Whether it's time to rethink your conference room, update your storefront, or revamp your welcome center, you may want to consider up fitting your space with the latest technology. Have you considered digital signage? Touchscreen walls? Mobile applications? With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the design that's right for you. We've come up with a simple formula to help guide you through the process of how to design your space with interactive in mind:
Horizontal and/or Vertical
When looking at your space, the first thing you want to determine is where to place an interactive piece of technology. Consider the environment, both the physical space and the people who will be inhabiting the area, as well as what you want to accomplish with technology. Technology integrated into horizontal surfaces - such as interactive tables and kiosks - provides a space for groups to gather around for 360 degree access. Technology integrated into vertical surfaces - such as interactive walls - allows you to broadcast your message whether the technology is in use or not. Vertical displays are more easily integrated into smaller floorplans, but remember that storage space can be more easily built into horizontal designs - your touchscreen table can double as a display case, dresser, and more.
Interactive and/or Digital Display
Think of the message you want to convey. Is it better communicated through digital displays (videos, images, graphics, etc) or experienced through interactive touch technology?
Fixed Asset and/or Mobile App
Again, think of your message. Would it be better broadcasted on a fixed asset, for many people to see or use at once, or is it better experienced on an individual basis through personal devices? There's no need to pick just one, you can always add-on a mobile app to complement your fixed interactive asset.
Freestanding and/or Integrated
Mobility is an important factor to consider. If you plan to move your technology around a space or between locations, freestanding technology will provide greater portability and flexibility. If the technology will remain fixed to a permanent location, you might want to consider integrated solutions, which blend in better with their environment.
Indoor and/or Outdoor
Where do you plan to display your technology? What is the environment like? Technology can be stunning outdoors, but requires additional features - such as brightness adjustment, glare protectant, and protection against the elements.
Personal View and/or Public View
Is your message private? Personal view allows a level of privacy that's ideal for providing individualized information (think Doctor's offices, anything that might involve payments, etc...). If your goal is to reach as many people as possible at once, public view is the way to go.
Self-service and/or Associate-Guided
Do you want your interactive experience to be customer-driven? Or would you rather provide a powerful tool for your associates to better interact with customers?
Once you've answered these questions, you're well on your way to designing an interactive experience.