Case Studies Partner installations
Please find enclosed a collection of touchfoil™ case studies. Built up from installs created by our global partner network - in this pack you will find an overview of examples that represent a small selection of the many ways the touchfoil™ can add touch to your solutions; from “designing in” to existing kiosks to bespoke creative large format projects. To add your case studies to our collection for press releases, promotional work and recognition in our blog and customer communications, please get in touch. Tell us about your favourite installs…the ones that have the biggest impact, encouraged high volumes of interaction or taken a unique approach to using interactive digital signage - we would really love to hear all about them. For any further information or assistance with marketing opportunities simply get in touch using the details below. Best wishes,
Rachel Rachel Chapman-Cole Marketing Manager rachel.chapman-cole@visualplanet.biz marketing@visualplanet.biz +44 (0)1223 202919
SAMSUNG’S HISTORY OF INNOVATION MUSEUM
HEAVEN SENT… COURTESY OF THE LATEST INTERACTIVE TOUCH TECHNOLOGY
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A GATEWAY TO EDUCATION; A NEW ERA IN DIGITAL INTERACIVE TECH
A WINDOW INTO THE FUTURE OF RETAIL
HOW DO YOU FIT A CITY INTO A CONTAINER?
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ON TRACK WITH VISUALPLANET TOUCH TECHNOLOGY
A MINI ADVENTURE
THE SHOPPING MALL OF THE FUTURE
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PLENTY MORE FISH IN THE SEA
INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGER TIPS
ENDURING EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
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A VISION OF THE FUTURE TOMORROW’S DIGITIAL CITIES – TODAY
A vision of the future, tomorrow’s digital cities - today Visualplanet partners – Città Digitale - have created a ground breaking Digital City concept, where multiple through-window displays have been integrated into retail windows throughout Italian cities, providing interactive, informative displays for both residents and tourists. Inform and engage The displays have been designed to create informative and engaging communications with users in high footfall areas throughout key cities. These locations were handpicked by the Città Digitale team - in exchange the selected retailers were incentivised with free advertising on the screen installed in their store, as well as all the others throughout their city. The applications are easy to use Info Points which allow users to search for information about the city and local businesses: viewing local news, accessing opening times, making reservations for restaurants and hotels and checking out the latest promotions and deals has never been easier.
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“When I experienced an interactive window for the first time, I immediately thought about how it could change our habits when trying to find information whilst out and about. I imagined a world where you can inquire and be informed “from the street” - with a free tool - available to all 24/7.” Filippo Ferruzzi, President, Città Digitale
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GETTING INTERACTIVE Following initial analysis it was concluded that the technology could add most value via the installation of information points in retail settings. Testing was carried out to ensure that a high quality bright screen was selected to compete with ambient light to ensure optimal viewing clarity for users. The screen deployment was originally funded by partners and supplemented with revenue from on-screen advertising. From inception there has been a strong belief in the screens as an exciting and futuristic addition to metropolitan areas. A commercial success, the project has been self-funding through advertising revenue ever since. A new way for the city to communicate
Città Digitale multi-lingual displays are a powerful, one-to-one marketing tool; available in Italian, Spanish, English, French, German and Russian, these customised installations enable the city to truly connect with its residents and visitors. The unique power of touch sensor technology provides access to users at times – and in situations – when they couldn’t normally be reached. The digital format means they are also a perfect advertising medium; they can be tailored to the audience, set to run at certain times and adapted to show local and current promotions and campaigns. Users can leave details to request further information or make reservations using the touch system and can even speak with an operator! The application is cross platform and accessible on smart phones and tablets for the ultimate in convenience. Supporting tourism The installs have popped up in Italy on business and shop windows, as well as at points of cultural and tourist interest. The content is stored on a central server cloud and is kept current through daily uploads which take place each night. Creating a universal communication tool that is intuitive and fun to use has made areas more welcoming to new tourists, increased accessibility, and made the cities’ hidden gems easier to explore – increasing the overall enjoyment of both first timers and regular visitors GETTING THE CITY ON BOARD Although there has been strong backing for the screens, each city has different rules and regulations, so there were inevitably some hurdles to overcome in the process of installing and
commissioning the systems. The success of the installed base has, however, boosted the case for wider adoption, making it increasingly attractive to new cities to embrace the digital era. It has been important for the team to obtain backing for the project to enhance its credibility; despite below average spending at retail level and on-going economic uncertainty, the team has identified some exciting projects that will help create the cities of tomorrow. ENABLING A WORLD OF TOUCH The touchfoil was the touch sensor of choice for this project, partly due to its ability to work through thick glass. The installations have been easily integrated into existing retail windows throughout the cities without the need for modification to the glass. Protected behind the glass these displays can still be accessed in all weather conditions and may even be used with gloved hands. This also makes them robust, vandal proof and reliable - able to withstand millions of touches a day.
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“We are really impressed with Città Digitale installations. Not only are they visually impressive, they also take the touchfoil back to its roots of large format through window signage. This market is generating widespread interest due to its ability to maximise retail window space with 24/7 access and engagement with local communities. This is where it all started for us and we are delighted that our founder’s vision back in 2002 is now being realised globally through our partners.” Rachel Chapman-Cole, Marketing Executive, Visualplanet
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Samsung’s History of Innovation museum: powered by the visualplanet touchfoil™ Only a few companies have had such a dramatic impact on the world’s stage of electronic products over the last 10 years as Samsung. Back in 2002, Samsung became the world’s largest supplier of memory chips. Ten years later they overtook Nokia - market leader since 1998 - to become the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer by unit sales. So when the visualplanet touchfoil was chosen as the touch sensor technology of choice to enable interactivity in Samsung’s History of Innovation museum, we were obviously delighted and honored to be associated with such an innovative company. WHY THE TOUCHFOIL? The touchfoil was chosen specifically because of its design flexibility. The touchfoil is mounted behind the glass so it does not restrict the creative freedom of the museum designers. The bespoke transparent displays were mounted behind templates which created irregular shapes and sizes; whilst traditional touch sensors such as IR frames could not be adapted to accommodate these bespoke displays, the touchfoil fits in seamlessly. Last month visualplanet’s Founder & Director, Vernon Spencer and Product Manager, Dan Spencer visited The Samsung Museum of Innovation in Suwon, South Korea with our long standing partners of 7 years, AVA Vision. 45 YEARS OF INSPIRATIONAL INNOVATION The museum has been created to mark Samsung Electronics’ 45th anniversary, showcasing the developments in technology and Samsung’s progressive products over nearly half a century. The museum spans over five floors featuring 150 inventions and products.
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“The thought, ingenuity and scale Samsung have put into their Innovation Museum was inspirational. Tracking the developments from the initial discovery of electricity, through to present day and beyond presented in a real and digitally integrated environment - was truly breath taking, all set in such a fantastic purpose built facility. This certainly is a fantastic way to integrate real world artefacts into the digital world.” Vernon Spencer, visualplanet Director
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THE POWER OF TOUCH The first and second floors of the exhibition are highly interactive and particularly exciting for visualplanet, featuring 70 touchfoils, installed by our partners AVA Vision. Many of these visualplanet touchfoils have been used to add touch capabilities and enable interactive engagement to transparent displays, providing information on the exhibit. Transparent displays were used to enable Samsung to create a unique visual experience that was both virtual and real, with physical objects mounted within the enclosure of the display.
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“I was extremely pleased with how our partners AVA had designed in 70 visualplanet touchfoil products into a range of interactive exhibits, especially the way that the transparent LCD enabled a whole new interactive exhibit experience. A truly inspirational place; which really showcases the capability and flexibility of the touchfoil.”
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SIMPLY TOUCH THE SCREEN TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY … Interactive signage in museums allows visitors to search for more detail on the specific topics they want to find out more about, enabling them to instantly adjust the detail of information to their requirements, language and learning levels. Visitors can play games, watch stories, investigate further and test their knowledge - helping them to learn more and engage fully - creating a truly personalised experienced.
In a world where immediate access to information and knowledge has come to be expected at the touch of screen, there is a requirement for museums to keep up with the technology shift and to stay connected to audiences - keeping the magic of museums alive. The visualplanet touchfoil effortlessly ‘designs in’ to existing displays to add touch capabilities, integrating seamlessly without disrupting the ambiance of the museum. The touchfoil encourages curiosity and enables visitors to expand their knowledge, by displaying more of the museum’s wealth of expertise than would ever fit on a simple plaque!
Heaven sent… courtesy of the latest interactive touch technology A visualplanet touch sensor designed for withstanding the demands of high footfall, public transport locations delights bus passengers in Russia This visualplanet touchfoil™ found a new home with Mediavisor on Tverskaya Street in Moscow. The thin film touch sensor was effortlessly integrated into 9 bus shelters, helping the AXE brand communicate with potential consumers whilst waiting for their buses. The eye catching and innovative design was used to promote the “Angels Will Fall” Lynx campaign and was the very first interactive advertising install in Russian bus shelters. INFO-TAINMENT The visualplanet touchfoil™ enabled Mediavisor to create a unique way to advertise media promotions in a highly public location, which quickly attracted attention from passers-by. The clever positioning within a bus shelter guaranteed a high footfall combined with a likely period of waiting-time - maximising the advertising potential of an otherwise underutilised location. The interactive display was used to provide a distracting activity and source of entertainment, whilst simultaneously driving brand engagement and displaying key product messages to the public. REQUIREMENTS FOR TOUCH Due to the location of the bus shelters, the challenge was to identify a touch sensor designed for single user interaction which could also withstand the demands of a public access in a self-service unattended environment. As the visualplanet touchfoil works consistently through thick glass, therefore ideal for public facing displays, it was the touch sensor of choice for these installations. The behind glass design flexibility allowed for freedom of choice in glass and the ability to “design in” to the existing bus shelters without the need for modification. The touchfoil is laminated onto the inside of the glass and is able to perform in all weather conditions; engineered for challenging operating environments it is both robust and reliable. One of the distinctive and important technology components of the touchfoil is its IP65 rating; this means the display is immune to ingress from water and dust. Being free from a build-up of dirt and dust also means that it is easy to keep clean. Easy to maintain, the touchfoil also implements thermoregulation.
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The behind glass solution offers a superior design aesthetic as well as heightened security and reliability resulting in low maintenance cost. The touch sensor can even be used whilst the user is wearing gloves – perfect for the cold temperatures reached in Moscow. CURB APPEAL / DIVINE INTERVENTION Combined with an appealing visual, the interactive element of the advertisement encouraged greater brand engagement and enabled follow up online advertising. With just a single touch, an AXE model appeared before the passengers’ eyes – with a tempting request to “get acquainted…”. The catch – to continue the dialogue the user was asked to enter their name and valid email address on the virtual keyboard - an excellent way to capture potential consumer details and track the level of engagement and ROI of the screen. The passer-by would then automatically receive an email with the video direct to their inbox. The control over the dialogue between the potential consumer and “girl” was carried out by remote access via installed 3G modem. The “heavenly goddesses” were so lifelike that participants kept looking hopefully behind the shelter for the fallen angels… A CELESTIAL TRIUMPH The bus shelters were an inspirational mix of traditional printed and digital interactive advertising, seamlessly showcasing the synergies between these two mediums, working together effortlessly to create an even more impactful campaign. The “Even Angels can’t resist it!” campaign ran for the month of April in 2012, massively exceeding the number of contacts per day; with a forecast of 260 contacts per day, the average of 500 contacts per day was deemed a huge success. It was calculated that approximately 4500 people would use the 9 bus stops each day; 1 in 10 passers-by engaged with the screens.
A Gateway to education; A new era in digital interacive tech Seamless, interactive surfaces arrive in the Ford Alumni Centre, University of Oregon The visualplanet™ touchfoil™ has been used by Second Story in partnership with visualplanet US distributor Brookview Technologies, to create impressive media cascades, that are touch sensitive floor-to-ceiling. These impactful displays are used to present movies, images, slide shows, text, infographics and maps at the University of Oregon in the Ford Alumni Center. These visually stunning, towering interactive media panels present information about a multitude of topics to explore in a ‘waterfall of content’ style. Positioned at the very front of the university they are the first thing that visitors and prospective students see as they enter the university – thus placing a huge importance on creating an immersive and visually inspiring entrance to showcase the university.
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When the visionary leadership of the University of Oregon’s Alumni Association conceived of their new Center, a new paradigm was born. While most university alumni centres are heritage repositories celebrating the past, the Ford Alumni Center equally cultivates the future. As the new front door to the university, this dynamic building welcomes all visitors and immerses them in the pioneering spirit that defines the University of Oregon, providing equal parts inspiration and information.”1 Second Story
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THE DESIGN The brief was to fill the 2,000 square foot space with media installations to inspire and captivate displaying the history whilst simultaneously showing the innovative capabilities of the universities wrapped up in an inspiring modern learning environment. The cascades were mixed with static artefacts and posters, mixing traditional exhibits with the contemporary, to symbolise the learning environment – drawing on an understanding, learnings and appreciation of the past to bring around change, new ideas and ways of thinking.
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The cascades reveal the past, present and future possibilities of the University experience. The stories and objects they feature preserve the legacy of the alumni who defined the University while the dynamic database that fuels them serves media and information to recruit new generations of Oregon alumni.
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The media Cascades are touch-sensitive floor-to-ceiling displays that present movies, images, slide shows, text, infographics and maps reflecting the university as a whole and each Cascade is devoted to a different subject matter. The media was designed to flow through the Cascades like a waterfall of content showcasing the universities diversity in education, arts, athleticism and social.
Visitors can simply stand and watch to see all the university has to offer, while more active visitors could swipe across the Cascade to navigate through stories, touch to dig deeper into specific areas, personalising the user experience. KEEPING IT RELEVANT The engagement doesn’t end at the cascades. Through a powerful, custom content management system, stakeholders across the university can log onto an intranet and modify their respective content areas. They can select between dozens of templates, upload and crop images, add videos, create slide shows, and add whole sections to their themes. The interactive cascades also act as 3D dynamic wayfinders, which can easily be maintained and updated from the university database to serve the most current data about the student body, alumni, or programs. The Cascade panels slide on a track system built into the floors and ceilings running throughout the Interpretive Center allowing the area to be rearranged in different ways to service for different functions. The information on the cascades can also be reconfigured to display relevant information for the event - reflect the right atmosphere. This stunning install visually represents the universities ethos of change and forward thinking. INTERACTIVITY IN EDUCATION Interactive displays and educational environments are an obvious match. In an environment focused on learning, developing ideas, keeping up to date with the latest findings and technology, digital signage is a clear solution. Interactive way finders give visitors more independence and freedom to explore the site as well as the information on display resulting in a personalised experience. The touchfoil is ideal for bespoke projects such as this. With custom sizes available the floor to ceiling displays were easily accommodated. The flexible foil based touch sensor fits flush to the glass, therefore not interfering with the design aesthetics of the cascades. This with zero bezel keeps them free from build-up of dust and dirt, so keeping them clean and smart is simple. Designed for public facing, unattended areas, the touchfoil has low maintenance requirements making it ideal for withstanding high volumes of traffic as experienced here in the University. A HUGE SUCCESS This innovative immersive interactive experience has generated fantastic recognition including numerous Digital Signage Awards. UK touch sensor manufacturer, visualplanet is thrilled that the touchfoil played a part in this impressive installation which showcases it’s abilities to add touch capabilities.
1http://secondstory.com/project/browse/ featured-work/university-of-oregon
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A Window into the future of retail THE WINDOW SHOPPING REVOLUTION Retail innovator, Adidas, brought magic to the streets of Nürnberg with a fully interactive, digital window experience – for seamless shopping via consumers’ smartphones. The Adidas NEO label storefront was transformed during a six week pilot that engaged with the teen fashion brand’s customers in a completely new way. Working with The Integer Group, Adidas were able to turn the new storefront into a fully functional store with life-size products and interactive mannequins; consumers could manipulate the models and explore the products with complete freedom – 24/7. With the latest advances in mobile technology and payment systems, consumers simply had to drag the product into their smartphone in order to make their purchase. THE TECHNOLOGY At the heart of this playful store front was the touchfoil – engineered by UK touch sensor manufacturer visualplanet and supplied by US distributor, Brookview Technologies.
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Visualplanet developed and delivered the world’s first through-window solution over a decade ago. We are delighted to see big brands bringing the concept to life and incorporating it with the latest technology advancements. The increasing adoption of touch-enabled windows and retail spaces will change the way we shop – forever. Vernon Spencer, Founder and MD of visualplanet
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By combining the storefront with e-commerce, interlinked by mobile technology, the system effectively extends store opening hours to 24/7 and gives consumers a fun and engaging brand experience at any time of the day. To ensure a quality brand experience consistent with the Adidas offering, it was vitally important to have a responsive, reliable and natural touch experience. IT WORKS … INTUITIVELY The key to the success of the interactive store window is simplicity. Customers need to be able to connect with a device in an incredibly short time to remain engaged. The final design resulted in everything — the window interface and mobile — being built in HTML5. Through a bi-directional connection via a simple URL, the users paired their mobiles with a one-time PIN. From then on, the user could simply drag products into a shopping bag on the window, to see them instantly appear on their device. For the user, the interface is intuitive because it operates by established conventions within retail spaces -now with an added layer to share, save and buy online.
INSPIRING DESIGN The Integer Group were keen to replicate the touch experience that consumers are used to enjoying with smaller screens, within a durable, reliable system that could perform within a busy retail environment. Hardware developed by The Integer Group using high-end narrow-bezel monitors was combined with a high performing through-glass touch sensor laminated onto the inside of the glass - the visualplanet touchfoil -– and connected by custom firmware. The mobile site was plugged straight into the Adidas e-commerce system, essentially operating as a mini e-commerce system in itself. If shoppers shared their list of products, the design was responsive, looking great on a laptop or tablet too. If friends changed sizes or colours,, they could re-share their own unique list multiplying the impact of just one person trying the window.
THE POWER OF TOUCH The touchfoil is simply laminated onto the inside of the shop window and then controlled by the user from the outside. With a consistently high performance touch through thick glass, no modification to the existing window was required. As the touchfoil is laminated onto the inside of the window, specifically engineered to perform in all weather conditions and challenging operating environments, it is both robust, reliable and vandal proof.
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The touchfoil is ideal for retail through-window applications as the latest installations combine the immediacy of online browsing with the theatre of a physical retail space for a truly unique customer experience. When combined with the right software, users can view live stock information, leave their details, obtain information via SMS, download details to a smartphone… the opportunities are endless. Not only does this model allow retailers to extend their customer offering, expand brand presence and maximise the commercial and visual impact of their window spaces – but it also provides unprecedented access to existing customers and new audiences. Vernon Spencer, Founder and MD of visualplanet
TRANSFORMING THE WAY CUSTOMERS ENGAGE WITH YOUR BRAND
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When a single person interacted with the screen it was seen that the attention of up to 90% of passers-by was captured. Consequently 1 in 4 entered the store after interacting with the window. As the pilot was such a resounding success, The Integer Group is now investigating how to scale up to a larger market deployment. The window shopping platform can also easily be removed and reused due to the reusable variant of the touchfoil - to meet the window shopping or virtual pop-up retail store objectives of any brand.
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How do you fit a city into a container? Maiden touchfoilTM installation for Oslo harbour brings city to life through interactivity. Visualplanet’s interactive touchfoil™ has docked - installed into a large container stationed at a harbour in the centre of Oslo, Norway – AkerBrygge. This innovative, large format interactive display was commissioned as a pilot project, designed and integrated by Back AS and Touch-It for the Coastal Society in Norway. Back AS was founded to deliver durable interactive exhibits in order to create engaging and novel visitor experiences from initial concept right through to project delivery. Their aim was to bring historical material to life, including a tour of the city, as well as to provide tourist information for visitors to the busiest shopping and business district in Oslo.
Play the film WITHSTANDING THE ENVIRONMENT The touchfoil enables a superior design aesthetic as well as heightened security and durability, thanks to its ability to perform consistently through thick glass. The behind-glass design flexibility also allows for freedom of choice in glass material as well asthe option to deliver bespoke design options for unique projects. The touchfoil is laminated onto the inside of the glass; robust and reliable, it has beenspecifically engineered to perform in all weather conditions and challenging operating environments. These unique features create a reliable touch sensor which requires no servicing, resulting in very low maintenance costs - perfect for the unattended placement of this public access display combined with the demands of this high footfall location in Norway’s capital.
CAPTIVATING CONTENT This 92� touchfoil is integrated with four LCD screens into the back of the shipping container. The display software incorporates both Google Maps and Adobe Flash programs. Users are able to add their own information via a multi-lingual web based interface, sharing points of interest, informative articles and pictures of their experiences. This creative installation has brought the jetty up to date with the very latest touch sensor technology. The interactive element combined with the unusual locationcreates intrigue which in turn generates higher levels of engagement with the display - inspiring more people to get involved, encouraging a wider distribution of local historical content and information. By thoughtfully positioning the container in a high footfall location, Back AS were able to maximise the engagement with the screen and captivate a wider audience in an external environment where this level of information would not normally be able to have been displayed. Running as a pilot project this installation has been a huge success with follow up plans to replicate in several cities both nationally and internationally.
On Track - with visualplanet touchfoil technology Visualplanet touchfoil partner, Fida has rolled out some impressive ticket machines in Gradi Stationi, Italy in conjunction with Italo. By incorporating large format interactive displays into the stations’ ticket machines, they instantly become more accessible and pave the way for a truly intuitive and seamless purchasing experience. EMPOWERING PASSENGERS THROUGH INTERACTIVITY With unprecedented numbers now choosing to travel by rail, the mass transportation sector in Italy has recognised the need to develop its service technology in line with consumer demand as well as the wider modernisation of the railway infrastructure. The result is increased accessibility and a greater degree of personalisation – and engagement with passengers - through the introduction of interactivity. By simply adding touch capabilities to the digital ticket machine screens - with a visualplanet touchfoil – passengers are able to instantly manipulate the screen to provide relevant, informative, customised content. This content can be regularly updated in real time, therefore providing the most current information to passengers. One of the most important features of the digitised ticket machines is their ability to switch between languages at the touch of a button, making global travel easier than ever before and reducing the burden on multi-lingual staff. Choosing large format screens also opens up compelling opportunities for generating a return on the original investment. With a larger screen it is possible to increase the amount of information available to the user; for example, software application upgrades can facilitate the addition of live timetabling information, alongside local area, travel and weather news, and promotions and events for regular travellers as well as visitors and holiday makers. Larger screens also offer the opportunity to incorporate advertising space, which can in turn generate income streams from the screens, justified by the wide reaching audience using the machines. TOUCHFOIL – THE CLEAR CHOICE The decision to incorporate interactivity within the ticket machines was straightforward, however, municipal projects in Italy typically face a series of complex compliance regulations before a final decision can be reached. It was, therefore vital that Fida selected a touch sensor for their client
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Since 2003 the visualplanet touchfoil™ has been used all around the world for some incredible interactive solutions. Our partners are an extremely inventive group, producing enduser signage solutions for our large screen touch technology in an astonishing variety of environments. The results of investment in large format interactivity are bringing about important improvements in the user experience and generating significant ROI for digital screens in the mass transportation sector Mike Cole, Director of visualplanet
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that would comply with local regulations as well as deliver reliable performance in unattended, self-servicing public environments – the clear choice was the visualplanet touchfoil. All the ticketing and way finding machines are IP65 sealed, so as the touchfoil is laminated onto the inside of the glass it is also safely concealed and able to withstand a high volume of touches and interactions per day. Combined with a high level specification, visualplanet’s touchfoil’s are UL and CE approved and the manufacturer holds certifications for Reach, RosH and FCC approvals. CUSTOMISED CONTENT Proximity sensors detect the presence of people near to the screens causing them to change dynamically from a static display to fully functional touch screen monitors - transforming simple information panels into automatic ticket machines. Simple navigation speeds up the ticket buying process and turnaround time - essential for busy commuters. Furthermore, the flexibility of digital screens linked to sophisticated computer systems means that the content can be customised for users who require a higher level of content and real time details for journey planning. KEEPING IT CLEAN Maintaining a clean and smart appearance is simple, and easily incorporated into the stations’ existing cleaning routines: with zero bezel the touchfoil is flat to the glass once laminated, therefore it is free from build-up of dust and dirt. EXPANDING ACROSS THE COUNTRY The impressive large format touch screens are part of a project that will roll out across ten of Italy’s main railway stations; visualplanet is thrilled that the touchfoil has been selected for this contemporary and high profile upgrade to the country’s mass transportation systems. The overall design concept for Italo has been recognised with awards for innovation, based on the creation of a fluid space and seamless service using technology from departures to arrivals that includes decisions, movements, waiting time and the journey of travellers.
A Mini Adventure The visualplanet touchfoil arrived in Canary Wharf, London to provide 24/7 real time information through the BMW & Mini Synter show room window. There is an increasing expectation for big brands to use interactive solutions to ensure that up to date information is made available to their existing customers and to spark potential new leads at any time of the day. At the BMW Approved Used Cars and Mini Cherished show room, the visualplanet touchfoil has been used to add touch to an impactful through-window display which combines traditional print advertising with the latest interactive screen technology. The through-window solutions have been integrated into showroom windows at BMW Park Lane and two of Vines Group’s authorised dealerships at Redhill and Guildford.
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BMW Approved Used Cars and Mini Cherished requested VisionPoint to place two touch through-glass applications at Sytner Canary Warf for VPT the choice of foil was obvious. We use visualplanet touchfoils as we know that they work from day one and continue to work - simple. Alan Hopkins, Director VisionPoint 2013
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Visualplanet partners VisionPoint created an engaging and interactive window display with touch enabled through an integrated touchfoil. Due to the touchfoil’s ability to work through any nonmetallic surface, including thick glass - no modification was needed to the existing shop window in order to fit the display. The touchfoil has simply been laminated onto the inside of the glass. The interactive content is then displayed on an LCD screen on the inside of the showroom behind the glass. The content can then be driven by the user from outside of the store.
The advantage of the behind-glass engineered technology means that the touch sensor is completely vandal proof and can easily withstand the elements - able to work in all weather conditions and the touchfoil even performs through the glass when the user is wearing gloves. ACCESS ALL AREAS, AT ALL TIMES The aptly named Touch247 interactive software provided by VisionPoint is truly intuitive, allowing customers to navigate to their destination within four clicks, depending on criteria — price, type of car, mileage, for example. It also enables the showroom to add and update current promotions and ads on the screen saver. The through-window solution acts as a ‘silent salesman’ positioned to attract high footfall or selected audiences, and allows for easy user data collection. Users can search for specific information at any time of the day on the screen and then upload the information onto a smart phone or tablet device. Users can also leave their details for someone to contact them – which means that the dealership can easily capture vital data from potential purchasers - out of hours they may have otherwise missed. Consistent and simple network management is carried out through automatic updates via 3G. All content updates can be managed remotely, without dealer intervention. The screen can show all available stock, mirroring what is available on the web with real time pricing. VisionPoint’s Touch247 software system is run via a complete stand-alone 3G wireless infrastructure. DRIVING FORWARD WITH THE LATEST TECHOLOGY AND DESIGN Working closely on the design with a sound understanding of the operating challenges of external facing through-window displays, VisionPoint trialled high brightness screens for these displays. For the Guildford branch, VisionPoint sourced a high brightness 46in Sunlight display from German company Screen New Technologies, to deal with the low winter sun blinding the dealer’s heavily glazed façade. The brightness of the 46” Screen NT Sunlight system increases if the surrounding light source increases, while the contrast and colours remain true. The principle is based on harnessing the strength of the sun, and automatically brightening the picture via an inbuilt reflective system behind the crystals, in accordance with lighting levels. THE RESULT ARE IN VisionPoint provided the dealerships with regular up to date statistics on how many searches and views had been performed for every screen, in order to give BMW an understanding of the ROI and to optimise the location of the displays. Following the completion of the trial period, both Vines and BMW Park Lane evaluated the added benefits of the technology and decided to adopt the systems on an on-going basis – an evident success. These displays can also further extend the reach of the dealership – by being set up through other unused retail/commercial window spaces.
The shopping mall of the future; brought to life in Holland through interactive technology PresTop in Holland have used the visualplanet touchfoil to bring the The Alexandrium Woonmall Shopping Centre in Rotterdam to life with interactive technology. The displays are a major feature of the shopping center, providing a visual spectacle at the entrance to the centre, welcoming shoppers and visitors and intuitively guiding them around the vast 1.6 million sq. m retail facility. YOUR INTERACTIVE GUIDE As one of the largest indoor shopping centres in the Netherlands, the Commercial Center Alexandrium consists of approximately 210 stores, with around 60 stores in the home decoration and interior design section. Prominently displayed at the entrance to the home decoration and interior design area of the shopping centre, customers are now greeted by a range of exciting and engaging interactive displays including two 2 touch kiosks and three 42” hanging displays. Located in the heart of the “Living Mall” is an impressive, custom-made two-sided 42” touch totem – all made interactive with an integrated touchfoil. The stores in this area of the mall range from high street fashion to large retail megastores alongside an aesthetically inspirational home decoration and interior design section. Navigating around this overwhelming amount of store choice requires high performing, robust and reliable wayfinding applications that are easy to use and maintain the ability to blend into and match the contemporary design of the shopping centre. THE PERFECT FIT The introduction of the interactive touch screens was part of a complete re-design of the home decoration and interior design section of the mall, with the ambition to better cater to the needs of its visitors. • The kiosks needed to be visually attractive to draw the attention of passers-by, • the content needed to be intuitive and easy to use, and; • • the technology needed to be robust and reliable for the unattended displays in large footfall location demands. Visualplanet partner PresTop - specialists in interactive solutions - worked closely AOPEN – a major electronics manufacturer and one of the world’s leading providers of commercial products and applied business solutions - to create these visually impressive, robust, easy to use, wayfinding kiosks to be displayed throughout the shopping mall. The kiosks were designed by combining the very latest and most innovative technology in their respective fields: Philips displays, AOPEN Digital Engine media players, Omnitappstouch software and visualplanet touchfoils. THE LATEST ADVANCES IN TOUCH SENSOR TECHNOLOGY The visualplanet touchfoil was selected due to its ability to work through thick glass combined with its reliability to perform consistently in unattended, public facing environments. The foil based touch sensor is laminated straight on to the inside of the glass; its ability to work on any non-metallic surface meant that they could simply be retrofitted within the existing kiosks without modification or compromising creativity and design. Placed behind the glass the user does not come into direct contact with the sensor, therefore it is safely concealed and vandal proof. Maintaining a clean and smart appearance is simple, and can be easily incorporated into the centers’ existing cleaning routines: with zero bezel the touchfoil is flat to the glass once laminated, therefore it is free from build-up of dust and dirt.
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“With the visualplanet touchfoil™ we can make solutions that look good yet are still vandal- proof, useable for public spaces and easy to keep clean without being affected by outside influences” Richard Roggeveen, Account manager PresTop Products
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ENHANCING THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE Application design is of vital importance to user experience. Customers are increasingly coming to expect an instant, personalised and easily accessible service at the touch of a screen. Through the advanced Omnitaps wayfinding software application, shoppers are effortlessly able to search for their favourite stores. The digital screens have a smart category search option for the easy identification of relevant places to visit and to highlight “recommended for you” stores they may not have considered previously. Once the user has found where they would like to visit, a QR code then pops up on the screen which can be scanned to upload the directions; additional details then appear on their smart phone to help them reach their desired destination.
BRINGING THE MALL INTO THE DIGITAL ERA To increase ROI of the screens, when no interaction is taking place they automatically switch to display additional advertisements and promotions for events that are taking place in the mall. Centrally and remotely managed, the messages and adverts on the screens are straightforward to update daily. The user can also view these in more detail when they interact with the screen, allowing the user to feel in control of the messages they receive, also enabling them to manipulate the details to meet their precise requirements. The advertisements also open up opportunities to generating further income for the mall, as the retailers will have the opportunity to run commercial advertisements on screens. Digital messages are more eyecatching and therefore more able to effectively deliver the message to the customer, ultimately driving them into store to purchase the promoted product.
Plenty more fish in the sea Interactive window display highlights the problems associated with overfishing and encourages passers-by to donate money to an important fishing responsibility campaign. Project Ocean was launched in May 2011 in the window of Selfridges department store, Oxford Street, London. It was strategically positioned to inspire the public to: celebrate the beauty of the oceans, understand the threats resulting from over-fishing and, help make positive choices about the right fish to buy and eat. DIVE INTO THE HISTORY Back in 1906 Harry Gordon Selfridge - armed with his revolutionary understanding of publicity and the theatre of retail - set up his dream store. With a vision for it to be an all-day recreational experience, Selfridge placed a huge importance on visually immersive displays - this led to store becoming the pioneer of iconic window displays in London, setting the benchmark for the rest of the world. Using the store’s influential status within the retail sector – well known for being the first to have the latest trends in stock - combined with their creativity and knowledge of this engaging advertising medium, Selfridges found an innovative way to proactively support the Project Ocean campaign – by simply upgrading to touch. WINDOW INTO THE OCEAN Selfridges Project Ocean is a long-term partnership between Selfridges and The Zoological Society of London to stop overfishing, pollution and to protect our oceans through the creation of marine reserves. Selfridges brought on London agency 18 Feet to help them with the campaign design, the agency working closely with digital specialists Clusta. The aim was to make sure the information around marine conservation was both clear and accessible, so the campaign became focused on communicating - visually - why and how we should protect our ocean ecosystems in a constructive and entertaining way. Taking advantage of their extremely high footfall location, Selfridges were able to captivate vast audiences with this huge display - holding their attention with an appealing interactive application. This was a winning combination for increasing awareness, support and generating donations. FISHING FOR DETAILS Since inception Selfridges has been extremely innovative in the layout of the store and displays so it was natural for them to request the most innovative touch technology for their window display. The 4x2m interactive window was an excellent combination of hardware, custom software, four 80” (2.03m) dnp cross-prism screens, a digital display system and touch enabled using a massive 134” visualplanet touchfoil supplied by visualplanet partner Paradigm AV. Passers-by were encouraged to interact with the ocean scene at a street level. Sending a text donation to the cause would then trigger a fish to ‘being born’ in real time on the screen signifying that their money had been received. The live animation of the fish’s birth from the text donation was activated by a custom physics engine system created by the agency. Due to the touchfoil’s ability to work through any non-metallic surface, including thick glass - no modification was needed to the existing shop window in order to fit the display. The touchfoil is easily laminated onto the inside of the glass - the advantage of this behind-glass engineered technology means that the touch sensor is completely vandal proof and can easily withstand the elements - able to work in all weather conditions, the touchfoil even performs through the glass
when the user is wearing gloves. This ensures that the content can reach passers-by at all times of the day and can continue to work to the high performance level expected. To ensure that users interacted with the screen and stayed engaged to make a donation meant that it was important to have a responsive, reliable and natural touch experience combined with an intuitive and simple to use application. With a consistently high performance touch through thick glass, choosing the visualplanet touchfoil was the obvious for this installation. With zero bezel the touchfoil is flat to the glass once laminated, therefore it is free from build-up of dust and dirt – maintaining the expected user experience and quality of display. CATCHING ALL THE TECHNOLOGY The agency developed a number of different digital touch points for the campaign, including a dynamic website, iPhone app as well as the vast interactive digital ocean window display. These mediums enabled the reach and accessibility of the campaign to extend even further. By asking the users to text the donation, the campaign was able to capture their details and measure ROI. Details could be used to continue communications with the donors, to give thanks and alert them of future promotions - making for a more personal user experience. KEEP SWIMMING Since its inception, Project Ocean has grown and evolved throughout the years. In partnership with ZSL, the global movement for marine protection was created through establishing the Marine Reserves Coalition (MRC). Since then they have brought together leading conservation groups in both the UK and abroad. The campaign – which also includes a window featuring chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and his Fish Fight concept – was officially opened by HRH the Prince of Wales. Project Ocean has been extremely well received, with the website, iPhone app and window, all contributing significantly to generation of incremental donations towards the campaign. Nearly 4 million people saw Project Ocean’s windows and 3000 Fish Guide iPhone apps have been downloaded to date. Over 50,000 visits to the Project Ocean website were seen within a 2 month period.
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This window is an enormous achievement, and has set an exciting precedent for the use of technology in future Selfridges schemes. The outcome is a hugely successful, visually striking window, with a slick, user-friendly interactive element Abi Shapiro – Production Manager, Selfridges
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Digital Wayfinding – information at your fingertips Thousands of people visit the Embarcadero Center - one of San Francisco’s premier shopping destinations - each day. RTKL, a Los Angeles-based environmental graphic design team, was selected to work on the project to ensure that the solution worked in harmony with the architecture. The application was devised exclusively for the shopping centre to accentuate its unique brand encompassing retail, dining and event experiences occurring in any of the centre’s four building locations. Features include an audience-relevant attract loop to incite interaction, 3D dynamic maps to provide clear, distinct paths to desired destinations, even access to Bart train schedules, cinema times, and upcoming events. All integrated into the brand’s existing content management application, marketing stakeholders can manage their web and digital signage campaigns from a single platform. RESEPCTING THE EXISTING, ENCORPORATING THE NEW The key to the digital upgrade was to rethinking wayfinding in the digital era whilst continuing to respect the landmark architecture. Although the design was crucial for success, the profitable improvement aims were primarily to re-energize engagement with the retail area and secondly, better direct people to the office lobbies and towers above to improve customer service for visitors. The upgrade also needed to seamlessly link static navigation with digital interactive wayfinding. Finally, the application displayed on the interactive touchscreens would be complimented by phone and tablet apps. STEPPING INTO THE DIGITAL ERA During the early project stages, it was opted to upgrade to ½-inch glass faces and stainless steel returns. To create a seamless appearance, Corporate Sign Systems, RTKL’s digital partner, recommended touchfoil technology rather than conventional touchscreens. The design required a single continuous glass panel, so a foil based touch sensor fitting flush to the glass was necessary to compliment the design. The touchfoil was laminated directly on to the glass, and was surrounded by a translucent digital print that was also applied to the back of the glass. The LCD monitor was then mounted to the internal sign structure, independent of the glass and behind the touchfoil. The touchfoil continues to operate consistently through thick glass; when a user touches the front of the glass to drive the content on the screen behind the glass, the touchfoil sends the signal through a connected, nonvisible circuit ‘whip’ to the display and mini-PC inside. The touchfoil is perfect for
fitting in seamlessly to existing kiosk designs. Working consistently through glass thicknesses up to 15mm, it does not become a barrier to design in terms of glass selection or ‘designing in’ to existing kiosks. Working through thick glass the sensor is ideal for withstanding high volumes of traffic in public facing applications. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION The signs need to be strategically placed in critical points to be most useful to the visitors. Finding a solution that works within the building’s concrete construction - open air with high traffic conditions - posed the greatest design challenge. The solution was to select touchfoil technology so the signage at the Embarcadero Center could be brought to life, whilst maintaining design integrity with the added reassurance of zero maintenance and longevity of the displays within the rugged solutions.
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WHY UPGRADE? It has never been easier to find your way around - upgrading to interactive wayfinding dramatically improves user experience. Frustration is reduced because at the touch of a button users can switch through languages, carry out searches, and navigate between a map, aerial view or written directions. The information can simply be selected and sent directly to a mobile device to continue supporting the user on their way. For the management of the displays, costs are significantly reduced – no more out of date printed maps - simply keep everything up to date on a central system, reducing the number of people needed to assist with navigation and even set up support on the screens .The content displayed can instantly be refreshed to display announcements, promotions or generate revenue through advertisement displays - all contributing to improving the overall customer experience.” Vernon Spencer, Managing Director, visualplanet
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Enduring extreme environments visualplanet’s partner Hantarex has integrated the touchfoil™ into some very durable outdoor Totem. The 300+ units are enduring extreme environments across Europe, including Point of Information wayfinders in Russia and ticketing machines positioned in airports and railway stations. Russia has been ranked as the third region/country worldwide within USA and after UK and France, to focus and invest over Digital Signage big projects and networks. By boosting up their Digital Signage, the country confirms its commitment toward this new communication media. Visualplanet are delighted to be chosen to support this growing market. A network of these kiosks has been deployed in Sankt Ptereburg, in the largest waterworks power station in the region. Consisting of double sided 46” Touch Screen Multimedia Totems, with High Brightness and IP65 compliance to stand to an Outdoor environment of -40°C extreme low temperatures they are likely to have to endure whilst being stationed in Russia. The purpose of this particular network of displays is to create a wide range of interactive signage sustained centrally for remote communication. The displays turn an otherwise unutilised outdoor area into points of interest, the kiosks can display a wealth of information about the area, the history of the waterworks and how it works, alongside any key visitor information or specific site updates. The interactive element is useful for keeping both visitors and employees of the waterworks informed. The digital network means the waterworks can centrally manage the totems and keep them regularly up to date so they are both exteremely informative and current saving both on time and cost. The external positioning of these displays meant that it was crucial to create totems that are both robust and reliable, with a zero maintenance touch sensor to withstand the public facing placement. The Outdoor totems, with a stainless steel base and a heavy duty anti-vandal, these IP65 structures are reinforced with special clamps and safety lock predisposition, making them the perfect solution in outdoor rugged environments. The displays have been manufactured using the latest high grade
commercial panels providing superb image performance and long life expectancy. Due to their positioning it is highly important that these totems meet the required international IP standard rating for enclosures and electrical equipment resistance to dust and liquids. These totems are rated IP65 where, 6 = dust rating; no ingress and 5 = limited ingress permitted, totem can withstand low pressure jets of water from all directions. The touchfoil works seamlessly with kiosks specifically designed for outdoor use. Positioned behind the glass the touchfoil is safely concealed and protected from the impact of the external environment and therefore doesn’t affect the totems IP rating. VISUALPLANET, NOT JUST ADDING TOUCH The screens selected for the totems are high brightness to compete with ambient light and guarantee the best optical displays for a high quality user experience. External environmental conditions such as high levels of UV can affect display quality so therefore it is highly important to protect the LCD displays from UV rays to increase the life span of interactive solution to maintain quality and reduce costs. Fortunately the touchfoil is available as a UV blocking variant, which comes with an optically clear protection layer already added which blocks 98% of UVA and UVB sunrays to protect LCD panels against the risk of long-term exposure to UV, which saves both time and money as it removes the need to apply separate protection. The touchfoil is ideal for digital out of home signage as operation is unaffected by direct sunlight, dirt, dust, moisture and even chewing gum making it ideal for public facing displays. It is even possible to use whilst wearing gloves. The deployment of digital signage has proved to be very useful for exposing the corporate identity of the waterworks, displaying current information, data capturing as well as acting as a source of entertainment for visitors.
Now enjoy the world of touch
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