iPad In-Store Solution

This might seem like a extravagant kiosk solution at the moment, but an inevitable one. Once you’ve upgraded to the latest and greatest tablet, last years model will fit securely in Lilitab’s custom iPad enclosure. Designed to be used as an interactive kiosk, Lilitab has designed complimentary iPad mounts that will work in a variety of situations. From various bezels to free standing or table mounted armature, they’ve thought out every possible use. Expect these real soon, sooner if someone lowers the price of an iPad a bit. 

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

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.