From motion to emotion: Insight-Led DOOH that works

In the evolving landscape of Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH), success is not only about screen placement or ad duration, it’s about understanding what truly drives attention and action. At Grassfish, we combine strategic know-how with human insight to help brands make the most of their in-store media networks.

In this article, we highlight three behavioral principles that elevate DOOH content from functional to extraordinary.

1. Premiumisation – The desire for value enhancement

People are drawn to experiences and products that feel premium, regardless of the price. Neuroscience and behavioral psychology confirm that when something looks high-value, it’s perceived as being high-value.

That’s why high-quality, visually curated content on screens enhances the perceived quality of the entire retail experience. Even a short, cinematic animation can make a product or service feel elevated. Premium visuals, bold storytelling, and intentional design are boosting both brand equity and conversion.

2. State Shift – Moments of openness and receptivity

Humans have micro-moments of openness. These are brief psychological states where we’re more receptive to influence. Known as “State Shifts” in neuroscience or “Moments of Receptivity” in marketing, they occur when people enter a new space, transition between tasks, or pause during a journey.

In-store, these moments happen when customers walk in, wait at checkout, or pause near key displays. By identifying and matching your message to these precise moments, you dramatically increase impact. The right message in the right moment equals to exponential relevance.

3. Movement – The primal instinct for motion

From evolution to emotion, movement triggers attention. Born from human evolution, our brains are hardwired to notice motion. In early days, motion activated the sense for survival. Still today, motion activates the brain. That’s why animated content attracts more visual attention and is better remembered than static visuals.

A rotating carousel of dynamic brand stories outperforms a static screen in every retail environment. Movement on screens drives engagement, increases dwell time, and makes messages stick.

A common question from retailers is: “Why not just sell 100% of screen time to one or two clients with static images?” Our answer to this question: because static content is easier to overlook and ultimately leaves value on the table. Animation and dynamic storytelling create a richer, more responsive experience that captures more eyes, drives more value, and elevates both the customer experience and commercial impact.

Grassfish as the Frontrunner for Strategic IXM

Grassfish is the global frontrunner in IXM, not just a platform, but a partner powering the future of retail media, DOOH, and experience strategy. We champion customer-first content strategies that don’t compromise on quality or effectiveness. Whether it’s about monetizing screen time, launching a new format, or rethinking in-store communication, applying behavioral insight ensures that content is not just seen, but remembered.

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