Von Bismark Set on World Disruption

Microsoft Kinect Powered Augmented Reality Platform Developed by Irish Tech Start-up to Change How Shoppers Shop

The name von Bismark [sic] is more related to European peace, but one small Irish tech start-up is hoping its Microsoft Kinect powered technology is set to disrupt world retail.

Von Bismark, founded by Eoghan O'Sullivan and backed by the Lucey Technology Fund, is creating revolutionary new software which allows brands to engage their customers, right down the line into a physical space. Using the latest in motion tracking technology, Von Bismark is a virtual mirror driven through Microsoft Kinect that allows consumer to physically try on digital clothes and accessories, allowing users to interact with virtual objects as if they were holding the real thing in the palm of their hand.

In recent weeks, they have been wowing shoppers in Liffey Valley shopping centre with the next wave of Virtual Shopping. The innovation that is getting retailers excited is Von Bismark's Accessorise, an Augmented Reality (AR) platform that allows users to physically interact with digital accessories on a 2 meter digital display screen and chop and change them interactively.

The virtual mirror is set to change the way we shop and the future of the customer retail experience by giving consumers the chance to try on fashion items without the need for a changing room. According to the company, over 15,000 consumers stopped to participate with the new technology, logging up over 16 hours of shopper engagement and taking over 2,000 pictures.

According to Denis O'Callaghan, Liffey Valley shopping centre manager, store owners at Liffey Valley are delighted by the response of their customers and have high hopes for its use future retail advertising. "Liffey Valley Shopping Centre is delighted to be associated with this cutting edge innovation in digital retail advertising. The reaction from our customers and retailers over the past few days has been amazing, with many more retailers looking to get involved."

Eoghan O'Sullivan, a DCU graduate and former Creative Director of Pixie Labs, said: "We are already seeing a mind shift in the way consumers shop, using the internet via their smart phones, tablets and laptops to buy goods. We said, let's go one step further - let's give consumers the same experience they get in a real bricks and mortar shop but merge it with the convenience of the internet. Von Bismark was born and the ability for people to physically try on digital clothing came with it!"

Uses for the software do not stop at in-store convenience and advertising however, and Von Bismark hope to see their application in homes of Kinect users across Europe for use in conjunction with online shopping. From the comfort of home, shoppers will soon have the luxury of trying it before they buy it. O'Sullivan added: "At a Lillies Bordello Xmas party run my Socialmedia.ie, guests got the opportunity to experience this innovative use of technology for themselves. The response was extremely positive and users were excited about the future of the product and its use in stores and as part of their online shopping experience."

Tweet

Pre-register for your Community Ticket to the 3rd Irish Software Show 2011 - Click Here

Corporate Information

Visit Von Bismark

People reading this article also read....

Read More about Lucey on IrishDev.com

Read More about Microsoft on IrishDev.com

Get Instant Irish Tech News Updates....