More than just a static message board, Oat Foundry’s Split Flap is built for creativity and engagement. While every Split Flap is special, each serves as a core focal point for brands. With the classic rhythm of analog motion, these displays are never overlooked, they invite people to stop, watch, and feel part of something unfolding. It’s not just communication, it’s connection.
Split Flap, powered by Portal, our web-based app, brings dynamic storytelling into physical spaces, sharing announcements, quotes, and content that keep environments active and engaging.
What is Experiential Engagement?
Experiential engagement is creating intentional, participatory moments that invite interaction, evoke emotion, and deepen connection. In physical spaces, experiential engagement often combines sensory elements such as motion, sound, texture, light, and storytelling to immerse users in the moment.
In partnership with traditional marketing strategies, experiential engagement can transform an environment into active brand touchpoints. It’s how brands move from being seen to being felt.
Experiential Engagement with a Custom Split Flap
Split Flap displays turn communication into a sensory experience. The rhythmic flip of each panel captures attention and builds anticipation, turning even simple messages into moments of delight. In retail, hospitality, and corporate environments, this tactile movement invites curiosity and interaction, creating a memorable focal point that draws people in and encourages them to linger. The result is an engaging, low-power, and enduring communication tool that transforms spaces into experiences.
How It Works
Users can access our cloud-based messaging interface, Portal, to craft their own messages or select pre-built sequences from a curated content library. Messages can be sent from anywhere in the world – either manually or automatically – ensuring effortless, real-time updates. Purpose-built for the Split Flap, Portal works in perfect sync with the display, bringing each message to life the moment you press “Send.”
Send Quick Messages
Send a one-off message with the touch of a button directly to Split Flap using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or any device with a web browser. Watch a demo of Portal here.
Create a schedule
Using Portal, you can also program messages to run on a schedule, similar to the functionality of Google Calendar. With this, you can set it and forget it, Split Flap will know to rotate through the messages you set in place. You can create and save any number of scheduled messages.
Letting Customers Flip the Script
Split Flap owners can further engage with customers, clients, and employees with companion technology, Algorithm. When paired with Algorithm, the Split Flap evolves into an interactive centerpiece that responds to user input, strengthening the emotional connection between brand and audience.
Working with Algorithm
Algorithm invites users to do something (choose, slide, reveal), making Split Flap experiences even more memorable. In our experience, Algorithm has been successful in spaces where increased interaction, sales, and dwell time are desired. See how it works below!
Split Flap for Experiential Engagement
Facility Announcements
At Fitler Club, a Split Flap display transforms the front desk into an interactive storytelling feature. Positioned where members or guests check in, a Split Flap shares updates on training sessions, events, and community highlights.
+ Add Algorithm: Add Algorithm to allow guests the ability to browse through upcoming events and classes for a more personalized experience.
Calendars
A Split Flap display turns an event schedule into a dynamic centerpiece at The Salt Shed in Chicago. Instead of static posters or digital screens, the mechanical flipping of each letter builds anticipation for upcoming shows, workshops, and classes echoing the excitement of the events themselves.
Exhibition Focal Points
At the Imperial War Museum, Split Flap display becomes a living anchor for the theme — commanding attention with motion and sound. As powerful phrases and statements such as “Culture Under Attack / What Remains” flip into place, the display transforms static text into a dynamic moment of reflection, inviting viewers to pause, read, and interpret. Serving as both artwork and statement, it bridges the tactile and conceptual — grounding the exhibit in movement, meaning, and emotion.
+ Add Algorithm: Add Algorithm to add an immersive touch to your exhibit, where guests can learn more at their own speed.
Event Signage
The Pebble Beach Visitors Center used a Split Flap display to turn the Women’s US Open event signage into an active experience. As it counts down to tee-off or kick-off, the rhythmic flipping of numbers builds excitement and momentum, drawing visitors’ attention each time the display updates. More than just informational, the analog motion captures the timeless energy of events while creating a shared, memorable moment for everyone in the space.
Sales Leaderboard
A Split Flap leaderboard brings energy and anticipation to workplace performance. Each flip of the display turns progress into a shared moment. Employees pause to watch updates, celebrate movement, and feel motivated by the motion itself. The tactile clicks and visual rhythm make recognition tangible, transforming routine metrics into something lively and rewarding. Whether showcasing sales numbers, productivity goals, or team achievements, the analog motion creates excitement around success and keeps motivation visible.
Guest Messages
Interactive guest messages brings humor and personality to any event or venue. As custom notes flip into view — from inside jokes to playful confessions — the motion dialogue among guests. See how people pause to see what message comes next, creating a sense of connection and spontaneity, making the space feel uniquely personal.
Conference Engagement
At Dreamforce 2023, a Split Flap display and collaboration with Salesforce transformed an otherwise static booth into an interactive experience. Its rhythmic flips and bold lettering create a natural gathering point for conversation. As messages update with new ideas, speaker highlights, or attendee-generated content, the display becomes part of the dialogue — a tactile medium that stands out amid digital screens. It invites participation, sparks inspiration, and leaves a lasting impression, turning brand storytelling into a real-time, shared moment.
Fun Facts
A Split Flap display transforms idle moments at Nolita Hall in San Diego into lively conversation starters. The motion of each flip catches the eye, while witty or surprising messages — like trivia, sports stats, or cultural tidbits — spark curiosity and laughter among guests. Instead of passive décor, the display becomes part of the social atmosphere, inviting patrons to look up, react, and connect. It turns waiting for a drink or meal into an engaging, shareable experience that keeps the space feeling energetic and alive.
+ Add Algorithm: Add Algorithm to give bartenders the option to switch between fun facts, local trivia, upcoming events, and more.
Local Transit Data
At The Irish Exit at Penn Station in NYC, a Split Flap display mirrors the classic departure boards found in train stations with integrations for local transit. Guests can glance up to check departure times and statuses as the familiar flipping sound fills a bar, restaurant, cafe or office space, creating both a practical touchpoint and a sensory experience. The result is a venue that feels connected — where motion, information, and ambiance work together to keep guests engaged.
Now Serving Sign
Transform something as ordinary as an order number into a moment of delight. At bakeries and cafes, the Split Flap panels can flip to reveal the next “Now Serving” number. Guests look up instinctively, drawn by the familiar click and motion. The update feels personal and satisfying — a small performance signaling their turn.
Specials
Turn the day’s menu into a moment of discovery. As each new dish flips into view, the movement catches attention, adding charm and authenticity while echoing the craft and care behind each item. Whether it’s highlighting a chef’s creation or a limited-time feature, the restaurant or bar Split Flap display makes every reveal feel intentional, personal, and worth savoring.
Happy Hour Signage
An analog display makes happy hour feel like an event worth celebrating. As the board flips to reveal the day’s featured spritz or cocktail, the motion sets a lively tone and announces the shift to evening. More than a menu, it becomes part of the bar’s atmosphere — turning each happy hour into a shared, sensory experience that kicks off the evening with personality.
+ Add Algorithm: Add Algorithm to have guests get a personalized recommendation from your beer or cocktail list.
Campaign Taglines
A Split Flap display turns campaign messaging and taglines into a live moment. As each word flips into place, the motion draws eyes and builds suspense — making the reveal of a phrase dramatic and memorable. The analog movement gives brands a way to blend nostalgia with impact in public spaces. Whether for a film launch, product debut, or seasonal campaign, the flipping display transforms a simple tagline into a spectacle that audiences can feel, hear, and remember.
Fan Engagement
Bring fans into the excitement of the game day experience with flipping motion and vibrant colors that exude the energy of the crowd. At Citizens Bank Park, a branded team Split Flap creates a visual rhythm that pairs perfectly with cheers, drinks, and camaraderie, especially at the Pass & Stow bar. Whether showcasing scores, player highlights, or celebratory messages, the display becomes a rallying point, connecting fans not just to the team, but to each other.
Weather and Climate Updates
Our Split Flap displays use integrations to bring weather updates to life at the Walker Center in Salt Lake City, flipping to reveal time, temperature, and conditions. Beyond weather, the display can also display daily beach or slope conditions, giving locals and visitors real-time insight into surf, snow, and sky.
Warm Greetings
Set the tone the moment guests, clients, and customers arrive. A welcoming Split Flap message, like the one at Big Truck Farm Brewery, revealed through the signature flipping motion, mark the start of the experience — a memorable first impression that turns a simple greeting into something guests will remember long after their visit.
Motivational Quotes
Motivational quotes bring warmth and personality into any space, such as the Split Flap at the register at New York or Nowhere in Manhattan. When you add gentle flipping motion, each new phrase, like “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met yet,” invites even more reflection and connection. More than décor, it becomes a living reminder of the values that shape the environment, whether in a café, workspace, or hotel lobby.
Employee Recognition
Employee recognition delivered via Split Flap turns appreciation into a daily highlight. As messages flip to celebrate team wins, milestones, or personal shoutouts, the rhythmic motion draws everyone’s attention — transforming gratitude from an email or meeting note into a shared, uplifting moment in the workspace.
Display Stats
Power
Displays operate on 100-240V power depending on the size. Displays can also accommodate international standards.
Messaging
Displays are controlled via a cloud-based application that can be accessed using any device’s web browser.
Installation
Displays can be installed on a wall, from a ceiling, and from a truss via the keyholes on the back of the display. They can also be recessed into wall or placed into frames.
Play With Our Analog Tech
Ever want to see an Oat Foundry Split Flap in action? Book a demo to experience the analog magic for yourself! These live calls are opportunities to talk to our sales team, ask questions, and see where Split Flap can fit into your dynamic brand story.