Wallpaper is dead - introduce the living wallpaper

Studies have revealed that a pleasant working environment and a well decorated meeting room have a positive effect on employee well being and working attitude plus a positive effect on business meetings and negotiations. 

Actually I thought that this was just common logic.

While the final handshake over a business deal may be made over lunch or dinner or even on the golf course, it is no doubt that a good atmosphere will influence the mind of those participants who have to turn the deal into reality and to ensure that work is done correctly and in harmony.

Yes, all sorts of approaches have been tried. Yes, some have proven to be successful, but the majority of offices, meeting rooms and reception areas in corporations look dull and cramped and uninspiring.

Here is the conflict. On one hand we have all the modern communication technology on hand which should make work more efficient and effective. Visitors and business partners are dazzled by the high-tech around, but once one lifts the gaze from the screen, everything else is uninspiring.

On the other hand workspaces are expensive and we do not want to waste valuable real estate.

So what to do?

Often lots of money is spend on lavish artworks or fancy furnishings. But these are static and become commonplace after some time. Plus one style does not suit everyone.

But lets imagine there would be a living wall paper which displays images, colours or pattern reflecting the mood of the season, the time of day, the business performance and make people relax from looking at computerscreens so that they can refresh in a short while without having to leave the desk.

Wallpapers like this could build the team stronger by allowing individuals to contribute to the display and it can make visitors and customers relax and more receptive in negotiations. At the same time, such wallpaper can be used to display important information, training videos and performance data.

These type of displays are often set-up in airline lounges and public spaces, enticing and relaxing travelers.

The 'electronic wall paper' seems the way to go, but it is new and may not be for everyone’s budget at this stage and the brightness and colour intensity may not always be suitable.

Similar  problems can occur with direct view LED and LCD displays. Plus the latter ones require space, which can make a room appear smaller.

Though we will not dismiss LED entirely in this discussion, since this technology can be used to create nice dividers between desks, in particular the use of transparent LED, or group of desks and offer illumination and imaging at the same time. 

But what can we do with large wall spaces?

Modern projection technology is the solution. Short and Ultrashort throw projectors can be mounted under the ceiling or into sideboards, projecting large images at short distances. Modern projection surfaces allow projection under normal room lighting and still provide bright and brillant images.

Modern blending solutions let create large scenes and matrix switcher allows image data to be routed to particular projectors for selective information. All this can be conveniently tied into the corporate network or alternatively operated in stand alone configuration.

These systems can be extended as required and routing data to additional  LCD or LED devices is no problem.

Even interactivity is possible through systems, like the Radartouch.

Opponents may argue that systems like this are expensive and maintenance intensive. But modern Laser projectors are virtually maintenance free. Since the systems have short wake up times, they can be left 'off' if not in use. The lightsource may last up to 20000 hours and a refreshed

and motivated workforce may quickly offset the initial investment.

Image blending for panoramas is possible using hardware or software based systems and modern auto calibration systems guarantee proper image alignment without technician involvement. This also allows the use of smaller and cheaper projectors and provide flexibility.

All this can be achieved by clever co-operation between the IT section, AV specialists, content creators, manufacturers and even human resources, all under the co-ordination of the AV consultant.

Want to talk more, just contact me: norbert.s@iti-imagegroup.com.au or phone +61(02) 94775709.

21-11-18ns