FASARA™ + DI-NOC™ Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality
OVERVIEW
FASARA and Di-Noc are architectural films. FASARA is applied to windows and provides privacy while also being visually appealing. Di-Noc is a surface film that applies complex textures and realistic natural elements, such as wood or stone, to spaces. There are over 100 variations and giving clients a thorough demonstration is very difficult. The solution we developed is an AR tool that allows clients and salespeople to browse, visualize, and customize 3M's products in real-world settings by superimposing digital samples onto the devices' camera feed.
ROLE & DURATION
Creative Director | 3M
Creative Direction, Testing, Product Launch & Management
January - April 2022
The Problem
For a sales representative at 3M, the process of making a sale extends beyond simply finding a single product that meets the client's requirements. Particularly when it comes to architectural finishes, the salesperson plays a crucial role in guiding clients through 3M's extensive catalog and recommending the most suitable products that align with their vision.
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However, effectively showcasing a large number of material samples poses a significant challenge. Mockup images have limitations in conveying the true scale and texture of the materials. On the other hand, small (travel size) physical samples fail to capture the authentic feel of the materials when experienced at scale.
What are Architectural Films?
This project focuses on 3M's architectural films FASARA™ and DI-NOC. FASARA™ Glass Finishes are semi-translucent, textured films that can be applied to glass to control light and privacy while enhancing the interior's aesthetics. DI-NOC™ is a thick, printed film that mimics the roughness, specularity, and color of other materials for a fraction of the cost.
FASARA™ Window Films
DI-NOC™ Printed Film
Initial Concepting
In collaboration with 3M Japan's design team, we familiarized ourselves with the FASARA™ sales process. Through this, we recognized the importance of customizability in pattern sizing, blur strength, and color. The sales tool's primary goal was to provide quick and easy access to the entire pattern catalog at any time. This required careful consideration of various factors. Working closely with 3M Japan, we strived to strike a balance between functionality, user-friendliness, and efficiency in the app's design. Our solution reflects our commitment to meeting the sales team's evolving needs and providing them with a powerful means to showcase the FASARA™ products.
Adapting to Meet Demands: A Strategic Shift
In early 2022, we received the exciting news that 3M had chosen to feature our app in their prestigious showcase of the FASARA™ Natural series at the Milan Design Salone for that year. As the creative director overseeing the project, I realized that this presented us with a unique opportunity to reimagine the app's purpose and adapt it to the one-time showcase setting. This shift in context called for a complete redesign to ensure that our app would align seamlessly with the new objectives.
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To achieve this, we embarked on a process of streamlining the app's flow, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. We made the decision to remove complex features, such as pattern customization, that were more suited for daily sales tool usage. Instead, we directed our attention towards creating an intuitive experience that would captivate users regardless of the time they spent engaging with it. We wanted to eliminate the need for a defined start or end point, allowing users to explore and interact with the app at their own pace.
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By carefully considering the unique requirements of the Milan Design Salone showcase and reorienting our design approach, we successfully transformed the app into a captivating and intuitive tool that perfectly complemented the FASARA™ Natural series. This project challenged us to think creatively and adapt to new circumstances, and I'm proud of the outcome we achieved through our strategic redesign efforts.
Finished Demo:
Milan '22
Featured here are moments from 3M's booth at the 22 Milan Design Salone.
Video Demonstrations
Expanding our Catalog
Building upon the success of the FASARA AR showcase, the business decided to introduce a similar app at the Milan 2023 event, with a specific emphasis on DI-NOC™ Architectural finishes.
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For this venture, 3M partnered with StudioPepe, an esteemed Italian design firm, to create a captivating booth. The booth's design aimed to accentuate the flexibility and diversity of DI-NOC™, incorporating warm materials and curvilinear abstract layouts. These elements effectively showcased the product's versatility, captivating the audience and highlighting its potential in various architectural applications.
Total Design Immersion
Based on last year's insights, we identified two challenges: difficulty in manually placing AR content and the impact of misaligned lighting on immersion. To address these, the lead Mixed Reality designer on my team collaborated on the booth design to align lighting with specific spotlights, seamlessly integrating AR content. Additionally, we simplified content access by using a QR code anchor instead of environmental scanning. These improvements aim to provide a seamless and immersive AR experience for users at this year's showcase.
Finished Demo:
Milan '23
Featured here are moments from 3M's booth at the 22 Milan Design Salone.
Video Demonstrations
The Results
The FASARA application was an immediate success. Our sales team around the globe began using it as the go to sales tool when meeting with clients. It was also very popular at the Milan Salone in 2022 and was the highlight feature of the 3M booth.
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The Di-Noc app has just recently released and is still a prototype, but it will be getting expanded as well after it's success at the Milan Salone in 2023.
