The Rabobank Event Platform was created several years ago. We created the ‘Rabo Wall’ for Rabobank in the Netherlands. It was an incredible interactive installation, crafted with great care and affection. We utilized interactive paint, laser cutting, welding, soldering, and meticulous hand-sticking to create this artisanal masterpiece.
After years of faithful service and awe-inspiring presence at countless events, it was time for something new. Although the Rabo Wall met all expectations at the time, new ideas and wishes emerged. Focus shifted towards sustainability and flexibility, but the wonder that made the Rabo Wall so special remained at the heart of the project.
Rabobank’s Core Objectives:
- Wonder: ‘The wall must make at least as much impact as the previous wall, ideally even surpassing it.’
- Scale Flexibility: ‘At the moment, the wall often had to stay behind because stands were smaller than 4 meters. We want to consistently inspire wonder, even at smaller events.’
- Sustainability: ‘Whichever way we look at it, the new wall will be an investment. Therefore, it is crucial that the wall is sustainable in terms of materials and future use.’
- Content Flexibility: ‘How wonderful would it be if we could create one interactive installation that could be used not only by recruitment but by many more departments?’
Finishing Touches
In addition to these, a few more points needed to be tackled. As the Rabo Wall had been in use for a while, we had firsthand experience of the challenges we occasionally faced. This allows us to create an even better thought-out design for the new installation.
- Transport: The transport of the Rabo Wall was sometimes challenging. To simplify this aspect, it would be more convenient to build the new installation in smaller parts that are easier to move.
- Periodic Updates: To ensure a long lifespan, periodic updates are essential.
- Opportunity for Expansion
- Sustainability in Materials
- Unique Worldwide
Flexible Setup
And thus, the REP was born! An exciting and unique modular interactive wall. REP consists of individual modules that can be placed in different configurations. It is also possible to place just one module. Due to these two aspects, the REP is incredibly flexible and can be used at various trade fairs and events, whether the stand is large or small. Plus, it can be expanded by creating more modules with potential additional interactive components.
Design – Simplicity is key
Generally the REP is from a design point of view futuristic and sleek. Also, the buttons and interactive cards, combined with visual images and audio, invite people to explore. The interface is instantly clear to users and requires practically no instruction.
Its design is uncomplicated yet incredibly effective. Visitors turn a knob, select a topic, and thereby pick a card. This card lights up, inviting them to remove it. Users then place the card in a specified area, triggering the playback of an animation with information about the respective card topic.
Effect on visitors – Awe through Interaction
Because the whole setup looks so beautiful and magical, it sparks curiosity in visitors. When people see something happening that looks extraordinary, or they don’t understand how it works, they tend to want to investigate. That is precisely the effect we aim to achieve with our installations. Wonder and curiosity are the keys to generating interest, engagement, and retaining the provided information. The interactive aspect incites awe and creates a reciprocal relationship between the installation and the visitor. Quite different from a poster that merely ‘sends’ information, here, visitors actively request the information: you place a card somewhere, and an animation appears!? This interaction increases engagement, fosters interest, and enhances the retention of knowledge. Information sticks better when people find it enjoyable and intriguing.
Flexible content
What makes the REP exceptionally flexible and sustainable is its ability to completely change its function by introducing a different set of interactive cards. Currently, it’s designed for the recruitment of young IT talents, but with other cards, it could be used by different departments. The content programmed on the interactive cards entirely determines the information users will see. By creating multiple sets, the REP can be used at a wide variety of events.
The technology
How does all of this work? By incorporating NFC chips and readers into the cards, and the surface of the installation, the cards become interactive. When the card is placed in the designated area, the NFC scanner reads which card it is and initiates the playback of the corresponding content. Different projectors are located at the top of the installation project independently on the vertical and horizontal walls. With projection mapping, we can precisely place the projections within and around the pre-painted spaces and lines on the installation. Using these techniques, we can tightly control where exactly projections are placed and ensure an attractive design. The buttons are linked in the same way and influence the displayed images and projections on the wall. It’s magical to see how you can influence the light by turning the knobs.
Excited?
Lastly, the final product is an impressive interactive experience that inspires wonder but is also very effective in conveying the information you want to share with your visitors. Curious about more options, ideas, and expansions of our Event Platforms that might suit your company’s needs? Check out our blog on Next Gen Interactive Installations. We are open to brainstorming and developing even more new ideas to build the installation of your dreams! Fancy a chat? Send us a message.