Specializing in the Visually Impossible

In our innovation center we featured a number of technologies to engage with the consumer in retail.  Digital signage was a common application.  We invited companies, large and small, to participate in providing new technologies.  One such company was 5th Screen, which has just updated their web site.  See also Digital SignageToday, which mentions one of their principals, Keith Kelsen, Who posts about trends in the space.   Very visual and forward looking, they have much experience in retail.    They write in their blog:

" ... We help you bring discovery and education to the in-store experience and deliver an Immersive experience. Every visit is an opportunity to create loyalty, add value and tell the brand story.We develop, with our clients, unique in-store digital experiences that serve to ENTERTAIN and EDUCATE the consumer.  The success of our digital engagement projects are a result of their VISUAL APPEAL, integration with the overall store design and their EASE OF USE.  We understand that retailers and brands have different and sometimes conflicting goals.  Retailers focus on increasing their top line sales SELLING MORE.  Brands increase their top lines sales by ENHANCING THE BRAND experience.  Our challenge is to create a store environment that meets both brand enhancement and retail sales objectives. We work with our client, store designers and fabricators to create a true DIGITAL DESTINATON STORE that develops and maintains an engaging, ongoing and relevant relationship with the consumer.  ... " 

Fighting for the Fifth Screen

It is a challenge.  With tablets and phones, and now watches and even goggle-glasses, added to all the screens popping up everywhere,  there is real motion  to get every last bit of attention and information serving delivery space filled out.  This Fastcompany article states it well.  Once again I recommend Keith Kelsen's book and my related writings on the subject.  We are moving quickly in serving up how this works and will evolve.   Next are the details of how will this work, what will be shown and how the interaction will be tailored.  How can that data then be used?   What models of interaction will be needed?    We are working on the details.

See also the 5thscreen blog for more.

Digital Sign Deployments

In Digital Signage Today: A video of cool out of home digital signage deployments from 2011.  By Keith Kelsen.   I am currently reading his 2010 book:  Unleashing the Power of Digital Signage: Content Strategies for the 5th Screen. Which has some great examples as well.

Inhalio: Digital Scent as a Service

Recently received an update of this.  Previously had examined for retail scent oriented applications as part of our innovation spaces.  Impressive new directions, like use in automobiles.   Note use for things like mood mapping.   Contact Keith for more information. 

Inhalio Overview

Inhalio is a global leader in cloud-based digital scent technology and digital scent as a service. The Inhalio Digital Scent 3.0 Platform is transformative to personal wellness and well-being by diffusing scents that sanitize airborne viruses, eliminate malodors, and create mood-mapped experiences. We focus on the science of scent using a data-centric process of precise scent infusion, molecular dry-air diffusion, and detailed customer insights. Inhalio recently acquired Exhalia, a recognized leader in scent infusion systems.

INHALIÓ: THE WORLD’S 1ST CONNECTED PLATFORM FOR SCENT ™

Inhalio pioneered the concept of a Wellness Ride™ – a breakthrough for mobility companies looking to give their customers healthier, and new emotive in-vehicle experiences. The Inhalio digital scent platform and our wellness scent services are transforming the rideshare, mass transit, and OEM marketplace.

— Keith Kelsen, CEO Inhalio

More Screens are Better

In Think With Google:  They state the obvious, but also that having your message clearly and efficiently delivered is important.   We already know from lots of research that the message also needs to be tailored to each of the kinds of screens used.  In multiple contexts.   See Keith Kelsen's book for more strategies about that.

InHalio Just Launched

" ... We have been in development on this for the last four years…therefor heads down and nose to the grind stone and  all that…as you know. .... 5th Screen Digital, Inc. just launched the new website today which reflects our current offerings and business in retail, connected home , auto, and entertainment! 

Welcome to the “Internet of Scent” a new form of content that will drive new experiences. ... Ahh… the sweet smell of success.

www.inhalio.com     @Inhalio 

Best,
Keith Kelsen, CVO

Report of a recent partnership in gaming.

Advertising Adapts to Gender

An example of a public advertisement using facial recognition software to alter an advertisement based on gender.  Another example of adaptive interactivity in displays that we will continue to see more of.   Again I point you to Keith Kelsen's excellent book on digital signage for more fundamental content strategies in this space.   There continues to be research and development into how ads can be adapted for specific locations, formats, times and contexts.

Digital Signage, Part II

More Commentary by Keith Kelsen on the future of digital signage. One of my favorite retail innovation center topics. Engaging the shopper with technology.

Digital Signage Resources

Correspondent Keith Kelsen has passed along several resources: " ... Here are my top 10 trends for digital signage that I write every year for the industry:  And another interesting article on cool use with the video clip at the bottom ... "

Large Interactive Public Displays

In IEEE Computer:   An area we looked at for retail presence.  We worked with several companies that used novel light fiber approaches and installed them high on the walls of our retail lab.  The impact could be considerable.  Lower down, on shelf systems could be used to conduct directly the flow of shoppers with messages.  This article is about public displays, but has broader application.  See also the book by 5th-Screen's Keith Kelsen for key insights about display.   Much more on digital signage here.

Unleashing the Power of Digital Signage

A book by  Keith Kelsen I just discovered:  Unleashing the Power of Digital Signage.  This was a big topic of the retail innovation center.  How do you successfully engage the consumer in the aisle, at the shelf and now, on the smart phone?  Good start here.

Digital Signage Continued

I will have to mention Keith Kelsen's book: Unleashing the Power of Digital Signage once again.   An excellent book that I am making my way through now.  I particularly like the fact that it includes quantitative analysis of the value of signage uses, and a useful classification of context issues.  Much more here.   

If you are considering a digital design display in stationary, mobile, interactive or other environments, this book is a great place to start.  This was one of our key experimentation topics in the innovation center,  and it is of great value to have key topics laid out.

Digital Signage in 2012

Keith Kelsen, colleague and author of the excellent book "Unleashing the Power of Digital Signage .... ", which I am reading now, has released his Digital signage predictions for 2012.. Essential.