19 Sep 2023 – ongoing
About GPJ Lab
The GPJ Lab stands at the forefront of our innovation efforts, serving as a hub for exploring the intersection of technology and experiential engagement. Our multidisciplinary digital team brings together experts across key fields to create tech-infused brand experiences, employing rapid prototyping to accelerate concept development and reimagine existing technologies. Leveraging deep knowledge and strategic partnerships, the GPJ Lab focuses on AI, XR (AR + VR), IoT, and Cloud technologies. Our lab delves into how technology shapes consumer behaviour and utilises digital platforms to craft impactful experiences. Key technology movements we explore include camera-based technology, drones, extended reality, motion and audio control, robotics, smart devices, and the Maker Movement.
I worked on some lab projects focused on the application of innovative emerging technologies and showcasing our results. I also helped to test out the technologies and write reports or deliver demos on the technology.
New technologies
Midjourney
Midjourney is an independent research lab focused on expanding the imaginative boundaries of human creativity through artificial intelligence. By leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, Midjourney generates innovative visual and artistic content, pushing the limits of what can be achieved in digital artistry. This platform empowers creators to explore new realms of expression and bring visionary ideas to life.
It has been a very useful tool in generating quick visual references for concepts. I have had a lot of opportunities to explore and experiment with the technology. Additionally, I conducted a tutorial for the creative department, demonstrating how to use it effectively to achieve the desired outcomes.
VR/MR
Virtual Reality (VR) is an immersive technology that creates a fully digital environment, completely replacing the real world with a simulated one, often experienced through headsets. Mixed Reality (MR), on the other hand, blends digital content with the real world, allowing interactive experiences where physical and virtual objects coexist and interact in real-time. The primary difference is that VR entirely immerses users in a virtual space, while MR combines elements of both physical and virtual realities.
I worked on introducing people in the company to the virtual world through the lenses of the headsets. I helped facilitating VR experiences like the Cubism for the SXSW Challenge.
Activation Ideas Repository
Activation Ideas Repository
For every project, the team engages in several brainstorming sessions, generating a long list of ideas before arriving at the final concepts. While some ideas might not be suitable for one event, they could be perfect for another. To ensure these valuable concepts are not lost, we save every idea, creating a repository where everyone can revisit and draw inspiration or utilise these great concepts in future projects.
I took on the task of creating the Activation Ideas Repository, a comprehensive deck that consolidates all the exceptional ideas from past projects. As I compiled this resource, I had the invaluable opportunity to review every project deck and examine each idea in detail. This process not only allowed me to curate a rich source of inspiration for the team but also provided me with deep insights into the creative process and a wealth of knowledge from the diverse range of ideas.
Touchdesigner Exploration
Touchdesigner
TouchDesigner is a node-based visual programming language designed for creating real-time interactive multimedia content. It integrates both the application engine and user interface in one environment, allowing seamless communication with lighting, audio systems, input/output devices, and show control systems for live experiences. Featuring built-in VR tools and real-time 3D rendering, it supports a range of hardware devices including Kinect Azure, Realsense, ZED, Vive, Oculus, laser controllers, LIDAR, and multi-touch screens.
I have been learning as well as experimenting with it since I joined GPJ, and have produced some interactive pieces that could potentially be used in events. I have been working with a designer together on a deck on the exploration of TouchDesigner and its possible applications for the clients.
Lab Tour
Lab VisionOS APP
I have always been interested in applying my Swift knowledge in practical projects and have explored libraries like ARKit and RealityKit. This interest led me to develop the Lab Vision OS App as my lab project for the Apple Vision Pro.
The app is designed to showcase GPJ’s past projects, offering an engaging platform for users to explore and interact with our work. Users can navigate a gallery of past activations, inspect detailed miniature models, or virtually experience life-size activations. The app serves both as a self-guided tour for anyone to reference and experience our activations, and as a client tour to demonstrate our expertise in experience marketing. Key functionalities include a visual catalog of activations, interactive guided tours, miniature models for detailed exploration, immersive experiences of life-size activations, and detailed descriptions and insights about each project.