Trending Now – Interactive Kiosks, Speech Mapping, and Projection Mapping

This week, we enjoyed researching AV trends and the cutting edge of AV technology and uses.  After we share each trend, you will see us ask a series of questions for our readers.  Please share your experiences with these trends, whether locally in Bend, regionally in a big city, or nationally and internationally.

Trending Now – Interactive Kiosks.  In the March 16^th blog of Integrated Computer Solutions, the writer shares how well interactive kiosks perform in retail sales areas because of the opportunity to use a variety of specialized content strategies.  Specifically, six multimedia categories that greatly affect the user experiences are shared.

1. Interactive product descriptions: With a simple gesture, shoppers can cycle through the possibilities and see what their purchase would look like with a different set of features.

 

2. High-resolution videos: While consumers theoretically have constant access to brands’ video content via smart devices, there is something to be said for viewing those materials with the extreme sharpness of a large kiosk display.

 

3. Vibrant still images: From side-by-side comparison to initial education, there are plenty of ways for customers to glean information from kiosks’ image galleries.

 

4. Branded games: These enjoyable activities keep people in stores longer, surrounded by branding of the company’s choice.

 

5. Helpful dashboards: When customers see real time features, they will know that the device is connected and up-to-date, and they may use it for a longer duration.

 

6. Captivating screen savers: This is what a great screen saver does – broadcasting that the device is interactive and interesting, inviting consumers to check out the device while simultaneously promoting the brand’s current offerings or temporary specials.

 

AV Bend readers, have you experienced any interactive kiosks in your favorite retails stores?  Did any of the above strategies help you to linger longer? 

Trending Now – Speech Mapping. According to Audiology Services, Inc., a Massachusetts based Hearing Healthcare Provider, “In the past, hearing evaluations and fittings for hearing aids consisted mostly of a series of beeps and noises. Today, audiologists are equipped with new technologies and methods to make the hearing evaluation process and hearing aid programming process more effective.”  This new effective process is called Speech Mapping.  And do you know what those new technologies and methods include?  Wall mounted screens.

Speech mapping is a fitting and verification method that is used to ensure that a person’s hearing aids are programmed for their individual needs. With this method, small microphones placed in the ear canal are used to distinguish differences in how they are able to hear speech through their hearing aids.

An audiologist will have high-tech equipment that will allow him or her to “see” what a person is hearing through their hearing aids on a screen in real-time. The results are also displayed on a wall-mounted screen so that a person can also see the adjustments and participate in the process. This allows both the customer and family members to visualize and understand the differences that hearing aids can make in hearing ability.

AV Bend readers, have you or a loved one participated in Speech Mapping at a local audiologist’s office?  What was your experience?

Trending Now – Projection Mapping.  AV for Planners shares that projection mapping, also known as video mapping, is a projection technology used to turn objects into a display surface for video projection.  Using specialized software, a two- or three-dimensional object is spatially mapped on the virtual program. The software then can interact with a projector to fit any desired image onto the surface of that object.  This technique can add extra dimensions, optical illusions, and the perception of movement onto static objects.

If you are interested in reading more about the practical uses of projection mapping,  Projection Mapping Central has a great website with some wonderful real world visuals such as concerts, retail, theater, events, museums, general computing, smart homes and gaming.  We like their definition too.  “Projection Mapping uses everyday video projectors, but instead of projecting on a flat screen (e.g. to display a PowerPoint), light is mapped onto any surface, turning common objects of any 3D shape into interactive displays. More formally, projection mapping is “the display of an image on a non-flat or non-white surface.”

AV Bend readers, have you interacted with projection mapping in any of the arenas listed?  Did it enhance the image and your experience?

Have any of the above trends piqued your interest to learn more?  We at Audio Visual Bend understand your need for effective presentations. With more than 60 years combined experience in the audio video industry, we have the knowledge to give you exactly what you need with speed and efficiency. We specialize in customizing audio video equipment to your individual needs and constraints without sacrifice to quality. Your investment in integrated multimedia capabilities will change the way you work, giving you complete control over communication with your clients.

Talking the trends with you!