November 30, 2011 7:23 PM
Posted byKatie
When you think “technology” and “trade show” – it’s hard not to think iPad.
Regardless of the industry or specific event, this iconic tool is showing up everywhere, and for good reason. It’s adaptable, allows for personalization and as a consumer-facing tool, it can be a less expensive option than others available on the market. And, according to a recent whitepaper by TBA Global, Gartner predicts that the number of iPad users could increase to 100 million by 2012, with an average of 6,000 new iPad apps available each month.
For many, the fact that this tool is quickly becoming ubiquitous is good enough reason to jump on the bandwagon. However, before you sprint to your closest Apple store, follow the next four best practices to ensure that your technology tools are being used in a strategic, thoughtful way that reflects your brand:
Know your audience: How do you want your consumers to interact with your brand? How can you transform your brand in such a way that the technology reflects your values while being engaging, informative and an extension of your sales team?
Content is king: In any platform, this old adage holds true. Just as your communications need to always add value to the interactions customers have with your brand, this needs to be carried over to your iPads and any other technology to bring to the floor. No matter how cool the app you made is, if it’s not smart, don’t bother.
Get your team together: According to the whitepaper TBA Global published, “Welcome to the iPad,” tech experts are a must if you’re going to undertake the app endeavor. Build a clever program, test it, work out the kinks and have ample feet on the ground at your next event to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.
Data: Determine what you need and why and make sure that it works seamlessly with your existing data management or CRM system. Remember that data is only as good as the next step – whether that be sending information to your reseller, dealer or product teams so that they can follow up quickly, or, your'e able to address customer pain points in a timely fashion.
No matter the execution – product demos, lead retrieval, educational, social media engagement or reporting – make the most of your technology investments by starting with strategy and remaining true to your brand.
November 17, 2011 5:14 PM
Posted byJon DeGorsky
It's pretty much the reason you get into this profession, really.
That moment when you're observing an everyday interaction between a
person and an object. Your object. They don't necessarily think about
who created it, but you do. They're more concerned about what it is,
taking for granted what it was. It's backstory, it's process of
creation. Whether it's a mirror on a car, running shoe, toaster, or in
my case an exhibit space, every object we interact with is someone's
creation. Someone's achievement. Here's a brief snapshot of my first
achievement.
Beyond every
negative occurance and learning curve frustration was the possibility
of standing under the spotlights in my own booth. My first real design
coming to life. At this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas, I was able to
witness hundreds of people interact with my first real design
achievement. If there's a language that has the words to describe that
feeling, I certainly don't speak it. It's definitely in a moment like
that where you think back to all the "what ifs" and pessimism of the
past. A five year moment in the making defined by discipline, intuition,
OCD, and luck. I suppose it's all downhill from here. Kidding, of
course. Hopefully.
So what
exactly am I going on about? Nitto Tire's 2011 SEMA booth. A span of
brightly lit, winding fabric walls and archways filled with
touch-interactive tire stands utilizing a never before seen Digital
Passport information system. This Digital
Passport experience allowed users to sign up online for a QR code to be
sent to their cell phone or other smart device. From there, the user
would scan the code on a tire stand within the space. After scanning the
code, every interaction the user had with the touch display would be
tracked, and at the end of their experience they would receive an email
with the exact information they went over in the interactive. At SEMA,
there was hardly a digital or interactive presence, so the interactive
system within the Nitto tire booth was a significant crowd draw.
Check the space out yourself in the pictures by photographer Jamie Padgett below!
November 13, 2011 9:47 PM
Posted byEli
November 09, 2011 10:16 AM
Posted byJeff Paterson
November 08, 2011 4:21 PM
Posted byJon DeGorsky
"Multitouch screens are so versatile and easy to use, why limit them to smartphones and tablets? Researchers have been working for several years to extend multitouch to arbitrary surfaces, but a project called OmniTouch from Microsoft Research and a PhD student at the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University may bring it closer to reality."
Another stepping stone to science non-fiction. Taking the touch experience from designated tablets and phones to any surface imaginable, if executed seamlessly, could be a massive leap in industry and non-industry social/informational interactive experiences.
SOURCE: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2011/10/microsoft-researchers-want-to-turn-your-hand-into-a-touch-screen.ars?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss
November 07, 2011 3:34 PM
Posted bySteve Riley
November 07, 2011 7:09 AM
Posted byEli
A great example of AR entertainment. This playful and Fun interactive to bring awareness to the National Geographic Channel in Hungary.
Tags:
November 04, 2011 1:34 PM
Posted bySteve Riley
i love way this form reminds us how tiny we really are as it teeters over you. no decoration. just thought.
November 04, 2011 8:29 AM
Posted byEli
A stunning example of nature in all of its beautiful and unpredictable
glory. A chance encounter and shared moment with one of natures greatest and
most fleeting phenomena.
November 03, 2011 8:41 PM
Posted byAdam Sweet
Some very cool office décor for creative spaces. I like the juxtaposition of super ornate
surroundings with modern furniture and fixtures. Although the Azure space is
something out of a Dr. Suess story.
Happy imagining!
Next >>