Creating A Multi-user Experience With Multi-touch

Transcript

3MTM Multi-Touch Displays Creating a Multi-user Experience with Multi-Touch Technology ISSUE 2 A best practice guide from some of the leading innovators in Europe Multi-User Multi-Touch the future is here now Top Ten Tips for a great Multi-Touch Experience Real World Experience Successful examples 3M Partners Multi-Touch Products About 3M and Multi-Touch Index Multi-User Multi-Touch the future is here now Some of Europe’s biggest brands and most innovative companies are pioneering a new way to create and engaging multi-user experience, using multi-touch AV technology. Breaking new ground in how to present a diverse array of information in an exciting, interactive format, multi-touch make it easier for consumers to interact with brands and with each other. For example, different ‘windows’ can be simultaneously opened to create a multi-faceted in-store experience that encourages greater sales, or to train employees in a more compelling way, or to create entertainment tools that blend games, competitions, video trailers and product sales all in one. Early adopters include: retailers, car showrooms, estate agents, museums, galleries, exhibitions centres, cinemas, sports venues, video games, casino owners, corporate offices for demonstrations, sales and training purposes. And multi-touch is here to stay: according to research firm BCC, this is a market predicted to be worth $7.3 billion by 2018. What is multi-user Multi-Touch? We’re all familiar with single or dual touch technology, via our smartphones, tablets, the checkin screen at the local doctor’s surgery and increasingly, laptops and desktop computers too. Touch technology has become a very intuitive and familiar way to communicate or access information. Multi-touch technology takes that a step further, creating an interactive multi-user experience that can be applied to all kinds of environments. The technology itself has improved considerably over the past few years: resistive and infra-red touch technologies were replaced with passive capacitive touch (PCT). Now, we are delighted to announce the available of the next generation of multi-touch, using advanced metal mesh technology developed by 3M, which takes response, durability and image quality to a new level. Turning theory into success Of course, any new technology is only as good as how it is being deployed, the quality of content or applications being supported, plus other factors such as usability and durability. In this guide, 3M and its partner network provide some insight into what makes a great multi-touch experience. Top Ten Tips for a great Multi-Touch Experience Advice from 3M and its Multi Touch partners based on real-world experience: 1. Display location Wall-mounted may be easier where space is very constricted, but table-top designs are better for drawing attention and make it easy for several people to collaborate. Also look for touch technology that is easily viewable, even in bright light. 2. Consistent touch An unresponsive screen is very frustrating for users, so make sure it is fast to respond and consistent in performance. Look for zero-lag, despite how much information is being displayed or number of simultaneous users. Bezel-free design ensures that the screen is touch-sensitive right to the very edges. 3. Robust and self-service If high levels of user traffic are expected, look for a robust system that is ‘fit and forget’. This applies to both the hardware and the software. No-one wants a system that constantly needs a member of staff to constantly check if it is working properly or needs re-booting. 4. Simple and intuitive software Multi-touch technology is all about being interactive and intuitive, so it is essential that the software design reflects this by being very easy to use, without requiring any training or explanation. Look for specialists in natural user interface design and develop – or commission – software that will support a collaborative, multi-user environment. 5. Keep it simple Don’t try to do everything at once: aim for an engaging but not overly complex user experience. The system should also be so simple that employees can use it without training and will become such fans that they will encourage customers to use the system. 6. Think multi-platform Consider that other systems or technologies may have to be integrated, whether now or in the future. Rather than multi-touch systems being standalone, consider integrating them as part of your overall customer contact strategy, for instance having the same apps available on tablets and smartphones, as well as on the multi-touch system. 7. An integrated approach By linking multi-touch units to back-office systems such as CRM and databases, multi-touch can be used to gather all kinds of useful customer data. 8. Make it easy to update and upgrade It should be simple to update the content without needing specialist expertise. Ask what further support is on offer: depending on the system provider, this can include round-the-clock support or remote diagnostics and software upgrades. 9. Smart branding The furniture housing multi-touch screens lend themselves well to colourful, impactful branding. Examples in the market so far include screens built into coffee tables and mobile vending machines. 10. The right support and expertise Work with a system designer and hardware provider that has a track-record in multi-touch and so knows what pitfalls to avoid. Also, make sure that once installed, there is strong on-going support. Real World Experience In this section, some of Europe’s leading pioneers of Multi-Touch solutions share their experience and expertise. Between them, they’ve already installed thousands of Multi-Touch units for a wide variety of companies, including some of the region’s biggest brand names, but also much smaller organisations who’ve embraced the potential of this new way of communicating with audiences. Matthew Bates Commercial Director, Astec Technology (UK) Ltd It’s a future technology that’s happening now “We’re definitely seeing an uptake in interest around Multi-Touch systems. The retail market is particularly strong: Multi-Touch is the perfect way to blend the online and physical store experiences together. But retail’s just the start: touch technology is going to be everywhere.” “Regardless of the user audience, it’s essential to make multi-touch as simple as possible for people to use, with very intuitive interfaces and easy navigation. While engaging content is essential, the hardware has to be both useable and user-proof: some of these units are being used in “high traffic” environments and must be self-sufficient. The introduction of PCT technology means that these screens have high response times and Raphaël Menard Key Account Manager, Natural User Interfaces, Atracsys It’s important to think about how easy is the system to upgrade or monitor “We’re definitely seeing an uptake in interest around Multi-Touch systems. The retail market is particularly strong: Multi-Touch is the perfect way to blend the online and physical store experiences together. But retail’s just the start: touch technology is going to be everywhere.” “It’s all about the user experience. As natural user interface specialists, we start by “storyboarding” what that experience should be and that develop the applications, the technology and the content around that. Always start with the customer’s journey. It’s also can operate in low-light conditions. We also need to remove barriers to adoption: for instance, we’ve created vertical market software that has automatic updates and a general all-purpose presentation software with dragand-drop folder function. This means our customers can update the content displayed on the Multi-Touch screen very quickly, without needing any technical know-how. Also, simplify pricing: our business model gives users an end-to-end solution, across hardware, software and 24/7 support. Creativity in external design matters too. Multi-Touch screens are typically wall-mounted or embedded in table-designs. We favour the latter where possible, because it makes for a more interactive experience, as it’s easy for people to gather around a table. These units can also be dressed in corporate colours or other branding. While there’s huge potential for Multi-Touch, there’s a definite need to open people’s eyes to the opportunities and so market education is important. We all need to work together to grow the market.” important to start small - not to try to do too much at once - but at the same time, create a foundation on which you can build. For instance, it may matter to think about multilanguage support, whether now or in the future, and how easy is the system to upgrade or for our clients to monitor. This is why we’ve introduced a web portal that remotely updates the software and content for them, as well as providing report statistics around performance and usage, all accessible via atracCloud. Also, as there is a shortage of specialists and skills in the marketplace (no-one is teaching Multi-Touch as a training course) then potential customers need to work with companies that have a proven track record of experience and expertise in this area. Customers do not want to be kept waiting either: once they’ve decided to commit to a Multi-Touch project, our Core Framework allows us to realise complex, high quality Multi-Touch applications rapidly.” Alexander Aelberts CEO, PresTop and Omnivision Studios When people stand around a Multi-Touch table, they can see each other’s reactions and it creates a great multi-user experience “Multi-Touch opens up new ways for people to communicate with each other or to access information. It puts the human factor back into technology: when people stand around a Multi-Touch table, they can see each other’s reactions and it creates a great multiuser experience. The technology needs to work – it’s about creating something interesting, opening up new opportunities, puzzle pieces –.” “In terms of design, keep it simple, avoid unnecessary complexity and make it easy for users to find the information. and realise that it’s not only simple to use but that it can actually enhance their jobs and open up new opportunities to create conversations with customers. Another important thing is that Multi-Touch technologies must be “self-serve” The content needs to be right: people come for the content, not the touch screens, though of course the screens must work well, but they should improve and not hinder the interactive experience. So it’s important to choose hardware that provides a consistently high performance. Also, tailor solutions to the needs of the customer, not around the technology. This is why we’ve introduced our component-based solution set, so that customers can choose what works for them and we can create affordable solutions that fit their budgets.” Also, be aware that company personnel may be wary of Multi-Touch: make sure that they are given training Christian Jeske Marketing Director Pyramid Gmbh “In competitive markets, it’s a great way to diversity and generate strengthen a brand.” “Touch technology has been become state of the art in many industries. Driven by the consumer market this technology is used more and more often − especially in the retail sector. What matters is customer benefits. Customers have reported better engagement, a new way to get their attention, cross and upselling potential in-store, all of which contributes to revenue growth. Those added values attract more customers and consequently lead to new sales opportunities, either with existing customers or brand new markets. In competitive markets, it’s a great way to diversity and generate strengthen a brand. The strongest interest is currently coming from the US and other English-speaking countries, but also confidently expect in other markets soon too. As far as design is concerned, important to integrate all channels, to provide a valued added experience to the customer and to support faster processing: for instance, the Multi-Touch system could be integrated with stock information, CRM systems, home delivery booking, loyalty cards, payment systems, bar codes and QR codes. Also think about integrating with peripherals such as printers, scanners and cameras. We also need to take away any of the fear that purchasers of Multi-Touch systems may have: they don’t have to involve huge software development projects and in fact, it’s possible to use out-of-the-box software in many cases. Need to take the fear factor out of installation – the unknown – out of the box software is available, creating Multi-Touch solutions does not have to be a huge project or leap into the unknown. We also encourage our customers to be more experimental around the hardware housing Multi-Touch screens: think about how the furniture can be adapted with brand visuals, or to fit in with a campaign theme.” Successful examples Secrets of multi-touch success Solatys is one of the leading pioneers of multi-touch end user solutions in the world today. Based in France, it has worked with customers across industries and markets worldwide. Here, CEO and founder Serge Calderara shares some insight into his company’s success. Q: First can you tell us about Solatys and why you set up the company in 2008? Serge: “Before setting up Solatys, I worked for industrial companies for 20 years and was aware of touch technology from its very early days. However, when Microsoft launched Surface, I immediately recognised the potential of multi-touch technology. I could also see that combining my development skills with multi-touch technology and then offering that to possible customers in my region in France where there were no other companies a full, integrated service providing consultancy, hardware and software supply and design – was a clear business opportunity.” Q: What kind of customers do you work with? “It’s wide-ranging and these days, worldwide, with project across retail estate, banking, medical, tourism, hotels, office interior design and refurbishment, automotive…even a ski resort.” Q: What’s the history of the 3M relationship and why do you use its products? “We needed another supplier of multi-touch technology and I was aware of 3M in this area – having had experience of working with 3M small screen single touch displays in my previous role – so I contacted the company to find out what was available. We tested several 3M multi-touch devices and were convinced by the performance, the robust design, the ability to integrate into other solutions, plus the global expertise and support from 3M. 3M was also very keen to partner with us because it could see we really understood the technology’s market and that we take development of applications specifically designed for multi-touch very seriously.” What do you mean by applications specifically for multi-touch? “A lot of the ways in which multitouch screens are being used today is to access web sites. Not only are website designs usually optimised for multi-touch, using the technology for this application is missing a big opportunity. When customers come to us asking for multi-touch, we always ask them to explain in more what do they want it for and often, what they really need is a single touch solution based on the type of application they will run. However, other organisations are more forward-thinking and have invested in the development side, so that the multi-touch experience really IS adding value to the customer experience and will provide a proper returnin-investment. When applied properly, multi-touch technology can make a big impact. It’s really important that as an industry, we all share these success stories and best practices in general. We need to educate end users what is possible.” Why do you think Solatys has been so successful? “Technical expertise is at the heart of what we do: we don’t just offer products, we provide a complete solution and are strong on customer advice. We will never recommend something we do not believe we can deliver, or if we think it is not really what the customer needs. If you give the wrong advice, it will come back on you in the future. We take the time to understand our customers’ businesses, we do not focus on just selling as much product as possible. Also, we are very strong on a fast response time and try to resolve any customer requests as fast as possible.” Q: What advice would you give to a customer or developer looking at multi-touch today? “The design of the application must take full benefit of the number of touch points the device is offering to be qualify as truly ‘multi-touch’, otherwise it is useless. That is key. Show customers what is possible, don’t just sell them some screens. Also, start small: create one great multi-touch system and once the value of that is proven, you can build from that.” Azure creates a luxury, interactive experience - with some help from Multi-Touch Technology Interactive multi-touch systems have given Azure an engaging entertainment tool that allows clients to explore for themselves what this award-winning luxury lifestyle company has to offer. Featuring content developed by Azure itself, the systems use 3M multi-touch displays, with interactive solutions provider Solatys providing integration, consultancy and project management. About Azure One of Europe’s top vacation ownership specialists, Azure has been established for more than a decade, with a portfolio that includes membership at the five star Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands in Malta. With more than 5,500 members and employing 130+ staff, Azure aims to offer consumers a premium holiday experience and has recently branched out into part-ownership of power boats, yachts and performance cars. technology wherever possible, to help create a cutting edge environment featuring high quality content and materials. For instance, Azure wanted to create an engaging and interactive AV experience for members – and potential members – at its flagship hotel in Malta, making it easy for them to explore the potential of everything that Azure has to offer. Challenges “Our members want to be able to look at information themselves and make their own decisions, in their own time. Our sales staff are there to be advisors, not to do a hard sell,” said Perry Newton, Project Director. Azure is positioned firmly at the luxury end of the market, with affluent consumers who expect the very best. This is why Azure has a strategic focus on using innovative Perry could see the potential of multi-touch technology to create the immersive, multi-faceted customer experience that he envisaged, but when the Azure team started researching the market, they were disappointed with the quality available. Says Perry: “The displays we looked at suffered from pixilation, lag and did not support multiple touch points effectively, especially in screens above 15 inches. Since our systems are in use all day every day and need to be able to support multiple hands at the same time, this was not acceptable.” The answer Azure was on the verge of cancelling the project, but then it came across 3M and its integration company Solatys, a European-based provider of integrated multi-youch solutions. Says Perry Newton: “3M multitouch displays performed in the way I expected them to and this gave us the confidence to commit to the project. The 3M displays are a very robust build: for instance, in the first six weeks, the systems were used every day for 12 hours with no problems at all. “There are cheaper displays available, but in my opinion there is a difference between price and cost: what matters is value. The response time is fast – as good as an iPad – and there is no drag. This is important, because many people are already very familiar with touch technology through their smartphones, so have high expectations of performance. Plus, we also have some members who are less technically aware, so the system has to be simple and intuitive for them to use.” Unlike some other displays, the surface is ideally flat with no bezel, so there is a consistent touch experience right to the edge. “The design of the 3M displays fits well with our purpose-built Corian table-top furniture,” says Perry Newton. Installation Azure built or sourced most of the systems’ applications and on-screen content, which will eventually be linked to its hotel management system. This will extend the benefits of Multi-Touch Technology beyond a sales tool, to create an end-to-end experience for guests or members. The main, larger multi-touch systems are located on the sales floor, with smaller systems dotted around the hotels. By early summer 2015, more than 80 42-inch 3M display had been supplied by Solatys to Azure, plus a further 17 21.5 inch displays. Results Says Perry Newton: “It may be early days, but the feedback has been very positive. We don’t have to sell to our clients; the multi-touch systems help them make their own decisions in a visually entertaining way. For instance, they can select different items to create their dream holiday experience and then share that via social media with their friends. The multi-touch systems do the job and they do it well, consistently, time and time again. “When I walk around the sales floor, I see people interacting with the screens all the time and that tells me all I need to know.” Fast Facts The system integrator was Solatys www.solatys.com Products 3M Multi Touch Display 21.5 inch and 42 inch Key reasons for choosing 3M reliability, performance, bezel-free design Key reasons for choosing Solatys experience, responsiveness, willingness to go the extra mile Results successful implementation of interactive Multi-Touch System that help existing and potential members explore the Azure portfolio, with added ‘wow factor’ Customer - Azure www.azure.com.mt 3M Partners About Astec Technology UK-based Astec Technology is an innovations company that has specialises in delivering turn-key technology solutions to vertical markets for the past 25 years. Companies turn to Astec for its help because they value its extensive industry experience, knowledge and exceptional customer service, whether a small local company or a globally recognized brand. Astec delivers hardware, software and bespoke solutions, all backed by a dedicated support team. The company has developed SenseTable, a Multi-Touch table design that uses 3M Multi-Touch display technology. While potential customers are wide-ranging, SenseTable is seeing strong adoption in the UK property and estate agency market. www.astectechnology.co.uk About Atracsys Established in 2004, Atracsys was originally a spinoff from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). In 2007, it developed its first Multi-Touch table solution, setting a new bar in reliability and accuracy in the marketplace. Today, Atracsys is still at the forefront of Multi-Touch innovation, combined with its experience in natural user interfaces (NUIs). Since 2007, it has developed and deployed over 300 interactive projects in over 18 countries worldwide, using its innovative technology tools and products, combined with a high calibre of in-house expertise. www.atracsys.com About Omnivision Studios Since 1993 PresTop Products has specialised in design, assembly and production of electric lifts, kiosks and touch tables. PresTop Products is part of the PresTop Group which also includes Omnivision Studios. Omnivision Studios focus exclusively on the development of Multi-Touch applications and has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and sells its products through a reseller channel. In addition to custom development, the company has also created Omnitapps, modular touch-screen software that companies can use to easily configure and manage their own cost-effective Multi-Touch solutions. www.omnivision.nl/en About Pyramid German company Pyramid has specialised in developing and manufacturing custom IT solutions for 25 years. A total of 100 people are employed at the headquarters in Freiburg and the production and logistics facility in Amt Wachsenburg, with additional offices in the USA, UK, Italy and France. Pyramid has developed polytouch®, a Multi-Touch system that features lag-free, fast information processing, superior image quality, and a frameless design with no image shift. Polytouch® units have been installed worldwide, with customers including some of Europe’s best known retail brands. www.polytouch.de/en About Solatys Established in 2008, Solatys has 25 years of expertise in touch application development. Solatys’ expertise is based on the successful completion of many projects over the years and today, the company is a leading developer and designer of multi-touch and collaborative application solutions, focused on creating a superb customer experience in different vertical markets. Solatys supports customers globally, providing interactive systems that comprise hardware, software and consultancy. The company offers both standard and bespoke solutions, both of which are designed for a fast return-on-investment. Solatys is also the originator and owner of PropertySense, a highly successful system developed for the real estate market. www.solatys.com High Performance Multi-Touch Displays 3M™ Multi-Touch Display M2167PW 3M™ Multi-Touch Display M2467PW 3M™ Multi-Touch Display M2767PW 3M™ Multi-Touch Display C2167PW Diagonal Size M2167PW: 21.5” M2467PW: 24” 27” 21.5” Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:9 16:9 Display Form Factor Desktop Desktop Open Frame Chassis Number of Simultaneous Touch Points 20 40 20 Touch Response Time 6 ms 10 ms* 8 ms Display Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Display Colors 16.7 Million 16.7 Million 16.7 Million Pixel Pitch M2167PW: 0.248mm x 0.248mm M2467PW: 0.277mm x 0.277mm 0.311mm x 0.311mm 0.248mm x 0.248mm Backlight LED LED LED Viewing Angle 178° (Vertical/Horizontal) 178° (Vertical/Horizontal) 178° (Vertical/Horizontal) Brightness 250 Nit 250 Nit 250 Nit Brightness with Touch Sensor 217 Nit 217 Nit 225 Nit Multimedia Audio Input, 3 Watt Audio Speaker Audio Input, 3 Watt Audio Speaker N/A Surface Treatment 3M Anti-stiction Surface Coating 3M Anti-stiction Surface Coating Anti-glare Touch Communication USB USB USB Video Connections HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort VGA, DVI-D Power Supply External, 110/220 VAC External, 110/220 VAC External, 110/220 VAC Cables Included Power Supply, USB, HDMI, DVI Power Supply, USB, HDMI, DVI Power Supply, USB, VGA, DVI VESA Pattern M2167PW: 100x100 M2467PW: 100x100; 100x200 100x100; 100x200 100x100 Operating Systems Compatibility Windows 8/7/Vista/XP, Linux, Mac OS Windows 8/7/Vista/XP, Linux, Mac OS Windows 8/7/Vista/XP, Linux, Mac OS Warranty 1 year 1 year 1 year Part Number M2167PW: 98-0003-3729-9 M2467PW: 98-0003-3786-9 98-0003-3787-7 98-0003-4242-2 * up to 40 touches USB Touch Flat Front Surface (Virtual Bezel) Audio VGA HDMI Display Port Power M18 | M21 | M24 | M27: Connections 90-degrees of Adjustment 3M™ Multi-Touch Display C4267PW 3M™ Multi-Touch Display C3266PW 3M™ Multi-Touch Display C4667PW 3M™ Multi-Touch Display C5567PW Diagonal Size 32” C4267PW: 42” C4667PW: 46” 55” Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:9 16:9 Display Form Factor Open Frame Chassis Open Frame Chassis Open Frame Chassis Number of Simultaneous Touch Points 40 60 60 Touch Response Time 10 ms* 12 ms* 10 ms* Display Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Display Colors 16.7 Million 1.07 Billion 1.07 Billion Pixel Pitch 0.364mm x 0.364mm C4267PW: 0.485mm x 0.485mm C4667PW: 0.177mm x 0.530mm 0.21mm x 0.63mm Backlight LED LED LED Viewing Angle 178° (Vertical/Horizontal) 178° (Vertical/Horizontal) 178° (Vertical/Horizontal) Brightness 450 Nit 700 Nit 700 Nit Brightness with Touch Sensor 392 Nit 610 Nit 610 Nit Multimedia Audio Input, 10 Watt Audio Speaker Audio Input, 10 Watt Audio Speaker Audio Input, 5W + 5W @ 8Ω Surface Treatment Anti-glare Anti-glare Anti-glare Touch Communication USB and Serial USB USB Video Connections HDMI, VGA, DVI HDMI, DVI, VGA, DisplayPort HDMI, DVI, VGA, Display Port (HDCP) Power Supply Internal, 110/220 VAC Internal, 110/220 VAC Internal, 110/220 VAC Cables Included Power, USB, Serial, HDMI, VGA, DVI Power, USB, Serial, VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort Power Supply, USB, Serial, VGA, DVI, HDMI, Display Port VESA Pattern 200x200 400x400 400x400 Operating Systems Compatibility Windows 8/7/Vista/XP, Linux, Mac OS Windows 8/7/Vista/XP, Linux, Mac OS Windows 8/7/Vista/XP, Linux, Mac OS Warranty 1 year 2 years 1 years 98-0003-3695-2 C4267PW: 98-1100-0223-9 C4667PW: 98-0003-4107-7 98-1100-0531-5 * up to 20 touches * up to 20 touches * up to 20 touches Part Number VGA DVI Remote OSD USB Touch Power C2167PW Connections Audio (in/out) VGA C2167PW Flat Front Surface C4267PW, C4667PW and C5567PW Flat Front Surface DVI HDMI Display Port Serial (in/out) Serial Touch USB Touch AC Imput On/Off C3266PW, C4267PW, C4667PW and C5567PW Connections About 3M and Multi-Touch 3MTM Multi-Touch displays and systems are being used across retail, digital signage, gaming kiosks, leisure, education, automotive and corporate environments. The range features screen diameters ranging from 18.5 inches through to a new 55 inch display, with up to 80 touch points supported. 3M works closely with partners across Europe and in 2014, launched its Multi-Touch Developer Network. The network is a web-based resource that gives carefully selected designers and developers an opportunity to showcase an inspiring range of applications to a global audience of potential customers. 3M Multi-Touch Developer Network website “We are very happy with the support we get from 3M; it is very reactive and we trust its products. Our customers also have a very good opinion of 3M products: proof of reliability, innovation and quality.” Raphaël Menard, Key Account Manager, Natural User Interfaces, Atracsys 3M United Kingdom PLC 3M Centre Cain Road Bracknell Berkshire RG12 8HT UK Tel: +44 1344 857837 email: [email protected] website: www.3m.com/multitouch Please recycle. Printed in Italy © 3M 2015. All rights reserved. 70-0000-0000-0