Introduction
In collaboration with Snap Vision, University College London (UCL) and Cisco, we undertook the creation of an innovative interactive retail exhibit. This case study delves into the conceptualization, design, and implementation of a pioneering solution that seamlessly integrated colour analysis cloud services and cutting-edge technology to transform the retail experience.
The Challenge
Our mission was to develop an interactive retail exhibit that not only showcased advanced retail technologies but also engaged customers in an immersive and memorable way. We aimed to harness the power of colour analysis and offer customers a unique and dynamic shopping experience.
The Solution
Interactive Colour Matching: We incorporated Snap Vision's Snap Fashion colour analysis cloud service, enabling customers to identify products in the store that matched a scanned colour. To make this process engaging and interactive, we designed and built a touch-enabled user interface. This interface allowed customers to preview and scan a wide range of colours and patterns using a movable camera. The system was versatile, enabling the of scanning everything from clothing to hair and eye colours.
Dynamic Product Display: The heart of the exhibit was the presentation of products based on the scanned colours. The system displayed columns of multi-touch scrollable products organized into categories of clashing, contrasting, and matching colours. This dynamic presentation allowed customers to explore a wide range of products that fit their preferences.
Projection Mapping: To further enhance the retail experience, a different user interface was projected onto a wall within the store. This interface showcased key products alongside the original colour swatch. The projection mapping created a visually engaging and informative display.
Tech Deployment
Our exhibit was powered by a custom Linux stack, with its own backend hosted on-site for maximum control and responsiveness. The user interface was crafted using HTML5 and CSS3, and deployed usinga custom kiosk web browser we developed, able to tap into camera image data, and to sync itself across two outputs. The backend was built using the Rails framework, facilitating seamless communication with the Snapfashion web-based API. In addition to the technical aspects, we designed and produced motion graphics for projection mapping, adding a visually captivating layer to the exhibit.
Outcome
The interactive retail exhibit was a resounding success, captivating customers and providing them with an unparalleled shopping experience. By seamlessly integrating colour analysis, touch interfaces, and projection mapping, the exhibit breathed life into the concept of interactive retail. Customers could not only explore products in a fun and engaging manner but also discover matching or contrasting items based on their scanned colours.
Conclusion
Our collaboration with Snap Vision, UCL and Cisco led to the creation of an interactive retail exhibit that pushed the boundaries of retail technology. By merging advanced colour analysis with interactive interfaces and projection mapping, we demonstrated the future of retail experiences. This project underscores our commitment to blending technology and creativity to create memorable and engaging solutions for our clients.
