Watch this video for another fine example of an engaging public experience through store front windows and technology. French interactive design group MILK deploy projectors, RED cameras, ballerinas and Microsofts Kinects into Repetto for Paris Fashion Week.
This is a great example of how store fronts can transform into engaging interactive displays for the public using off the shelf tech - and lots of creativity. Expect to hear the word ‘aware’ a lot more regarding visual display. Some choice tech notes for those who need a bit more info on how this was done.
We used a high quality projector and semi-matt foil from the hardware store to project the eyes to the window. They are rendered by a WebGL frontend using a shader sphere effect. The detection is performed by OpenFrameworks and the Kinect.
An Arduino controlled servo motor, pushing a button on the projector remote, is turning the installation on at 4pm and off at 11pm.
Source: thefoxisblack.com
You knew one day those mannequins would move. Bizarre, yes, amazing - totally.
Source: japantrends.com
This is a sexy development in the world of POS systems. An iPad run POS synced to a server client you can monitor from home! Really. Shopkeep, keep up the good work.
Polo Ralph Lauren has been at the forefront of integrating digital technology into their shopping experience for nearly 10 years. This is what they did to launch their new fragrance.
Source: Gizmodo
Tech: Fast Mall App
Ever been lost in a new mall with no idea of where things are? Fast Mall seems poised to solve that problem with their phone app - FastMall 3.0. Built on a continuously updated database of shopping mall maps from around the globe, FastMall signals the end of an era “looking for the nearest bathroom”. The website claims it is
“the world’s first true turn by turn based navigation technology at shopping malls and areas without GPS.”
Currently, only three malls from Hawaii exist in the Fast Mall database, Ala Moana Center, Kahala Mall and Maui Mall. It might be a killer app for those mega malls in Dubai.
Tech: Space planning via your browser
Autodesk, a company that builds Hollywood grade special effects software, has released a browser based web application called HomeStyler. The app allows users to create and manipulate a three dimensional space in real time. Their legacy of 3D experience is put to good use in creating a simple and productive experience within the browser. No software downloads are needed, only a fairly snappy computer with a modern browser. It’s designed for the homemaker, interior designer and architect. Hopefully the list of sponsors on the website means we’ll get to interact with virtual versions of current appliances and furniture.
Roomle is another browser based web application capable of three dimensional space planning similar to Homestyler. Although Roomle may not have big name endorsements like FLOR and Sherman-Williams, it looks like a modest ground-up program with a clean and simple workflow. Highlights: working from uploaded floorplans and the ability to share work in progress within the browser. (Video is in German)
Both websites are fairly new, so allow some time for each company to shake out the bugs. Either way, it’s a win-win for us. Now there’s no more excuses for putting off that remodel. Time to get to work.
The Future of Retail
Savvy trend forecaster PSFK has released their latest report, this time it focuses on the world of commercial retail. While the majority of the information deals with internet technology trends, some of the major highlights are more community centric: new forms of pop-up shops, group purchasing power and retail stores as curated lifestyle centers. This is not a stat filled street level perspective of the quarterly returns type report, but more of a wish list of good ideas and emerging trends. Take a few minutes to digest what they predict may be around the corner. You might be able to take the rest of the day off because of it.
PSFK presents Future of Retail report
View more presentations from PSFK.
Tech: Interior Design Software
Decorating a home dwelling can be a straight forward affair: determine the function of each room, add furniture, then apply style. When planning to decorate a retail space or special event, your interiors can have a much wider variety of needs. To keep you and your team (if you got one) organized and productive when doing a floor move or decor installation, creating a map of your project space will help you better visualize the area. Architects, Contractors and Interior Designers will always start with an idea on paper before works begins. By adopting their process will allow you to understand your design challenges before the first fixture is moved. No drawing skills? Can’t make your plans as fancy as an architect? Don’t worry, your plans need only be understood by you. The goal is to define your working space by establishing it’s particular design needs. To help you visualize your tasks at hand, we recommend a couple of handy applications for your next big project.
Google Sketchup
Acquired by Google a few years ago, Sketchup is a powerful yet easy 3D application that delivers professional results for exterior or interior modeling and object creation. Adopted by many architects as a sketchpad for visualizing concepts to clients, Sketchup is the main tool for those who need quick results without the hassle of learning a dedicated 3D or CAD program. Google has released a free version that will fit most users needs and Pro version which enables more features. Google supports Sketchup with online tutorials and seriously large library of 3D objects to use (including real models from official vendors like Maytag and Kenmore). Within a few hours you’ll be building like the pros.
Sweet Home 3D
Another popular program for interior design and modeling is Sweet Home 3D, a European application that is well supported on multiple systems and comes in various languages. Similar to Sketchup, Sweet Home 3D excels at rapidly building a floorplan from a sketch or scan of an existing plan. Users can work in a 2D interface while seeing a three-dimensional representation in another window, handy when spinning around an object gets tiring. The support for Sweet Home 3D is not as robust as Google would provide, but their website does have the necessary tech support and forums.
If you’re dreading a particular renovation or need some accuracy when planning the next event, consider testing your theories in the virtual world first, your back will thank you for it, just remember to take good measurements!
