Background
In the evolving landscape of retail analytics, the demand for comprehensive insights into customer behavior has never been greater. Retailers seek to understand foot traffic patterns, dwell times, and customer demographics to optimize store layouts, staff allocation, and marketing strategies. However, the conventional surveillance solutions and sensors employed for this purpose have often raised privacy concerns and disrupted the shopping experience. To address these challenges, we embarked on a journey to design, engineer, and prototype a discreet, unobtrusive glass-mounted camera system for retail footfall tracking.
Design & Prototyping
We envisioned a small, low-profile camera that could be easily mounted onto store windows or glass doors, minimizing disruption to the shopping environment.
Our design process was marked by tight-knit design iterations and rapid prototyping, which allowed us to have tangible, hands-on samples at all stages of development. This iterative approach enabled us to swiftly assess and refine our design, incorporating valuable insights and feedback from both ourselves and our client.
- Discreet Design: Our priority was to make the camera system inconspicuous. We meticulously designed the camera housing to blend seamlessly with glass surfaces, ensuring minimal customer awareness.
- Innovative Mounting: We utilised a new and unique adhesive tape for secure yet non-damaging camera attachment to glass surfaces.
- Iterative Refinement: We iteratively refined the design based on feedback from both our client and retailers, ensuring alignment with retailer needs and software capabilities.
- Production Scalability: Our design allowed for easy scalability and adaptation to various retail settings, allowing us to move from prototyping to production using the same manufacturing methods.
Testing and Validation
Prototypes were installed in retail environments in and around Covent Garden and Regents Street, London, to evaluate their functionality and performance.
Manufacturing
Our manufacturing approach revolved around the agile use of 3D printing and rapid prototyping technologies, enabling us to seamlessly transition from prototypes to full-scale production while accommodating specific installation requirements.
Continuous Improvement
We maintained a commitment to continuous improvement, consistently seeking ways to optimize our manufacturing process, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency while upholding stringent quality standards.
This agile and adaptable manufacturing approach allowed us to provide retail partners with highly customized and efficient camera systems, tailored to their unique needs and installation specifications.
