Last night, we attended WeWork Soho to see an incredible line up of fashion companies pitch. We witnessed amazing performances by companies such as Brayola, Look booker, Teddy Stratford, Dear Kate, Ace & Everett, and Pradux.
If you’ve ever thought your exercise clothing wasn’t working for you, check out the winning the pitch of the night! Dear Kate came in first place with a plan to improve the activewear industry using stronger, non-absorbent fabrics.
Another favorite was Pradux. Find outfits from your favorite TV shows and dress like an actor! A cool feature will let you record TV show audio on an app such as Shazam and link you to the Pradux app automatically with all the outfits worn on the specific show you recorded audio.
For more information and updates about the events we attend, be sure to keep checking back here and follow us @evol8tion !
Microsoft Kinect Beyond Gaming: The Present & Future of Natural User Experiences Event Recap
We all know that Kinect is an exciting device. Replacing video game controllers with state-of-the-art voice, movement, and gesture recognition, it allows users to act in their gaming world much as they would in real life — making the divide between real and virtual that much more blurred.
As fellow techies, we agree that this is pretty cool. Natural user interface makes the experience of gaming more immersive and interactive than ever before. But here at Evol8tion, we always want to push the envelope.
Last night, our team headed to the monthly NUI Central Meetup at WeWork Labs to find out where Kinect is heading. And just like we hoped, the possibilities of natural user interface go far beyond allowing us to bust out our best dance moves in Dance Evolution, or sink some hoops in NBA 2k13. Microsoft reps Oscar Murillo (Principal User Experience Architect) and Chris White (Senior Program Manager) showcased some scenarios to bring the technology to life. Here’s a quick recap of some of the industries we may be seeing Kinect for Windows and other natural user interface products change in the near future!
Retail:
The world of retail is one industry that could definitely benefit from the type of virtual, engaging experience Kinect offers. Since Kinect is optimized for an interaction zone of 4-4.5 meters, its technology would be extremely useful in targeting/drawing the attention of nearby customers, streamlining their product search (by allowing them to quickly find items of interest, and try them on virtually), and increasing the overall “stickiness” of consumers’ shopping experience. Natural user interface technology also has great potential in optimizing inventory upkeep, offering a scanning system that could keep tabs on displayed/stocked items, and indicate to sales associates when items are running low.
Healthcare:
It may seem like a gamble to take an initially game-based product like Kinect and place it in the operating room. But natural user interface features have already been shown to optimize various facets of healthcare — from surgical procedures, to elderly care, to physical therapy. Especially in a hospital, where maintaining a sterile environment is crucial to the health and safety of patients, hands-free technology can find an unexpected, yet appropriate, home.
Education:
Natural user interface also holds major potential within schools. Filling a classroom with motion sensing input devices like Kinect would close the gap between students and educational material. It can virtually place learners within worlds that have only been described in the pages of textbooks. Easily useable for students K-12, the interactive learning environment this technology would create would keep students engaged regardless of age/learning level.
Of course, this technology is not without its imperfections. For example, it has limitations in human recognition regarding weight and height that still hinder its accessibility from being completely universal. There’s also heavy competition in the space — rivals like Leap Motion are exploring other technologies to deliver similar natural user interface experiences. Furthermore (specifically in the world of retail), sensory interaction with fabric is an experience that hands-free devices cannot replicate. As a passionate shopper, I agreed with a fellow audience member when she said that touch was a part of retail therapy that she didn’t want to lose. Sure, Kinect can help you find the sweater — but it can’t mimic the feel of new cashmere.
Still, there’s no denying this technology can offer advancements that are, quite simply, unparalleled. We’re looking forward to seeing Kinect and other gesture control devices take the world by storm.
