Smarter Street Furniture

Trueform asked us to create a high-end aspirational, intelligent ‘Smart Totem’ product that can act as a flagship offering in the ‘Smart City’ outdoor digital market.

The product had to be designed to house a wide range of functionality and tech, including: Wifi, an internet enabled info touchscreen, emergency button, charging facility, VOIP call capability, digital advertising screens, speakers, cameras, induction loops, lighting, shelter and help point features.

Initially Jedco undertook a large research stage to identify what features might be desirable for the public / operators in these environments. We also assessed similar existing products to identify areas for improvements / differentiation and trends within the market, but a large chunk of the research was about how to make uptake and integration of these units fun and enticing. We asked the question; ‘what else could it be?’

In response to this we developed a range of concept visuals exploring contemporary styling and shaping of the product to position it as a high-end aspirational offer. Which in-turn explored functional aspects such as ergonomics, component layout, positioning within the environment, and general form factor to create innovative options.

We looked at alternative materials, manufacturing processes, finishes and surface treatments, like stone and concrete to help amplify the high-quality nature of the product. To expand on this, we also considered modularity to offer a range of in-keeping products that span different functionality types, like wall-mounted options, benches, shelters and bike-loops.

Lastly, we drew up detailed drawings, readying the concept for the prototyping stage of development.