DESIGN NAME: Absa
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Technology bank
INSPIRATION: The inspiration was a direct response to actively listening to customer needs and finding ways to meet their needs through simple and innovative banking solutions - across all banking and customer segments!
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The new branch is used as a test lab to develop innovative products and processes prior to rolling them out to the remainder of its 900-strong branch network. The main banking space is used to showcase community engagement & marketing promotions such as Absa’s extensive sports sponsorship.
The ‘Branch of Tomorrow’ main aim is to ensure that the customer’s voice remains the driving force behind banking initiatives.
This innovative branch is a glimpse of the future of retail banking in South Africa.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Launched as a 'Laboratory9; branch, Absa's new store treads novel territory in terms of visual impact, use of technology and customers interaction. The new branch is a test ground for various customer segments all at the same time.
Once you enter this massive open space you are confronted with a wealth of technology:
quick service enquiry points - for customers conducting low-complexity activities without traditional queuing
interactive touch screens - designed to make doing business with Absa much easier
a 25 meter long digital screen showcasing the brand as well as cross selling imagery
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: 6 months to completion, Clearwater Mall, Johannesburg South Africa
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Interior Space and Exhibition Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: A visual statement is made via branch innovations such as quick service enquiry points, interactive touch-screens and digital communications via a 25-meter long screen.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: “state-of-the-art hardware and software technology has been used at the Clearwater Mall branch. The digital wall in the “customer interaction zone” contains 33- and 55-inch Samsung professional display monitors, with 24 display screens making up each “forest display”. A Coolux media system centrally manages all digital devices in the branch, and Samsung Microsoft touch surfaces are embedded in the desktops.
TAGS: technology, Absa, design, interior, allen international, South Africa, bank, financial
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: -
CHALLENGE: To create an innovative, intuitive and technologically rich test ground for various customer segments whilst at the same time not alienating existing Absa clients.
ADDED DATE: 2013-02-06 09:09:12
TEAM MEMBERS (5) : Mark Howman, Dean Neill, Yukie Watanabe, Adrian Hawkins and Christina Blache
IMAGE CREDITS: Allen International, 2012.
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