160+
Stores worldwide
6
Markets
1
Data source
How do you present a wide range of products and ensure clear advice at POS—whilst there, space is extremely limited? This was the challenge facing smart stores worldwide. As its target group is primarily urban, the microcar brand tends to locate its stores directly in city centers. Often, just a few showroom cars are available for display. This setup creates tension with the customers’ needs, as they are interested in discovering
different models and customization options. To overcome these spatial limitations, we chose a showroom concept that relies heavily on flexibility. Our team delivered a solution for 160 retailers in six markets worldwide within just six months. The concept combines interactive digital self-service and hands-on equipment samples, paving the way for an exciting, new brand experience.
Our showroom concept offers a clever, multi-dimensional solution: A high-resolution touch table featuring an optional power wall forms the centerpiece. This setup invites showroom visitors to explore, discover and configure their vehicles. What’s more, original paint and upholstery samples convey haptic and visual impressions. During consultations, the touch table illustrates model differences. The beautifully designed all-in-one solution delivers a fully-fledged brand and product experience, providing far more opportunities for inspiration than a collection of show cars would be able to do.
The combination of table and wall has been very well received by our customers.” | “Our customers are looking for a starting point when they enter the showroom. In most cases, they go directly to the touch table.” | “We actively use the table for consultation and to demonstrate combination options that are not physically present on site.
Our tech concept fulfills two key criteria: First, the content of the touch table is always up to date and accurate for the specific market it’s serving. Secondly, its use is both easy and stable. By connecting to central data sources, automating content processes and setting up a flexible backend, we’ve laid the foundation for a target-oriented single-source publishing model. Our interface design—which is perfectly aligned with the content—ensures a best-in-class experience at the showroom. To provide a high-performance tool for the sales pitch, the system is based on a fail-safe plug-and-play solution that can also operate offline.
The touch table contains the entire smart model range. In the visualizer, prospective customers can configure their smart and view it from all angles, thanks to the 360° view. A comparison view makes choosing equipment options easier. The configuration result contains an online code enabling the user to complete equipping their smart at home or to request a quotation. The integrated electric drive app allows users to experience the world of electric mobility and displays relevant smart EQ models with interactive content. Integrating external components—such as a map featuring charging stations—bridges the gap between theory and practice. This multimedia experience is perfected by the large-format power wall.
My favorite anecdote happened during my vacation in Japan at the smart store Kyoto: While I was playing around with the touch table, I got into a conversation with a consultant. After initial skepticism, he believed that I had been involved in the development and reported enthusiastically that the table and power wall are making a great impression on customers.
The potential of an exciting experience in small spaces is often overlooked. But we know what is possible and required to facilitate an exciting brand and product experience for an ambitious audience. At the IFA International Consumer Electronics Fair in 2017, our showroom extension—featuring augmented reality and an intelligent voice control—delighted numerous visitors. The trade show appearance consisted of just one smart vehicle. But by pronouncing individual wishes, this sample car transformed into a custom-made vehicle, entirely designed to personal taste. Powered by AR, the exterior and interior are rendered when walking around and getting in the car.
A prototype can only grow into a powerful solution through continuous further development. That's why we test MVPs early on throughout the project and collect feedback via user tests. We continuously analyze behavioral data and transform these insights into strategic optimizations.
We are happy to take on the role of a product owner. Only those who feel responsible for the product experience and brand perception in its entirety deliver solutions that fit seamlessly into the customer journey—and positively influence the entire customer experience. With this approach, we ensure measurable business impact.
The success of a project largely depends on the stability of the setup: Maintenance-free operation, easy-to-use plug-and-play solutions, and full offline functionality are essential factors. This is how we ensure both acceptance by sales staff and, ultimately, the success of the solution.