In the opening of the hit 1988 film Die Hard, a weary Bruce Willis walks up to the counter of a modern skyscraper, where a touchscreen office directory sits. “Nice toy,” he tells the guard, using his finger to navigate the controls and type his wife’s name. At that point in the film, his marriage was at a standstill, although McClane (Bruce’s character) would eventually save him by rescuing hostages and dispatching a group of villains.

More relevant to the building’s directory signage, the touch screen seen in the film had a clear purpose: to show that the building was innovative, and to show that its owner was a mover and shaker, one that would be worth targeting. kidnappers and terrorists. looking for a big score.

In the movie, 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’s not a stretch to suggest that the update process wasn’t any easier than with a standard backlit directory, complete with name signs and tape.

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

First, LCD technology is now affordable, allowing businesses to upgrade to screen sizes from 32 to 65 inches and beyond. Also, as we are all well aware, LCD screens allow for content in incredible HD resolution, far exceeding the limitations of 1980s technology.

The rise of the Internet is also facilitating updates, allowing building managers to make changes to tenants and their people instantly over the web. Advanced creative tools development generates stunning visual graphics and engaging interactive bells and whistles. All of which brings the touchscreen building 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’s a fifth, you might want to ask the screenwriter to add a truly modern building directory to demonstrate the flair and grit of the film’s characters.