifies perception, makes the message understandable, and emotionally appealing to the audience. In the DOOH sphere, its value only increases: on dynamic digital displays, a concise, clear message is perceived more easily and effectively.  

Advertisers have been creating minimalist billboards and interactive screens for decades, which are no less effective than complex multi-component layouts. The history of advertising knows hundreds of examples — from iconic posters to fresh Programmatic DOOH campaigns — where minimalism made it possible to find precise contact with the target audience.  

Minimalism in a digital environment

Modern digital signs give brands flexibility in updating content in real time, but it is the minimalist approach that helps avoid overloading the viewer. One large product photo, a contrasting background, and a few words — this may be enough to generate interest. Especially when the content adapts to location and time frames using software tools.  

Integrating minimally designed creatives with video wall software allows you to cover large display areas while keeping the message clear and understandable. And using a digital signage player ensures stable and synchronized content playback on multiple screens without quality loss.  

Why it works

Minimalist DOOH campaigns take advantage of a visual pause. Among dozens of bright and overloaded ads, the absence of unnecessary elements creates a sense of space that attracts the eye. A light background, one clear call-to-action, and the right timing of display — that’s what enhances the effect of the advertising message.  

Minimalism works especially effectively in Programmatic DOOH, where automated systems select only the best creatives for display to the right audience at the right moment. This combination of technology and simplicity allows campaigns to be stylish, modern, and effective at the same time.  

Main features of minimalist outdoor advertising

Minimalism in outdoor advertising is not just a design trend, but a true philosophy of communication. It allows brands to achieve recognition without excess, using only the most important visual accents. Space, rhythm, color, and a short message — this is entirely sufficient for the viewer to grasp the essence of the message in just a few seconds. In a world where we are surrounded by an endless flow of images and advertising signals, it is restraint that becomes the most convincing.

6 rules that work perfectly in the dynamic environment of Digital Out Of Home (DOOH), where the viewer’s attention must be captured instantly:  

1. Plenty of free space

2. Simple composition

3. Minimal text

4. Concise graphics

5. Absence of heavy textures

6. Limited color palette

The key idea of minimalism is to leave only what creates brand recognition. Every element has meaning: an exact logo, a tint, an associative shape. Thanks to this, even a short advertising appeal on a city screen is perceived as a complete work. Such aesthetics are extremely effective for campaigns in the format of large projections, video panels, and LED billboards that create an attractive space around the brand.  

Structure of a minimalist message

In visual design, “less” almost always means “clearer.” A well-built outdoor creative usually consists of only a few components — a logo, corporate color, short slogan, and a signature product detail. This is enough for the message to be understood at first glance. The minimalist approach looks especially harmonious in video advertising format, when the frame is filled with bold forms, motion, and a clear focus on the product without any unnecessary details.  

When creating such projects, designers increasingly rely on modern technologies — analytics, placement planners, and DOOH software that helps update dynamic content on time and maintain consistency of the visual concept across various media. Systems automatically select the ad format, broadcasting time, and even the screen’s color temperature so that the advertisement looks its best under any conditions.  

Emotional advantage of minimalism

Minimalist solutions create in the viewer a feeling of confidence and trust: there are no unnecessary words, only meaning. This format demonstrates respect for the audience — the company speaks briefly yet meaningfully. A well-thought-out creative is perceived as an element of visual culture rather than an aggressive commercial offer. Therefore, brands that choose restrained communication are usually perceived as modern, open to innovation, and concerned about their reputation.  

This effect becomes especially noticeable in public spaces — in transport hubs, shopping centers, on dynamic screens, and large building facades. When advertising looks calm and elegant amid informational overload, it naturally attracts attention. This is how Digital Out Of Home (DOOH) turns into a powerful tool of cultural influence, not just a medium for announcements.  

Technological foundation of modern minimalism

Today’s advertising campaigns are built not only on creative ideas, but also on convenient digital solutions. Using a digital signage player helps businesses centrally manage content — from short video clips to interactive narratives. Thanks to stable playback and support for various formats, even the simplest creative looks professional and technically flawless.  

In combination with the capabilities of such DOOH systems, it is possible to achieve balance: artistic simplicity and technological precision work together, reinforcing each other. Every updated screen, every lighting effect becomes part of a harmonious urban environment where advertising does not shout over the competition but organically integrates into the space. This is the essence of minimalism — to create a stylish, understandable, and at the same time effective brand story without excessive words or colors.  

Minimalist advertising in DOOH increases interaction efficiency

Western research by Dois Z convincingly demonstrates that the use of minimalism in Digital Out Of Home (DOOH) advertising significantly increases informativeness and brand recognition among the audience. In an era of informational overload, simple and concise creatives allow brands not only to stand out among competitors but also to make the core message as clear as possible.

According to survey results, the minimalist approach increases message recall by up to 40% compared to complex, wordy advertisements. This is especially effective in places with a high concentration of information: shopping centers, transport hubs, business clusters, where people have only a few seconds to interact with the content. This is why brands are increasingly choosing simple visual solutions for placement on LED billboards and digital screens.  

Famous western brands turn minimalism into an advantage

Global companies such as Apple, McDonald’s, Nike, Tesla, Uniqlo, and Calm actively apply minimalism in their DOOH campaigns and achieve impressive results. For example, the legendary Apple billboards with a single photograph and the short caption “Shot on iPhone,” stylish McDonald’s posters with minimal text and the iconic logo, or Uniqlo’s monochrome design have become not only recognizable but have also increased trust in the brand.

Western sources note that after updating their visual identity in a minimalist style, Western brands recorded up to an 85% increase in recognition according to survey data, as well as a noticeable growth in sales due to the simplicity and clarity of conveying company values.  

Noticeable growth of conversions thanks to simple DOOH advertising

The practical efficiency of DOOH advertising with minimalist design is confirmed by concrete figures from large-scale studies in the USA. According to Harris Poll (2025), 76% of urban residents noted that after viewing such advertising, they took at least one action: visited a website, went to an offline store, or learned more about the product. Interestingly, 80% of respondents emphasized that it was precisely simplicity and visual purity that caused their interest, not numerous details or excessive informativeness. It is particularly significant that almost all (93%) of those consumers who visited physical sales points after contact with DOOH actually made a purchase, thus confirming the commercial effectiveness of the minimalist approach in digital outdoor solutions.  

How to create your own creative in the style of minimalism

At first glance, it may seem that creating minimalist advertising is a simple task. However, behind this simplicity lies meticulous work by professionals: each visual element undergoes careful selection, and all forms are simplified to the essentials. When only one object or a few words remain on the advertising screen, they become the center of attention — and therefore must be absolutely convincing. Minimalism requires a high level of design mastery, understanding of how modern DOOH Display Solutions work, and experience with digital channels.  

One of the main rules is to highlight only what is essential, cutting off everything unnecessary. The main idea of minimalism is to leave only the quintessence of the brand in the advertising message: the corporate font, color palette, strong slogan, or the most characteristic product feature. The ability to distinguish the essential from the secondary comes with experience — therefore, successful DOOH advertising requires deep knowledge of the target audience and its reactions.  

It is important to work on the company’s positioning in the digital environment. Before launching a creative, it is worth determining which brand value will be relevant specifically for your audience. A clear message that aligns with customers’ expectations and worldview is already half of the success for any DOOH network.  

To make minimalism work effectively, it is important to consider the specifics of different advertising media. For example, modern software for LED screens allows adaptation of creatives for various formats: from classic billboards to digital citylight panels and media facades. Thanks to this, advertising can be scaled to large DOOH networks without losing clarity or style, guaranteeing maximum audience reach. Even if the creative is simple, it must remain perfectly readable and recognizable on any display size.  

In a perfectly executed minimalist video or banner, every detail matters. Gradients, font size, composition, and animation must be perfectly balanced. It is equally important to use the most recognizable elements of the corporate style: logos, images of the product, or application interface. This is how creatives are created that shape the modern look of outdoor advertising, strengthening the brand in the media space.  

How to launch a large-scale advertising campaign if the goal is minimum hassle and maximum return

It is necessary to take into account not only the creative stage but also the powerful technological and organizational component. Creating the perfect minimalist creative is only the beginning. Next arises the question of effective implementation, reaching the right audience, and ensuring the stable operation of all screens. In digital outdoor advertising, especially in DOOH, it is important not only to develop a unique video but also to competently build the process of placement and campaign management.  

Launching a comprehensive DOOH strategy always consists of numerous stages. First of all — selecting suitable screens for advertising, coordinating technical requirements with platforms and location operators. Next — analyzing traffic at the chosen locations, monitoring structures for suitability and efficiency, as well as communicating with owners of advertising spaces or professional agencies to conclude profitable contracts. Equally important — compiling an address program, buying advertising spaces, and carefully checking all layouts for compliance with legislation and the specifications of operators.  

One of the key technologies of modern DOOH is the use of a Supply-Side Platform — a tool that allows you to automate the process of purchasing, optimizing, and distributing advertising across numerous digital venues. Such systems increase the flexibility of a campaign: you can quickly change formats, adapt content, and diversify types of displays according to the brand’s objectives. A Supply-Side Platform provides the ability to work with different geolocations, devices, and even specific audiences, thereby enhancing the profitability of marketing investments.  

Another critically important element for large outdoor campaigns is a centralized video management system. It allows managers in real time to control the release of content on dozens or even hundreds of screens, analyze the effectiveness of displays, and promptly make changes. This approach reduces human errors, increases compliance of advertising videos with technical standards, and ensures a quality experience for the target audience regardless of the scale of the project.  

A thoughtful approach to each stage of the campaign — from idea to implementation — helps brands build a quality image, achieve their goals, and leave a positive impression in the minds of the audience.


Advision is a content management system for remote control, media planning of video and audio content broadcasting, and a supply-side platform for monetising advertising time. We also implement a Wi-Fi tracking system to measure quantitative indicators of the advertising audience. We help Digital Signage owners and DOOH advertising operators earn money from advertising, automate work processes, and build a reliable media infrastructure using AdTech and MarTech software solutions.

Contact us if you want to increase your profits and implement the latest technologies to solve your problems!