In the opening of the 1988 hit film Die Hard, a weary Bruce Willis walks up to a modern skyscraper guard desk, where he finds a touch-screen office directory. “Cute Toy,” he says to the guard, using his finger to navigate the controls and typing in his wife’s name. At that point in the movie, his marriage was stalled, though he would eventually be saved by McClane (Bruce’s character) rescuing hostages and dispatching a group of villains.

More relevant to building directory signage, the touch screen seen in the film had a different purpose: to demonstrate that the building was innovative and to show that its owner was a mover and shaker, one that would be worth the aim of. kidnappers and terrorists. looking for a great score.

In the film, the touch screen is a small screen, about 15 inches in size. It had a relatively mundane interface, one that wouldn’t win any awards in today’s web 2.0 world. Also, in 1988, there was no Internet, and it is not possible to suggest that the update process was not easier than it is with a standard backlit directory, with name signs and masking tape.

Perhaps that is why the touch screen directory featured at Die Hard didn’t exactly revolutionize office lobbies. In fact, it wasn’t until a few years ago that touchscreen directories made their next big leap.

First, LCD technology is now affordable, allowing businesses to upgrade to screen sizes from 32 to 65 inches and above. Also, as we all know, LCD screens allow for incredible HD resolution content, far exceeding the limitations of 80s technology.

The rise of the internet also makes upgrades easier, allowing building managers to make changes to tenants and their people via the web instantly. Advanced creative tool development creates stunning visual graphics and engaging interactive bells and whistles. All of which brings the touchscreen build directory back to the modern age.

Since the original Die Hard, Bruce Willis has starred in three sequels (Die Hard 2, Die Hard: With a Vengeance, Live Free, or Die Hard). Who knows, if there is a fifth, you might ask the screenwriter to add a truly modern building directory to demonstrate the style and value of the movie’s characters.