When it comes to making sales and looking good doing it, there's no better way to achieve both than through innovative interactive technology.
That's exactly what Quintessence founder Rob Bosher realised when he founded the company in 2009. All technologies are born out of purpose, and he believed that interactive touchscreens could transform the way businesses marketed and sold their products and services.
It turned out he was right - we're proud to be celebrating our fourteenth year around this sun this week.
Back in 2009, touchscreen technology wasn't what it is today. The first touchscreen technology, single touch, merely emulated the mouse interface with a finger and wasn't in widespread use. Using a technique called "blob detection", Rob set out to develop Quintessence's own multitouch touch table.
This involved shining infrared light through the acrylic display surface and reflecting it back to internal sensors. When a finger or other object touched the screen, it disrupted the light path and caused a change in the amount of light detected by the sensors. By using multiple sensors and advanced software algorithms, the screen was able to interpret multiple touches.
Photo: Working on an early Quintessence manufactured multitouch screen
Though we use fantastic suppliers for hardware now, we've still got clients covered if they need hardware and furniture with their interactive software. Like your favourite all-inclusive holiday, but without the sand in your shoes.
So, what were the first use cases for our interactive touchscreens?
Initially working with talented architectural model makers to create interactive presentations on tables and tablets, the clear business benefits quickly caught on in the property sector. The tablets were connected to the physical model through a lighting controller and, using the interactive presentation software, model lighting ability was programmed. You could say this was a literal lightbulb moment!
Photo: Lighting Integration Install at Eastwick + Sweetwater
Property developers quickly embraced the science-backed benefits of helping home buyers to visualise their not-yet-built-homes with an immersive, memorable and personalised experience and have long enjoyed the results. Interactive presentations are commonplace in property marketing suites now, and for good reason - they work.
The education sector were early adopters too. Exeter University lead the way with touch tables that enabled students to interact and share information by throwing digital content from table to table. The lecturer could also broadcast any table to wall displays. The ultimate in educational collaboration at the time.
Photo: Collaboration Centre for Exeter University
And where are we now?
Since those early days, we've come a long way, including (thankfully) surviving a global pandemic. We've delivered over 140 successful projects in fifteen countries and we've expanded into many sectors. We're talking workspaces, smart cities, events, retail, sport and more. Basically, for anyone that markets a product or service, we've got an interactive solution, and that's something we're incredibly proud of.
"14 years of innovation and counting, and it's all thanks to our wonderful clients who have placed their trust in us and allowed us to do what we do best - creating innovative, interactive experiences that leave a lasting impression." - Rob Bosher
We don't plan on stopping anytime soon, either. We're excited about new solutions we're bringing to the (touch) table this year.
Let's not forget why we're still here too. We're not just in the business of making companies look good. We're here to help make people's lives easier and experiences more exciting. For example, there's no bigger decision than choosing the home you should buy, and our solutions smoothly guide people through that process. Interactive tech brings people together and remove limits, and that's at the heart of what we do every day.
Now, you might be wondering, why should you choose Quintessence for your interactive? Well, for starters, we have an extensive track record in the industry. Throughout our fourteen years, we've encountered and surmounted every challenge, and there's no solution we haven't seen and solved. We've innovated, we've adapted and we've persisted. When you choose Quintessence, you're choosing an experienced team that's committed to providing you with the very best service and the very best quality product.
But enough talking about ourselves, we'd love to talk to you. If you're curious about interactives, you know who to call.
You can contact us via marketing@quintessenceltd.co.uk or give us a call on 0204 537 8844. If Dr. Venkman answers, please try again.
See our work in action: