We are always on the lookout for new digital interactive technology to incorporate into our branding, communications and storytelling solutions. The 2017 Digital Signage Exposition (DSE) 2017 held on March 28-30 showcased some exciting, new interactive technologies that could find their way into our solutions shortly. Las Vegas is Mecca for digital displays, so it was the perfect location to hold the show.
At White Design Studio, we integrate a variety of mediums and techniques into our experiential graphic design features. Always looking for new digital interactive technology, we diligently comb the digital horizon for hardware, software and peripheral devices that enable and facilitate our storytelling. WDS has always strived to make technology invisible in our designs, helping to deliver the show without it being the show. The iPhone’s tenth anniversary has made it increasingly difficult to stand out. Now going low-tech to demonstrate or deliver a key messaging is a more effective technique. With this in mind, this year’s show featured some exciting new digital interactive technology. The interactive technologies left us re-energized and anxious to weave some of these innovations into one of our future communications challenges. Here are top 3 things Peter brought back from the show:
1. DynaFlash – We have been experimenting with projection mapping for almost a decade now. We like how it marries static white sculptural shapes with frenetic digital skins, and we have utilized it as a storytelling technique that is unique, artful and engaging. Tucked in the back of the show, the Inrevium Company booth was plain and small. It was manned by animated, non-English speaking youth who were obviously excited by what they were demonstrating but at first glance, I was unsure of its application. It was only after some research that the possibilities for this device revealed itself.
The DynaFlash projector delivers video at 1000fps (frames per second). That is impressive compared to an average projector running a standard 24-30fps, but it is the dynamic projection mapping onto deforming non-rigid surfaces that make it special—”What did you say?” When this super-fast projector links to projection mapping software, it can continuously map digital images onto an ever-changing and moving screen. Think of an advertiser being able to project a video onto the back of an NBA player’s jersey – ok, maybe not, but that is the easiest way to understand what this digital interactive technology can do. Low latency (response time) keeps the image refreshed while the geometry of the screen (the jersey in this NBA illustration) is continuously moving. Once this idea clicked with us, our minds began to smoke with possibilities.
Watch this quick video:
2. ViewNeo – Computers are great at triggering other computers or software events. Triggering a light bulb to come on or other another powered device has been an expensive and cumbersome task. Enter ViewNeo, a Düsseldorf-based company with a low-cost ecosystem that utilizes actuators and sensors to trigger software, hardware and external devices (like a light bulb or any 110 power socket). This digital interactive technology is inexpensive, German-designed and efficient (we already said German, didn’t we?). The interactive system consists of a central sign player hub, called the Butler.But here is where it gets interesting; they also sell Motion Sensor Detectors. These detectors trigger the Sign Player AND Radio Plugs – 110 outlet switches – that are integrated into video timelines to come on and off. A boon for multimedia presentations that extend off the computer screen and into the environment. Think of a diorama or store display that reacts to your audience’s proximity and then deliver a dynamic environmental presentation using a variety of powered props – like a product turntable, a bank of lights or even a fan. The sample installation in their booth had a video that was art directed into marrying these external events into the video. e.g. When the light bulb turned on, the lighting on the model on the video changed to reflect the external change – they did the same thing with a fan – the model’s hair began to blow in the breeze. Very effective. Very affordable. Very aufregend. Very aufregend indeed.
Great new digital interactive technology at the DSE 2017 in Las Vegas
3. EloTouch’s – EloView Solution – We’ve been specifying EloTouch monitors for a long time. We’ve also designed several proprietary software packages for specific projects that also lend themselves to a host of other applications. Obstacles to deploying our solutions are IT integration, set-up, delivery, content/operating software updates/maintenance. Enter, EloView, a new solution from EloTouch – a cloud-based authoring hub, EloTouch monitor and form factor PC integrated solution.
With this digital interactive technology, we can author any App or HTML5 Website and run it over the EloView solution. First an EloTouch touchscreen-enabled monitor arrives onsite. Then, it only has to be plugged into an outlet and connected to the local WIFI – easy. The EloView online portal delivers the content to the unit. It allows constant monitoring and updating by our team. It can even set up a series of monitors for campus installations. All connected, up-to-date and remote-maintained. It all runs on Android, and there is no limit to the number of accounts we can host. It even has a camera so incorporating proximity and motion activation into the designs is easy and seamless. A game changer for custom-designed, interactive, touch solutions. We can’t wait to try it out on some of our custom software solutions.
https://www.elotouch.com/elo-view
Look for more reports in the future. For more information on how White Design Studio can integrate a communications solution for you, contact Peter directly at pete@whitedesignstudio.com