What is experiential design? On the surface, it seems simple: a design framework that prioritizes human experience. In practice, it embodies a wide breadth of disciplines, bodies of thought, and actual design elements. However one approaches experiential design, the desired end result is always the same: creating a dynamic, flexible, and personalized experience that results in a genuine interaction between space and occupant.
Storytelling Centerpieces: Creating Tailored and Meaningful Experiences
The idea of experiential design is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The academic journal Buildings & Cities argues for a personalized process, wherein “discovery” and “acts of invention and imagination” are key to securing a successful result. In essence, spaces need to feel specific in order to connect. Employing signature features with choreographed sequences and content logic like Split Flap displays can greatly contribute to that sense of specificity.
An interactive Split Flap menu (shown above) uses mechanical motion and subtle sound to draw focus to key specials and dishes.
A “wall flipbook” style storytelling centerpiece, created using a Picture Flap (shown above), rotates through high-resolution brand photography.
Split Flap, Picture Flap, and Chroma Flap custom installations all offer near endless options for answering the question: what is experiential design? Their acoustic qualities – the iconic “Split Flap click” as the flaps rotate into position – represent a beautiful intersection of music and architecture, giving the spaces they inhabit a specific sonic identity. Visually, they evoke a 3D collage. The modular sections run independently but with intentional choreography. They always resolve with a final, complete message, image, or design that further defines a space’s unique identity. As storytelling centerpieces, they’re pivotal to the brand environment.
A Chroma Flap installation (custom renders shared above) reimagines photos and illustrations into large-scale, pixel-style artwork.
Balancing On-Brand Messaging and Personalization
Analog aesthetics are making a major comeback, according to Architizer. But beyond their timeless and intriguing looks, displays like these draw viewers in by sparking moments of anticipation and sensory intrigue. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, they can be made directly interactive with the companion technology Algorithm.
Melissa, the parent to a six-year-old, knows the value of not giving free reign to over a Split Flap’s messaging (especially when it’s the star feature in a restaurant, bar, office, or lobby). That’s why Algorithm takes interaction to a smarter, more brand-friendly level.
Take the Algorithm at Oat Foundry HQ, for example. Selecting “FOOD” triggers a rotation of Oat Foundry’s favorite Philadelphia restaurants. “HISTORY” brings visiting clients through fun facts about the city of brotherly love. These options can be refreshed at any time so guests are constantly drawn to interact with Algorithm’s intuitive and ambient UX and find new paths for discovering more about your brand or space.
Algorithm is Oat Foundry’s signature companion technology, compatible with all our custom installations. Every Algorithm is created just for your brand, and can be used to engage directly with guests, customers, and more.
Oat Foundry uses our in-house Algorithm with a Split Flap to rotate through curated recommendations from the local Philadelphia area, including outdoors, shopping, attractions, parks, and much more.
Creating Screen Free Experiences that Connect
While digital technology creates easy paths for interaction like QR codes and touch screens, these solutions lack what is experiential design at its core: personality. This ArchDaily article highlights the importance of “emotional architecture,” meaning spaces that create “meaningful and sensory experiences” for their inhabitants.
The Banner Club Picture Flap display at The Roger’s Center, for instance, represents the Toronto Blue Jays; or the Split Flap display at Broken Records Beer Hall interactive menu in Boston. Digital screens are common in both settings, but by opting for analog both spaces feel more personal and intimate, encouraging patrons to socialize directly without a screen in their hand or in the corner of their eye.
So what is experiential design for? Ultimately, it comes down to the people inhabiting the space itself. Fostering interactions both between guests and between guests and the environment makes for memorable connections. Experiential engagement is the key that unlocks the path to elevate your space to the next level.