Looking to engage your brand’s audience with interactive multimedia, but don’t know where to start? With interactive technology, the possibilities are virtually endless. However, finding the best collaborator can be tricky – from understanding technical capabilities and budget limitations to making sure they understand your creative vision, the right partner can make or break the experience.
Whether you’ve got an interactive retail pop-up, a media architecture project, or a corporate office renovation in mind, finding the perfect partner is your first step. If you're searching for someone who can bring your interactive multimedia concept to life, here are 5 tips for finding an experienced creative and technology partner who will exceed expectations.
Interactive multimedia refers to any interaction with the digital world in a physical space. For brands, this can include everything from digital touchscreens and floor projections to fully immersive experiences triggered by motion and sound. Other examples include augmented reality kiosks, portals into virtual worlds, and even in-store navigational maps.
Your interactive media partner should be a team player who can communicate effectively and work collaboratively with you. Brand experiences are a team effort, so look for a partner who values your input and includes you in the creative process. You want to work with someone who is equally invested in the project and its success – and who is dedicated to keeping everything on track. They should be willing to guide you through the process if it’s new to you and challenge your ideas if there is a more efficient or effective way to reach your objectives.
Take the time to explore examples of their interactive multimedia work to get a better understanding of what they can offer. The best partners will be able to handle a wide range of interactive multimedia technologies, from responsive touchscreens to immersive, multi-sensory experiences. But aside from the technology, what are their soft skills? Do they develop a strategy? Do they understand brand messaging? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether your brand is a start-up or an industry leader, you want to find a partner that can grow with you and scale their services to meet your needs.
Choose a partner with a solid track record in interactive multimedia development. Ask for examples of their work, case studies, and testimonials from past clients that can attest to their expertise. Your partner should have a deep understanding of the latest technology trends and command of different programming languages, platforms, and devices. Inquire about their experience with show control, and how they plan for and manage unforeseen events like equipment malfunctions, power outages, and repairs over time.
Prospective partners should also keep up with the latest trends and emerging technologies in the interactive multimedia industry, but be wary of the temptation to use technology for technology’s sake. The best interactive multimedia specialists understand that it’s not just about adopting trends but choosing the best medium for your project goals.
Evaluate the creativity of your prospective partner’s team, their portfolio, and how they incorporate brand identity into their work. Does their portfolio reflect the ability to leverage media and technology to tell a story? Are they bringing their own ideas and expertise to the table? Are they willing to think outside the box to ensure you stay within your budget and timeline? A multi-disciplinary team that understands your goals and objectives and offers relevant, creative ways to communicate them is essential to a successful project.
How will a prospective partner ensure a smooth process with your interactive multimedia project? Is everything done in-house? Will key components be outsourced to other vendors? If some elements are outsourced, will that add unnecessary layers of cost or complexity? A partner with a clear, organized approach to project management will ensure that your project stays on budget, and on time, and delivers a high-quality result.
Your interactive multimedia partner should also have a rigorous quality assurance process to test all deliverables before they go live. If aspects of the project are outsourced, be sure to ask how QC is handled. What checks and balances are in place to help prevent delays and technical problems?
Finally, what happens after your interactive multimedia experience is launched? Is your partner available for post-production support? Like all technology, multimedia experiences often require ongoing updates and repairs – who will handle this? They should be available to help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise and optimize your interactive media content over time.
“Each interactive experience needs to be supportive and cohesive to the brand’s overall message and with their overall ethos and their overall goals."
ERIC CUP
CEO, BRIDGEWATER STUDIO
Whether you are looking to update your retail environment with the latest interactive technology or are dreaming of an immersive brand activation that will wow your audience, finding the right creative partner to develop your interactive multimedia project can indeed be daunting. However, taking these 5 key tips into account can guide you toward a successful partnership. At Bridgewater Studio, we pride ourselves on embodying all of these attributes. Our diversified team has a proven track record of delivering high-quality, innovative multimedia projects for a wide variety of brands.
We're more than just a service provider; we're a partner that grows and evolves with you, ensuring that your interactive media and technology needs are always met with cutting-edge solutions. Ready to bring your brand story to life? Schedule a no-obligation strategy session with us today and let Bridgewater Studio turn your multimedia vision into a captivating reality.