A001 / Democratization of Expertise
Holoroom Test Drive
Honored at the 2018 Augmented World Expo
Selected as the Best Enterprise Solution at the 2018 Auggie Awards
Democratization of Expertise
A virtual backyard for in-store power tool demos
We've seen that getting comfortable with power tools can be a challenge for our customers.
We set out to explore whether an immersive, virtual reality experience can allow a customer to feel like they are comfortable using a power tool and ultimately influence their buying decision.
What it is
Holoroom Test Drive is a fully-immersive, multi-sensory experience that utilizes visuals, haptics and sound to let customers try power equipment in a safe, virtual space.
Everything we do at Lowe's Innovation Labs is designed to solve a human need.
Pushing "try before you buy" farther than ever
Building on our past work, with Holoroom Test Drive, we created a platform for customers to safely test a power tool in an in-store virtual backyard, helping them make informed and confident buying decisions.
How it works
Customers stepped into a virtual garage and backyard setting to test drive a power tool, in this case a Kobalt 24V hedge trimmer.
In this virtual environment, customers used a custom controller that mimicked the weight and feel of the actual tool, complete with realistic haptics, sounds, and even the scents associated with using a trimmer in real life.
Digital trackers on users' hands enabled the platform to monitor how customers handle the virtual tool and offered interactive training to enhance their proficiency and confidence while using the product.
The limited in-store test was rolled out to select Lowe's stores in 2018.
