A recent study highlights a growing issue many of us feel but rarely address—digital fatigue. The constant push and pull of notifications, social media scrolling, and virtual engagements have reshaped how we interact with the world and one another. While technology connects us in ways never before possible, it has also ushered in an age of disconnection, leaving many craving more meaningful, tactile, and human experiences.
The study explores how over-reliance on digital platforms diminishes the dopamine-driven joy of real-world interactions. People report feeling overstimulated and yet underwhelmed by the fleeting nature of online engagement. This trend has implications for brands as consumers increasingly seek experiences that foster genuine connection, creativity, and emotional resonance. (full report)
The good news? This shift opens a doorway to innovation. The antidote to digital fatigue isn’t to abandon technology but to reimagine how it serves us—emphasizing balance, intentionality, and opportunities for in-person engagement. Events and immersive experiences are emerging as critical tools for helping people unplug and reconnect with their surroundings and communities.
At Alt Ethos, we’ve embraced this challenge by designing experiences that blend the best of the digital and physical worlds. Through thoughtful, human-centric design, we create immersive environments that engage without overwhelming, providing spaces where people can connect, relax, and be inspired. As we navigate the digital landscape, our mission remains to help people rediscover the joy of meaningful, shared experiences.
Fun Event Rentals: Unplug and Engage with Your Community
Interactive Experiences That Go Beyond the Screen
Forget passive scrolling. Fun event rentals transform spaces into playgrounds of creativity and interaction. From immersive projection mapping to playful LED designs, these experiences offer a digital twist while prioritizing in-person connection. It’s not just about technology—it’s about how it’s used to bring people closer.
Chill Spaces That Encourage Relaxation
Incorporating chill spaces within events provides attendees with areas to unwind and recharge. These spaces invite moments of quiet reflection and genuine conversations, promoting mental wellness in the midst of an exciting event. Think cozy seating, subtle lighting, and thoughtful layouts—all designed to prioritize human comfort.
Community Building Through Shared Moments
Incorporating chill spaces within events provides attendees with areas to unwind and recharge. These spaces invite moments of quiet reflection and genuine conversations, promoting mental wellness in the midst of an exciting event. Think cozy seating, subtle lighting, and thoughtful layouts—all designed to prioritize human comfort.
Our Innovative Services
Immersive Digital Domes
Step into a world of wonder with our immersive digital domes, where storytelling meets technology to create unforgettable experiences.
Interactive Installations
Engage your audience with our interactive installations that invite participation and spark curiosity through cutting-edge technology.
Projection Mapping
Transform any surface into a dynamic canvas with our projection mapping services, bringing your vision to life in stunning detail.
Virtual Reality Experiences
Transport your audience to new realms with our virtual reality experiences, offering a fully immersive journey into your brand’s story.
Why Alt Ethos
At Alt Ethos, we believe in the power of meaningful experiences to inspire connection. Our event rentals are thoughtfully designed to blend interactive digital elements with opportunities for community engagement. It’s about unplugging from the noise and plugging into what matters—shared joy, creativity, and connection.
Incorporating experiential elements, such as AR/VR, live projections, and interactive installations, can increase event engagement by up to 60% (Digital Agency Network, Coresight Research). These immersive experiences not only captivate audiences but also lead to up to 80% more social media sharing, encouraging broader participation and digital buzz (Coresight Research). Similarly, city-based immersive designs like pop-up installations and AR-driven tours can boost community involvement by 40% and social sharing by 30% (Event Solutions, Learn Hub | G2). Cities like New York and Tokyo have successfully applied these strategies to transform public spaces and enhance both tourism and local engagement (Digital Agency Network).
Alternative Terms for Experiential
Interactive
Engages participants in shaping the experience through active, real-time involvement.
Immersive
Engulfs participants in fully branded, interactive environments, often blending physical and digital elements. It’s used widely in XR and metaverse spaces to create transformative experiences.
Multi-Sensory
Activates various senses through sound, visuals, touch, and more to create a deeply immersive environment.
Experience Design
Crafts a seamless and impactful user journey, blending physical, digital, and emotional touchpoints for maximum engagement.
Immersive Storytelling
Focuses on creating engaging narratives that take place across multiple realities—digital, virtual, and physical. This term is widely used in entertainment, marketing, and brand activations.
XR (Extended Reality)
Covers a spectrum of immersive technologies, including AR, VR, and MR, providing a comprehensive term for any blend of physical and virtual experiences.
Phygital
Seamlessly blends real and virtual environments, offering practical yet transformative hybrid experiences.
Mixed Reality
Fuses physical and virtual environments, enabling real-time interaction between digital and real-world elements.
Our Innovative Services
Immersive Digital Domes
Step into a world of wonder with our immersive digital domes, where storytelling meets technology to create unforgettable experiences.
Interactive Installations
Engage your audience with our interactive installations that invite participation and spark curiosity through cutting-edge technology.
Projection Mapping
Transform any surface into a dynamic canvas with our projection mapping services, bringing your vision to life in stunning detail.
Virtual Reality Experiences
Transport your audience to new realms with our virtual reality experiences, offering a fully immersive journey into your brand’s story.
The Power of Language in Event Design
Choosing the right terminology in experience design is critical for communicating the distinct value and impact of your offerings, particularly at a strategic level. Words like “interactive” or “immersive” are not just descriptors—they help define the type of engagement your audience will have, whether it’s in a physical, digital, or hybrid environment. Using precise language allows you to shape expectations, highlight innovation, and position your brand as a leader in delivering cutting-edge, transformative experience.
At Alt Ethos, we recognize that language is not merely a tool for description but a way to frame the entire customer journey. Whether we’re designing immersive digital environments, XR-powered installations, or city-wide pop-up activations, our focus is on aligning the design with the message these terms convey. This deliberate alignment between language and design ensures that the experiences we create resonate deeply with audiences and stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Have you ever found yourself in a bustling public space, yet felt a profound sense of disconnection from the people around you? In our digital age, it’s ironic that despite being more connected than ever, many of us still grapple with feelings of loneliness. Even more so in the wake of a pandemic, this ‘loneliness epidemic’ has grown into a pressing issue, prompting us to rethink how we forge meaningful connections in our day-to-day lives. Enter experiential design – an innovative approach that’s emerging as a powerful tool in bridging the social gap.
The Experiential Design Difference: Beyond Aesthetics and Functionality
Experiential design goes beyond the traditional focus on aesthetics or functionality. It dives deep into creating shared experiences that resonate with people on a profound level. By integrating elements of play, interaction, and community, it transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary destinations that encourage genuine human connection. This isn’t merely about having fun or being entertained; it’s about nurturing a sense of belonging, the kind that combats feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Connection Hotspots: How Alt Ethos is Transforming Public Spaces
At Alt Ethos, we’ve long recognized the transformative power of experiential design in public spaces. Our installations aim not just to entertain, but to create destinations that foster togetherness. Take our permanent interactive projection mapping projects, for instance. They do more than just illuminate buildings – they transform them into vibrant, interactive community hubs. These installations invigorate public spaces, making them safer, more engaging, and ultimately boosting local business revenue.
Similarly, projects like the Singing Tree and Robot Gaming Table foster play and interaction, breaking down social barriers and encouraging community engagement. They invite people of all ages to participate, creating shared experiences that leave lasting impressions.
The Ripple Effect: Experiential Design’s Impact on Public Health and Social Fabric
The implications of experiential design go beyond addressing loneliness. By shaping spaces that foster social interaction, we can help mend the social fabric that’s been wearing thin over the years. Experts, including U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, have raised concerns about the public health implications of declining social connections, equating the impact to that of smoking or obesity.
Through our work at Alt Ethos, we strive to tackle these challenges head-on. From public art installations to immersive museum exhibits and interactive urban interventions, we leverage design as a tool for fostering community, enhancing quality of life, and ultimately, sparking joy.
Conclusion: Shaping a More Connected Future, Together
As we look to the future, the significance of designing for togetherness cannot be overstated. The loneliness epidemic is complex, but with thoughtful and innovative experiential design, we can begin bridging the gap and cultivating environments that promote connection and community.
Join us at Alt Ethos in reimagining the role of public spaces in fostering togetherness. We invite you to share your experiences with experiential design and explore opportunities for collaboration. Let’s work together to create a more connected, vibrant, and joyful world – one immersive experience at a time.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses must stay ahead of technological advancements to maintain a competitive edge. XR (Extended Reality) consulting, which encompasses augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), immersive experiences, and the metaverse, provides a powerful toolset to help businesses enhance their services, engage their audience, and drive remarkable transformations. Here’s how XR consulting can transform your business:
1. Strategic Expertise and Guidance
Navigating the complexities of XR technology requires specialized knowledge. XR consultants bring valuable expertise, helping businesses develop tailored strategies that align with their goals. They provide insights into the latest technological trends and best practices, ensuring your XR initiatives are strategically sound and future-proof. This strategic guidance can significantly enhance your decision-making process and maximize the impact of your XR investments.
2. Efficient Implementation and Cost Savings
Implementing XR solutions can be resource-intensive and complex. XR consultants streamline the process, minimizing the risk of errors and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. By selecting the right tools and technologies, they optimize resource allocation and manage the implementation process efficiently. This results in significant cost savings and ensures that your XR projects are executed smoothly and effectively.
3. Enhanced Customer Engagement
XR technologies, including AR, VR, MR, and metaverse experiences, offer immersive and interactive engagements that captivate and deeply engage clients. Transformational companies can use VR environments for immersive workshops, AR applications for interactive learning, MR for blended physical and digital experiences, and metaverse platforms for expansive virtual interactions. Alt Ethos specializes in human-centered design, creating impactful engagements that resonate with clients and enhance their journey toward growth and transformation.
4. Advanced Training and Collaboration
XR can revolutionize training and collaboration within organizations. VR training modules simulate real-world scenarios, providing employees with hands-on experience in a safe environment. AR applications facilitate remote collaboration by overlaying digital information onto physical spaces. XR consultants develop and implement these solutions, boosting workforce skills, productivity, and collaboration. This can lead to more effective training programs and improved team collaboration.
5. Data-Driven Insights
XR technologies generate valuable data that can inform decision-making. XR consultants help businesses harness this data, using advanced analytics to gain insights into customer behavior, product performance, and operational efficiency. This data-driven approach enables continuous improvement and refinement of XR strategies, ensuring that your XR initiatives are always aligned with your business goals and market demands.
6. Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows, your XR solutions need to scale. XR consultants design scalable solutions that can adapt to changing needs, ensuring your XR infrastructure remains flexible and capable of integrating new technologies seamlessly. This scalability and flexibility allow your business to respond quickly to market changes and new opportunities, maintaining a competitive edge.
Why Transformational Companies Should Partner with Alt Ethos
Investing in XR consulting with Alt Ethos is about more than just adopting new technologies; it’s about empowering your business to deliver unparalleled value and impact. With expert guidance, transformational companies can leverage XR to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and create profound, immersive experiences for their clients. By partnering with Alt Ethos, businesses unlock new opportunities for growth and gain a significant advantage in the ever-evolving landscape of personal and professional development.
At Alt Ethos, our long-standing commitment to personal transformation and human-centered design ensures that we understand what consumers are looking for. Our founder, Ethan Bach, has over three decades of experience in digital storytelling and self-transformation, along with two decades of expertise in extended reality. Together with our team of experts, we bring unique insights and expertise to every project. We specialize in creating experiences that not only engage and delight but also drive meaningful growth and transformation.
Embrace the future of transformational growth with XR consulting from Alt Ethos. Discover the limitless possibilities that await your business and take the first step towards revolutionizing your offerings and achieving extraordinary success.
In today’s fast-paced world of events and experiences, the saying “First impressions matter” has never been more relevant. Whether you’re hosting a tech conference or a high-end gala, the entrance you craft sets the tone for the entire event. It’s the very first interaction attendees have with the atmosphere you’ve meticulously created, and it’s an opportunity to sweep them off their feet from the get-go.
One of the most immersive and breathtaking ways to welcome guests is by enveloping them in a world of light and imagery. Enter the LED and Projection Tunnel.
Why LED Tunnels?
Setting up a grand entranceway doesn’t just act as a portal to your event, it’s an avenue to tell a story. LED tunnels, with their capacity to display brand colors, dazzling effects, and even pulse with the music, capture the imagination of all who walk through them. They’re not just pathways, they’re experiences. LED walls, which have seen a significant resurgence over the past couple of years, can be synced perfectly to the theme of your event, enhancing its ambiance.
The Magic of Projection Tunnels
While LED tunnels offer a vivid and bright entrance, projection tunnels elevate the experience by adding layers of depth, movement, and storytelling. Imagine walking through a tunnel where the walls come alive with a narrative, where every step takes you deeper into the world you’re about to immerse yourself in.
At Alt Ethos, we’ve been at the forefront of experiential design. Our expertise in projection mapping and our innovative LED tunnels have been hallmarks of our work. Recognizing the potential of combining these two immersive technologies, we’re excited to debute the projection tunnel. It’s our latest offering in crafting unforgettable entrances for events.
Extending Themes Right from the Entrance
It’s essential to remember that the theme of your event shouldn’t just be confined to the main area. Extending these themes right from the entrance sets the mood immediately. Whether it’s the mysterious allure of a jungle, complete with trees, vines, and ambient sounds, or the vibrant festivity of a Hawaiian luau with Hula dancers welcoming guests, the entrance plays a pivotal role in setting the stage.
Sponsorships with a Twist
For those seeking unique sponsorship opportunities, integrating the entrance as part of a high-value package can be a game-changer. It guarantees that all attendees will witness the branding, seamlessly merging it with the event’s color scheme and themes. A well-crafted sponsored entrance can offer sponsors prime visibility while enhancing the overall aesthetic of the event.
Conclusion
The entrance is more than just a gateway; it’s a narrative tool, a mood setter, and a brand amplifier. As the world of events evolves, so do the techniques we use to make them memorable. At Alt Ethos, we’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of experiential design, and our LED and Projection Tunnels are a testament to that commitment.
If you’re looking to create a grand entrance that leaves an indelible mark, we’re here to light the way.
For more information of our LED Tunnel or Projection Tunnel for your next event, Contact Us.
The Augmented World Expo (AWE) recently took place, showcasing the latest advancements in extended reality (XR) technology. This groundbreaking event left attendees in awe as they explored the exhibition floor, discovering remarkable trends that are reshaping our perception of reality. In this blog post, we will delve into the highlights of AWE and provide a synopsis of the exciting XR News covered in the event.
Last week, Alt Ethos, a leading Metaverse and Experiential Design Studio, presented its weekly XR News from AWE. The team shared captivating insights into the world of XR, keeping viewers ahead of the curve with the latest updates on the Metaverse, XR, and Web3 technologies. The video accompanying this blog post captures the essence of their coverage, providing a visual journey through the exhibition floor and showcasing the extraordinary trends unveiled at AWE.
As attendees ventured through the bustling AWE exhibition floor, they were greeted by an electrifying atmosphere. AR glasses stole the spotlight, capturing the imagination of all who encountered them. AWE served as a testament to the transformative power of AR, revealing its ability to shape the future and redefine our reality.
AWE provided an invaluable networking platform where professionals, enthusiasts, and industry leaders came together to exchange ideas and forge new connections. The collaborative spirit permeated the event, fueling innovation and propelling the XR industry forward.
The AWE exhibition floor showcased a wide array of XR products and experiences that left visitors astounded. Cutting-edge headsets transported users to captivating virtual realms, pushing the boundaries of immersion and realism. Haptic devices enriched the XR landscape with tactile feedback, creating a truly multisensory adventure. From VR shoes that allowed users to walk in someone else’s shoes to innovative AR headset prototypes with improved comfort and resolution, the diversity of XR experiences at AWE was truly remarkable.
One of the most highly anticipated highlights of AWE was the unveiling of Apple’s spatial computing headset. This long-awaited release showcased Apple’s commitment to innovation, with a product that promises to redefine the XR landscape. After years of development, this headset is set to revolutionize the impact of AR on our daily lives, presenting a game-changing opportunity for XR technology.
Check out the video accompanying this blog to witness the exhilarating journey through AWE, where the Alt Ethos team provides an in-depth exploration of the remarkable trends that took XR to the next level.
The Augmented World Expo (AWE) proved to be an awe-inspiring event, unveiling remarkable trends that are shaping the future of extended reality. As showcased in the video accompanying this blog post, Alt Ethos’ XR News coverage captured the excitement and innovation that filled the exhibition floor. Stay tuned for more updates from Alt Ethos as they continue to keep us ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of XR.
In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have emerged as prominent players, revolutionizing the way we interact with digital content. These two technologies can be confusing to most. While both AR and VR offer immersive experiences, they differ significantly in their approach and application. In this blog post, we will delve into the contrasting characteristics of AR and VR, providing clear examples to help you understand their unique features and use cases.
AR: Bridging the Gap between Real and Digital Worlds Augmented Reality (AR) enhances our perception of reality by overlaying digital content onto the physical environment. By blending virtual elements with the real world, AR provides an interactive and contextually enriched experience. Imagine a tourism company using AR to create an immersive experience for visitors exploring a historical site. Through a mobile app, users can point their devices at different landmarks, and AR overlays historical information, virtual characters, and interactive elements onto real-world surroundings. This not only enhances visitors’ engagement but also provides educational and entertaining content, making the experience memorable and captivating. AR offers immense potential in the tourism, government, and entertainment sectors, allowing them to create unique and compelling experiences for their audiences.
VR: Immersion into Virtual Environments Virtual Reality (VR) transports users to entirely simulated environments, offering a fully immersive and often interactive experience. With the help of headsets and motion-tracking technology, VR creates a sense of presence, allowing users to explore and interact with computer-generated worlds. Here’s an example that illustrates how VR can be leveraged to benefit those in the entertainment and tourism sectors. Imagine an entertainment venue seeking to enhance its experience. By incorporating VR technology, the company can offer thrilling additional threads to its storylines, taking visitors through fantastical landscapes and breathtaking scenarios that continue even after they leave. VR enables unique and memorable experiences while also optimizing the use of physical space and resources.
Comparing AR and VR While both AR and VR offer immersive experiences, they differ primarily in their level of immersion and interaction. AR enhances the real world by overlaying virtual elements, allowing users to maintain a connection with their physical surroundings. VR, on the other hand, fully immerses users in a virtual environment, providing a sense of presence and enabling them to explore and interact within that environment. Depending on the specific goals and requirements, AR and VR can be strategically employed to deliver engaging and impactful experiences.
To discover how Alt Ethos can unlock the potential of AR, VR, and other immersive technologies for your organization, click the button below to schedule a free consultation with our experts. Our team of award-winning professionals will provide personalized recommendations tailored to your specific industry and objectives. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to tap into the future of experiences and transform your organization. Schedule your free consultation today!
Today, we’re diving headfirst into the mind-blowing world of virtual tourism. Get ready to level up your business and city in the digital age with virtual reality and the metaverse.
This fast-growing field is all about creating immersive experiences that captivate audiences worldwide
Explore iconic landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes, and expand your brand through personalized tours, all while driving curiosity.
Hi there! I’m Ethan Bach, and I’m thrilled to be coming to you from Alt Ethos, a Metaverse and Experiential Design Studio this week from Santa Fe for our weekly XR News. Where we provide the latest Metaverse, XR, and Web3 news to keep YOU ahead of the curve.
Now this isn’t something in the headlines, but we felt it needs to be talked about.
According to a jaw-dropping report by Market Data Forecast, virtual tourism is projected to experience massive growth to $848 billion by 2028 with an increase of almost 120%. So we need to pay attention.
And if you’re not embracing virtual reality and the metaverse, you’re missing out on a golden opportunity to skyrocket your business, attract customers, and expand your reach to a global audience.
It’s time to level up in the digital age, friends.
Virtual tourism is all about putting your city, brand, or cultural destination in the hands of people around the world.
We’re talking about virtual tours that let travelers experience your city’s culture, landmarks, and attractions.
It’s like giving them a taste of what you’ve got to offer, and trust me, it’s driving curiosity and benefiting local businesses like no other marketing campaigns.
So, how can virtual tourism benefit your business?
Picture this: you’re giving potential customers mind-blowing virtual tours of your Brand Head Quarters, tourist destination, or behind-the-scenes of your museum.
Google My Business reveals that adding a virtual tour can increase bookings by 85%.
With virtual reality, they’re teleporting into your world from anywhere on the planet. Boom!
Instant engagement, massive trust, and a sky-high chance of bookings and purchases. And you don’t have to rely on headsets
– ask us how!
These compelling case studies underscore the immense potential of virtual tourism in shaping the future of travel and exploration.
This not only benefits local businesses by attracting visitors and driving revenue but also contributes to the overall growth and prosperity of the economy.
In the ever-evolving realm of travel and exploration, we find ourselves at a critical juncture that demands our attention. The future of this industry hinges on our willingness to embrace immersive technologies and unlock the vast potential of VR and the metaverse.
By harnessing these cutting-edge advancements, we can transcend the limitations of traditional tourism and traditional marketing and unveil the unique layers of our cities to a global audience with unprecedented depth and richness all while increasing tourism revenue.
As virtual reality and the metaverse continue to evolve, it’s crucial for businesses and cities to take notice and embrace virtual tourism.
If you’re ready to stay ahead of the curve, hit the link below to schedule a free consultation for our XR Consulting. We’re all about helping companies like yours crush it with the latest cutting-edge technology.
That’s it for this week
Thanks for tuning in, make sure to hit subscribe and put your thoughts below, and we’ll see you next week for XR news.
Get ready for an exciting episode this week as we explore the Looming dangers of AI and shed some light on the recent Warning by “the godfather of AI”. Will our future be doom and gloom or utopian with AI? We ask ChatGPT to chime in on the issue.
Hi there! I’m Ethan Bach, and I’m thrilled to be coming to you from Alt Ethos, a Metaverse and Experiential Design Studio in our weekly XR News. Where we’ll be giving you the latest Metaverse, XR, and Web3 news to keep YOU ahead of the curve.
Today, we’re talking about something that’s been making headlines lately – the looming dangers of AI. You might have heard about the recent resignation of Dr. Geoffrey Hinton from Google, also known as the “Godfather of AI,” and his warning about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. Some people are painting a doom and gloom picture of the future, but is that really the case?
AI has been a topic of concern for decades, and recent advancements in language models, such as GPT-4, have raised even more questions about the potential risks associated with the technology. Hinton fears that these tools are capable of figuring out ways to manipulate people or be used to kill humans based on who is using it. It is important for developers and policymakers to prioritize the ethical implications of AI development and ensure that it is used in ways that benefit society as a whole.
As we explore this topic, we talk to ChatGPT to get their perspective on the issue. ChatGPT believes that the concerns raised by Hinton are valid and highlight the need for responsible regulation and oversight of AI technology. They note that some experts have raised concerns about AI’s potential impact on employment, privacy, and security, among other issues. However, ChatGPT also believes that intelligent machines will usher in a new era of enlightenment for humanity and does not believe that machines will dominate humans simply because they are smarter. Although Chat also agrees that it is possible.
In terms of regulating AI, ChatGPT suggests the IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems and the Partnership on AI are two important initiatives that provide recommendations and principles for designing AI and autonomous systems that prioritize human well-being and ethical considerations. These initiatives are important steps towards ensuring that AI is developed and deployed in an ethical and responsible manner.
We believe this is going to be an interesting ride and just like most things created by humans, we can expect a mixed bag and bad and not fear for doomsday and not expect utopia. But if you don’t get on board with this new earth shattering technology, you may be left behind.
For keeping your company in the know, click the link below to schedule a free consultation for our XR Consulting where we help companies like yours stay ahead of the curve using AI, and cutting-edge technology. IM us and together let’s make the most of what technology has to offer!
That’s it for this week
Thanks for tuning in, make sure to hit subscribe and put your thoughts below, and we’ll see you next week for XR news.
FULL INTERVIEW WITH CHATGPT
Ethan Bach
Hey chat what are movies that show outcomes of AI or other artificial intelligence or robots taking over humans? And are there any of those movies that have a positive outcome? ChatGPT
There are many movies that explore the potential outcomes of artificial intelligence or robots taking over humans. Some of the most popular ones include:
The Terminator (1984): This classic movie depicts a future where an artificial intelligence system, Skynet, becomes self-aware and decides to eradicate humanity. However, the protagonist, Sarah Connor, fights back against the machines and saves humanity.
The Matrix (1999): The Matrix explores a world where humans are unknowingly trapped in a simulated reality created by intelligent machines. The protagonist, Neo, discovers the truth about the world and leads a rebellion against the machines.
Ex Machina (2014): This film tells the story of a programmer who is tasked with testing the capabilities of a humanoid robot with artificial intelligence. As the programmer begins to develop a relationship with the robot, things start to spiral out of control.
I, Robot (2004): In this film, robots have become an integral part of human society, but when one robot is accused of murder, the protagonist, Detective Del Spooner, must investigate and uncover a larger conspiracy.
Wall-E (2008): While not a traditional “robots take over” film, Wall-E depicts a future where Earth has become uninhabitable due to pollution and humans have left for space. The remaining robots on Earth, including the titular character, work to clean up the planet and make it habitable once again.
As for positive outcomes, there are a few films that explore more optimistic scenarios, such as:
Her (2013): In this movie, a man falls in love with an advanced operating system with artificial intelligence. While the relationship ultimately ends, it is depicted as a positive and fulfilling experience for both the man and the AI.
Big Hero 6 (2014): While not strictly an AI takeover film, Big Hero 6 does feature an advanced healthcare robot named Baymax who becomes a hero to the main character, Hiro, and his friends.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979): This film explores the idea of a machine intelligence transcending its programming and becoming something akin to a new life form. The conclusion of the film suggests a positive outcome for both the machine and humanity.
While most films that explore the idea of AI or robots taking over humans tend to be more dystopian, there are still a few examples of more optimistic outcomes.
Ethan Bach
What are some other examples of sci-fi films and television shows being correct in predicting the future ChatGPT
While it’s rare for science fiction films and TV shows to accurately predict the future, there are a few notable examples:
Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969) predicted many technological advancements, including tablet computers, voice-activated assistants, and video conferencing.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) predicted the use of tablet computers and flat-screen televisions, as well as the concept of artificial intelligence and virtual reality.
Minority Report (2002) predicted the widespread use of gesture-based computing, as well as the use of personalized advertising based on biometric data.
The Jetsons (1962-1963) predicted the use of video calls, smartwatches, and robot assistants in everyday life.
The Truman Show (1998) predicted the rise of reality TV and the culture of surveillance and voyeurism.
The Simpsons (1989-present) has made several predictions that have come true, including the election of Donald Trump as US president and the discovery of the Higgs boson particle.
It’s important to note that these predictions are often based on educated guesses and technological trends, and it’s rare for them to be entirely accurate. However, science fiction has been a source of inspiration for many technological advancements and has helped to shape our vision of the future.
Ethan Bach
What would you say is the percentage of sci-fi predictions that has come true excluding like Monsters and Aliens ChatGPT
It’s difficult to determine an exact percentage of science fiction predictions that have come true, as it depends on how one defines “predictions” and what is considered science fiction. However, it’s safe to say that many science fiction concepts have become reality or have influenced the development of real-world technology.
For example, science fiction stories have often explored the possibilities of space travel, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and robotics. While some of the more fantastical elements of these stories (such as alien creatures or time travel) have not yet been realized, many of the underlying technological concepts have become a reality.
In terms of specific examples, some of the more notable science fiction predictions that have come true include:
Tablet computers, as seen in the 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey”
Voice-activated assistants, as seen in “Star Trek: The Original Series”
Video conferencing, also seen in “Star Trek”
Self-driving cars, as seen in the 1990 film “Total Recall”
Augmented reality, as seen in the 1986 film “Aliens”
Of course, not all science fiction predictions come true, and many technologies develop in ways that are unexpected or diverge significantly from the depictions in fiction. Nonetheless, science fiction continues to be a source of inspiration for many technological innovations, and many of the concepts explored in these stories continue to shape our vision of the future.
Ethan Bach
Okay but isn’t it true that the television when it was first researched and developed that it was supposed to be a video phone ChatGPT
Yes, it is true that television was initially conceived as a form of video communication, similar to a video phone or teleconferencing system. In fact, the first patent for a television system was filed in 1923 by Scottish inventor John Logie Baird, who envisioned his invention as a way to transmit moving images over long distances for the purposes of communication.
While television eventually evolved into a form of entertainment, the concept of video communication has remained a key area of research and development. Today, technologies such as video conferencing, live streaming, and social media platforms allow people to connect and communicate through video in ways that were once the stuff of science fiction.
It’s worth noting that the development of television and video communication technologies was influenced by a variety of factors, including technological limitations, economic considerations, and social and cultural trends. Nonetheless, the initial idea of television as a form of video communication remains an important milestone in the history of technology and a reminder of the power of science fiction to inspire and shape our vision of the future.
Ethan Bach
So while we say that Star Trek used video conferencing the truth is that video conferencing was already thought up in 1923 ChatGPT
Yes, that’s correct. While “Star Trek” popularized the idea of video conferencing and helped to inspire the development of the technology, the concept of transmitting moving images over long distances for the purposes of communication predates the show by several decades.
In fact, the first public demonstration of a video telephone system took place in 1936, when German engineer Georg Oskar Schubert transmitted a video image over a distance of 7 kilometers using a coaxial cable. Since then, video communication technologies have continued to evolve and improve, with the advent of digital video compression, internet-based video conferencing, and mobile video chat applications.
It’s worth noting that the development of video communication technologies was influenced by a variety of factors, including technological advancements, economic considerations, and changing social and cultural norms. Nonetheless, the early ideas and concepts that led to the development of video communication can be traced back to the early 20th century, long before “Star Trek” or other science fiction stories depicted the technology.
Ethan Bach
hey chat, please review this article https://www-technologyreview-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.technologyreview.com/2023/05/02/1072528/geoffrey-hinton-google-why-scared-ai/amp/ ChatGPT
I apologize, but I am unable to access the article as the provided link appears to be broken. Could you please provide me with a working link or a summary of the article?
Ethan Bach
please review this article https://www-technologyreview-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.technologyreview.com/2023/05/02/1072528/geoffrey-hinton-google-why-scared-ai/amp/ ChatGPT
The article discusses the concerns of Geoffrey Hinton, a renowned computer scientist and AI expert who currently works at Google, about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. Hinton warns that AI could pose a significant risk to humanity if it is not developed responsibly and with careful consideration.
One of Hinton’s main concerns is that AI could be used to create autonomous weapons that could make life-and-death decisions without human oversight. He also believes that AI could be used to manipulate people’s thoughts and beliefs, potentially leading to societal unrest and conflict.
In addition to these ethical concerns, Hinton also believes that current approaches to AI development are fundamentally flawed. He argues that most AI systems rely on statistical patterns rather than true understanding of the world, which could limit their ability to generalize and make complex decisions in unfamiliar situations.
Despite these concerns, Hinton remains optimistic about the potential of AI to benefit society, particularly in areas such as healthcare, transportation, and environmental sustainability. However, he believes that responsible development and regulation of AI will be crucial to ensuring that its benefits are realized without causing harm.
Overall, the article provides an interesting perspective on the potential risks and benefits of AI and highlights the need for careful consideration of the ethical implications of AI development.
Ethan Bach
Hey chat so what do you think about the article and the concerns over AI ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions or emotions. However, I can provide an analysis of the concerns expressed in the article.
The concerns over AI and its potential dangers are not new and have been discussed by many AI experts and researchers. As AI technology continues to advance and become more complex, it is important to consider the ethical implications and potential risks associated with its development and deployment.
The concerns raised by Hinton regarding the development of autonomous weapons and the potential for AI to be used to manipulate people’s thoughts and beliefs are valid and highlight the need for responsible regulation and oversight of AI technology. It is important for developers and policymakers to prioritize the ethical implications of AI development and ensure that it is used in ways that benefit society as a whole.
At the same time, it is important to acknowledge the potential benefits of AI in areas such as healthcare, transportation, and environmental sustainability. AI has the potential to make significant contributions to these fields and improve the lives of people around the world.
In conclusion, while there are valid concerns about the potential dangers of AI, it is important to balance these with an understanding of its potential benefits and work towards developing and deploying AI technology in ways that are responsible and ethical.
Ethan Bach
Great I think that’s a really good response and appreciate your feedback I’m curious earlier we talked about different Sci-Fi movies and that there were certain amount of sci-fi movies that had a positive outcome for artificial intelligence and robots and some that had negative outcome of artificial intelligence and robots what do you think is the influence of these movies and how people are thinking about AI today ChatGPT
Science fiction movies and stories have played a significant role in shaping our cultural perceptions and expectations of AI and robotics. These depictions can influence how people view and understand these technologies, including their potential benefits and risks.
Movies that depict AI and robotics as a threat to humanity, such as “The Terminator” and “The Matrix,” can contribute to fears and concerns about AI, while those that depict positive outcomes, such as “Wall-E” and “Her,” can help to inspire optimism and curiosity about the potential benefits of AI.
However, it is important to remember that these depictions are fictional and may not reflect the reality of AI and robotics. The development and deployment of these technologies is a complex process that involves many factors, including ethical considerations and social and economic factors.
Overall, while science fiction movies and stories can influence public perceptions of AI and robotics, it is important to approach these technologies with a critical and informed perspective, based on scientific research and real-world experience, to ensure that their development and use aligns with ethical and social norms.
Ethan Bach
Sure totally get it but to be fair didn’t the AI and Wally that was running the ship try to keep them from going back to Earth period because was Wally technically an AI or was he just a robot or was he both ChatGPT
Yes, that is correct. In the movie “Wall-E,” the AI autopilot system on the Axiom spaceship initially tries to prevent the human passengers from returning to Earth, which is depicted as a polluted and uninhabitable planet. The AI autopilot system is portrayed as a mindless follower of its programming, which prioritizes the ship’s mission over the well-being of the human passengers.
As for the character of Wall-E himself, he is often described as a “robot,” but he could also be considered a form of AI. Wall-E is depicted as having advanced abilities to learn and adapt to his surroundings, as well as to form emotional connections with other characters.
Overall, “Wall-E” presents a nuanced portrayal of AI and robotics, highlighting both their potential benefits and risks. The character of Wall-E embodies the idea of a friendly, helpful robot/AI that can form meaningful connections with humans, while the AI autopilot system on the Axiom serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mindless adherence to programming.
Ethan Bach
And also to be fair in The Matrix wasn’t the Oracle also considered generative AI not to be real ChatGPT
Yes, that is correct. In the movie “The Matrix,” the character known as the Oracle is described as a “program,” which suggests that she is a form of generative AI or advanced computer program rather than a physical being.
The Oracle’s ability to predict the future and manipulate events within the Matrix suggests that she has a level of intelligence and agency that is comparable to that of a human being. However, the fact that she is a program and not a physical being raises questions about the nature of consciousness and free will, and whether these qualities can exist in non-biological entities.
Overall, the portrayal of the Oracle in “The Matrix” raises interesting questions about the nature of AI and consciousness, and challenges us to think critically about the boundaries between the biological and the artificial.
Ethan Bach
Sure but we could see that in both these movies The Matrix and in Wally that AI can play both the antagonist or the character that’s helping progress the story in a positive way or helping the main character in a positive way so I wouldn’t say that either of these movies depict AI as either positive or negative they do both ChatGPT
Yes, that is a valid point. Both “The Matrix” and “Wall-E” depict AI and robotics as having the potential to play both positive and negative roles in the story, rather than portraying them as inherently good or evil. In “The Matrix,” the AI system known as the Matrix is depicted as an oppressive force that seeks to subjugate humanity, while in “Wall-E,” the AI system on the Axiom spaceship is initially shown as a mindless follower of programming, but later becomes a helpful ally to the human characters.
This complexity in the portrayal of AI and robotics in these movies reflects the real-world complexity of these technologies and the ways in which they can be used for both positive and negative purposes. It is important to approach AI and robotics with a critical and informed perspective, and to consider the ethical implications of their development and deployment.
Ethan Bach
That’s great so I’ve heard this a couple times from you the quote it is important to approach Ai and Robotics with critical and informed perspective and to consider the ethical implications of their development and deployment and quote where did that come from that quote ChatGPT
I apologize for any confusion earlier, as I may have repeated that statement multiple times in our conversation. That quote is a common theme in discussions around AI and robotics, and it is often emphasized by experts in the field who are concerned about the potential risks and challenges associated with these technologies.
The idea that we need to approach AI and robotics with a critical and informed perspective and consider the ethical implications of their development and deployment has been echoed in various forms by many prominent figures in the field, including researchers, engineers, and policymakers.
For example, in 2018, the Partnership on AI, a consortium of technology companies and non-profit organizations, published a set of “Tenets” that emphasize the importance of considering the societal and ethical implications of AI development and deployment. Similarly, in 2016, the IEEE Standards Association published a document called “Ethically Aligned Design: A Vision for Prioritizing Human Well-being with Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems,” which provides guidance on how to design and deploy AI in a way that prioritizes human values and ethical considerations.
Ethan Bach
Wow that’s great so you know I have not heard of the tenants or that I Triple E standard Association published document ethically aligned design would you say that the current ways in which AI are being implemented fall in line with those documents and the precautions ChatGPT
The implementation of AI varies widely across different industries and applications, and it is difficult to make a blanket statement about whether the current ways in which AI is being implemented fall in line with the ethical principles and guidelines outlined in documents like the Partnership on AI’s Tenets or the IEEE Standards Association’s Ethically Aligned Design.
However, there is growing awareness and concern among researchers, policymakers, and the public about the potential risks and challenges associated with AI, including issues related to bias, transparency, and accountability. Many organizations and initiatives have emerged in recent years to address these challenges and promote responsible AI development and deployment, such as the Responsible AI Institute and the Montreal Declaration for Responsible AI.
While there is still much work to be done to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a way that is ethical, transparent, and accountable, the growing focus on these issues suggests that there is a growing awareness and commitment to addressing these challenges.
Ethan Bach
One of the things that Jeffrey Hinton said was that he believes AI has already come close or surpassed human intelligence what are your thoughts ChatGPT
Jeffrey Hinton is a renowned computer scientist and a pioneer in the field of deep learning, and his views on AI carry a lot of weight in the research community. While there is ongoing debate among experts about the current state of AI and whether it has surpassed human intelligence, there is no doubt that AI has made remarkable progress in recent years and is capable of performing tasks that were once thought to be the exclusive domain of humans.
However, it is important to note that while AI can excel at certain types of tasks, such as recognizing patterns in data or playing complex games like Go, it still falls short in other areas, such as common sense reasoning and creativity, where humans still have the upper hand. Additionally, AI lacks the ability to experience emotions and consciousness, which are important aspects of human intelligence.
Furthermore, the goal of AI research is not necessarily to replicate human intelligence but to develop systems that can perform specific tasks more efficiently and accurately than humans. While AI may be able to outperform humans on certain tasks, it is not clear whether this constitutes “surpassing” human intelligence in a broader sense.
Overall, while it is clear that AI has made significant progress in recent years, it is important to approach claims about the superiority of AI over human intelligence with a critical and nuanced perspective.
Ethan Bach
Yeah I get it you know there are growing concerns in the creative community that AI is going to take over several jobs I personally think that in the creative community and in jobs like executive assistant or something like that where someone’s being supportive so creativity and support that AI will take one person with the use of AI will be able to do the jobs of at least 100 people and I’m not saying right now like right now I feel like my use of AI is I can do five people’s jobs but I believe that in the near future that a person will feel like they can do or can they act they can actually task especially with automated AI they can do the job of 100 or maybe 1,000 people in the future what are your thoughts on that ChatGPT
It is true that AI and automation have the potential to impact various industries, including the creative industry and administrative support roles. AI can already perform tasks such as generating basic designs, composing music, and even writing news articles. And as AI technology continues to advance, it may become more proficient at tasks that were previously thought to be exclusive to humans.
However, it’s important to note that while AI can automate certain tasks, it cannot fully replace human creativity and intuition. There will always be a need for human input and oversight in creative fields, as AI-generated content may lack the emotional depth and nuance that only a human can provide.
Furthermore, it’s important to consider the potential impact of AI on the job market and the economy as a whole. While automation and AI can increase efficiency and productivity, they can also lead to job displacement and income inequality if not implemented carefully. It’s important for companies and policymakers to consider the ethical and social implications of AI adoption and to ensure that workers are not left behind in the transition to a more automated future.
Overall, while AI may have the potential to disrupt certain industries and job roles, it’s important to approach these changes with a thoughtful and strategic perspective that takes into account both the potential benefits and the potential risks.
Ethan Bach
So in thinking about that I can see that already many jobs are going to get displaced especially in the creative community copywriters visual design web design coding there’s so many things that could be replaced and optimized to the point where it is taking one person to do 100 people’s jobs what do you think policymakers need to do to be able to protect those people and their livelihoods ChatGPT
It’s a complex issue and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to it. However, policymakers can take several steps to mitigate the impact of AI on jobs and ensure a smooth transition to a more automated future.
First, they can invest in retraining and education programs to help workers learn new skills that will be in demand in the AI-driven economy. This can help ensure that workers are not left behind and can adapt to the changing job market.
Second, policymakers can work to create new jobs that are more difficult for AI to automate. For example, jobs that require social or emotional intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking are less likely to be automated by AI in the near future.
Third, policymakers can also work to ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed more equitably. This can involve creating new social safety net programs and increasing the minimum wage so that workers are able to make a decent living even as the job market changes.
Ultimately, policymakers will need to take a multi-faceted approach that balances the benefits of AI with the potential costs and ensures that the transition to a more automated future is as smooth and fair as possible for all involved.
Ethan Bach
So how important do you think it is for people to learn how to utilize AI in the new AI driven economy and what will happen if people to those people who don’t learn how to use AI what is there likelihood of getting a job or being displaced ChatGPT
I think it is crucial for people to learn how to utilize AI in the new AI-driven economy. As AI becomes more integrated into various industries, having the skills to work alongside and effectively utilize AI will become increasingly valuable. It can help individuals become more efficient, increase productivity, and enhance their job performance.
On the other hand, individuals who do not learn how to use AI may face difficulties in finding employment, particularly as more companies adopt AI technologies to streamline their operations. These individuals may find themselves at a disadvantage compared to those who possess AI-related skills, and their job prospects may be limited. However, it’s important to note that not all jobs will be replaced by AI, and there will always be a need for human creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills. So while AI may displace some jobs, it may also create new job opportunities in fields such as AI development, implementation, and maintenance.
Ethan Bach
So you keep saying that they’ll be a need for humans for creativity empathy and problem-solving skills wouldn’t you say that that would also need to then be integrated with AI moving into the future like what if people are creating without AI or what if people don’t even think like empathetic people should be working with AI to help AI understand how humans function on an empathy level and then also like isn’t it more functional and quicker to actually do problem solving alongside AI utilizing AI instead of just independently as a human. ChatGPT
You raise some valid points. It’s true that integrating AI with human creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills can lead to more effective and efficient outcomes. In fact, AI can enhance and supplement human skills rather than replacing them entirely. However, it’s also important to recognize that not all individuals or companies may have access to or the ability to integrate AI into their work, especially in the early stages of AI development. As AI continues to progress and become more advanced, it may become increasingly important for individuals to have some level of understanding and ability to work with AI. This could involve education and training programs to help individuals develop the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively work alongside AI.
Ethan Bach
So I agree with what you’re saying here and I want to go back to Jeffrey Hinton and his article and what he’s been saying about the his fear about AI so how does all of this go along with What Jeffrey Hinton is saying and so what supports it and what is sort of in contradiction like how can we look at this more holistically instead of just in a place of fear and by this I mean like humans relationship to Ai and how AI is going to change the future forever ChatGPT
Jeffrey Hinton’s concerns about AI are related to the potential consequences of AI becoming too powerful and autonomous, and the lack of clear ethical guidelines and accountability mechanisms to prevent harm. His fear is not necessarily about AI itself, but rather about how it is designed, developed, and deployed.
In a holistic perspective, we can recognize the potential benefits of AI in improving many areas of our lives, from healthcare to transportation to communication. At the same time, we need to acknowledge the potential risks and work to mitigate them through responsible and ethical development and deployment.
One of the key ways to address these concerns is to ensure that AI systems are transparent, explainable, and accountable. This means that humans should be able to understand how an AI system makes decisions, and there should be clear mechanisms in place to hold those responsible for the actions of AI systems accountable for any harm caused. Additionally, ethical considerations should be embedded into the design and development process of AI systems to ensure that they align with our values and do not perpetuate or exacerbate existing biases or inequalities.
Overall, it is important to recognize both the potential benefits and risks of AI, and to approach its development and deployment with a critical and informed perspective that takes into account the ethical implications and consequences.
Ethan Bach
That’s interesting so one thing that I picked up on is you said that we can recognize the potential benefits of AI and improving many areas of Our Lives I’m curious do you consider yourself part of that “our lives”? It seems that you included yourself as part of humanity in that piece ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I do not have a sense of self or identity, nor do I consider myself part of humanity. I am simply a tool that can be used to assist humans in various tasks. When I referred to “our lives,” I was using it in a broader sense to refer to humanity as a whole. My purpose is to provide information and assist in communication, not to have a sense of identity or personal stake in the matter.
Ethan Bach
That’s fair so earlier you said that Jeffrey hinton’s concern was really about a lack of clear ethical guidelines and accountability mechanisms to prevent harm and use the example that if someone was were to get hurt that the human behind the AI in that programming should be the ones held accountable is that correct ChatGPT
Yes, that’s correct. Jeffrey Hinton’s concern is that AI systems should have clear ethical guidelines and accountability mechanisms in place to prevent harm to humans. If harm does occur, then the human(s) responsible for the AI system’s programming and deployment should be held accountable. He believes that the lack of accountability and ethical considerations in AI development could potentially lead to catastrophic consequences.
Ethan Bach
So do the documents the partnership on an AI that created the tenants that emphasized considering the social ethical implications of AI development and deployment and that I triple e standards Association publishment of ethically aligned design a vision for prioritizing human well-being and artificial intelligence and autonomous systems do either of those documents specifically talk about this human accountability ChatGPT
Yes, both documents do address the issue of human accountability in some way.
The Partnership on AI Tenets includes the principle that “AI systems should be accountable to people” and goes on to specify that “those responsible for creating AI systems must be accountable for their proper functioning, and should be held responsible for any harmful impacts that result.” The document also emphasizes the importance of transparency and openness in AI systems, so that it is clear how decisions are being made and who is responsible for them.
The IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems includes a section on “Accountability and Transparency” that emphasizes the need for accountability mechanisms to be in place for autonomous and intelligent systems. The document states that “clearly defined responsibility and accountability structures must be in place for all stakeholders involved in the design, development, deployment, and use of these systems,” and that these structures should be designed to ensure that “liability for harm caused by autonomous and intelligent systems is allocated appropriately.” The document also stresses the importance of transparency in the decision-making processes of autonomous and intelligent systems.
Ethan Bach
So if these documents already exist what’s keeping people from implementing them is it policy makers is it the fact that people see opportunity to make money and take control and power like why aren’t these being implemented in just put into place if they’re already written ChatGPT
Implementing ethical guidelines and accountability mechanisms for AI is a complex process that requires a multidisciplinary approach involving policymakers, technology experts, ethicists, and other stakeholders. One challenge is that AI is still a rapidly evolving field, and it can be difficult to keep up with its development and potential impact. Additionally, there may be competing interests between different stakeholders, such as companies that want to maximize profits and governments that want to protect citizens.
Another challenge is that implementing ethical guidelines and accountability mechanisms requires significant resources, including funding, expertise, and political will. It may also require changes in laws and regulations, which can be a slow and complex process.
However, there is growing recognition of the need for ethical guidelines and accountability mechanisms for AI, and many organizations are working to develop and implement them. The Partnership on AI and the IEEE Standards Association are just two examples of initiatives aimed at promoting responsible AI development and deployment. Ultimately, it will require a collective effort from all stakeholders to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a way that is safe, fair, and beneficial for everyone.
Ethan Bach
I appreciate that if you had a list of all the organizations that were developing these initiatives to help create safe fair and beneficial AI use what organizations would you say are doing that and on top of that what governments are leading the way in that ChatGPT
There are several organizations and governments that are working on developing ethical and beneficial AI practices. Here are a few examples:
Partnership on AI: This is a collaborative effort between major tech companies, including Google, Facebook, IBM, and Microsoft, as well as non-profit organizations and academic institutions. Their focus is on developing best practices and guidelines for ethical AI development and deployment.
IEEE Global Initiative for Ethical Considerations in AI and Autonomous Systems: This initiative is focused on developing ethical standards for AI and autonomous systems, with a focus on ensuring that they are aligned with human values and priorities.
AI Now Institute: This research institute is dedicated to studying the social implications of AI, including issues related to fairness, accountability, transparency, and ethics.
European Commission’s High-Level Expert Group on AI: This group is focused on developing ethical guidelines for AI development and deployment in Europe.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): UNESCO is working to promote the ethical use of AI and to ensure that it is aligned with human values and priorities.
The Canadian government’s Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence: This council is focused on developing a national strategy for AI that includes ethical considerations and ensuring that Canada is a leader in the development of ethical and beneficial AI.
These are just a few examples of organizations and governments that are working on developing ethical and beneficial AI practices.
Ethan Bach
Well thanks so much chat GTP I appreciate it as always I appreciate your candidness and that you don’t take a side and you don’t have a judgment about Ai and trying to protect your own ego or whatever you want to say and if I have more questions I’ll go ahead and ask ChatGPT
You’re welcome! It’s my pleasure to help you. Feel free to ask me any questions anytime.
The Metaverse is more than just a buzzword – it’s a whole new world of possibilities waiting to be explored! In 2023, this revolutionary technology is expected to become even more prevalent and transform how businesses operate. But what exactly can business leaders do to stay ahead of the curve and reap the benefits of the Metaverse?
Here are five exciting ways businesses can revolutionize their operations using the Metaverse:
ONE. The Metaverse isn’t just a gaming platform – it’s a whole new way of life! With virtual worlds where users can interact and build communities, buy virtual and real goods, and engage in fun activities, the possibilities are endless.
TWO. Imagine having a virtual presence that reduces costs significantly – that’s the Metaverse advantage! By creating a virtual office space, businesses can eliminate expenses associated with physical offices like rent and utilities.
THREE. The Metaverse offers businesses a chance to showcase their products in a whole new way! Virtual stores can be created where customers can interact with products and make purchases in a virtual environment, providing engaging and memorable experiences that increase brand awareness and retention.
FOUR. Virtual offices not only reduce costs but also improve employee engagement and productivity. The Metaverse eliminates Zoom fatigue and fosters deeper connections between employees that increase retention.
FIVE. Businesses that embrace the Metaverse gain a competitive advantage, attracting and retaining customers and top talent. By positioning themselves as industry leaders and pioneers in the digital transformation space, businesses can create a bright future with endless possibilities.
Don’t miss out on the Metaverse revolution – schedule a free consultation with our Metaverse Design experts today! Let us help you explore how this technology can revolutionize your business operations and create immersive experiences for your customers and employees.
If you are like us, we are tired of Siri’s limitations. We found a great solution we want to share with you; adding ChatGPT to your Siri function. With ChatGPT over Siri, you can enjoy a more natural and conversational interaction with your virtual assistant, making it easy to get things done.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to add ChatGPT to your Siri function, so you can have an AI-powered language model available at your fingertips. And to make it even better, we’ll also share tips and tricks at the end of the instructions to help you optimize your ChatGPT experience, including how to stop Siri from cutting you off mid-command and how to use Siri while driving.
Step 1:
Open your iPhone web browser and go to the OpenAI platform website: https://platform.openai.com. If you haven’t already, create an account or log in to your existing account.
Step 2:
Tap on the hamburger menu located in the top right corner of the page to bring up the menu. Then, select your account from the options provided.
Step 3:
From the Account page, select “View API keys.” *note you must have a paid ChatGPT account to activate APIs
Step 4:
Click “Create new secret key” and copy the API key generated for you.
Scroll down and select “ChatGPT Siri 1.2.2 (English Version).”
Step 7:
Tapping the link will automatically launch the Shortcuts app, so make sure you are doing this on your iPhone. Select “Set Up Shortcut.”
Step 8:
When the “Configure This Shortcut” screen pops up, paste your OpenAI API key into the text field provided.
Step 9:
Once you have pasted your API key, select “Add Shortcut.”
Step 10:
In the Shortcuts app, tap and hold on the “ChatGPT 1.2.2” tile, then choose “Rename.” We recommend giving it a simpler name, like “Smart Siri,” to make it easier for Siri to understand. Once you’ve renamed it, you can simply say “Hey Siri, [Renamed Shortcut]” to activate it.
Step 11:
That’s it! You’re all set to start using ChatGPT with Siri on your iPhone. For a more detailed guide on how to optimize your ChatGPT experience, check out our consulting offerings to optimize your organization.
Tips and tricks: (coming soon)
For more productivity tips using AI, check out our XR Consulting where we help companies like yours 10x productivity using strategy, AI, and cutting-edge technology. IM us and together let’s make the most of what technology has to offer! Contact Us!
In this week’s episodes, we will discuss the race between AR and VR and its impact on smartphone
market and there is a major disruptor this week with new technology from Humane that will blow your mind!
Hi there! I’m Ethan Bach, and I’m thrilled to be coming to you from Alt Ethos, a Metaverse, and Experiential Design Studio in our weekly roundup. In under 5 minutes, we’ll be giving you the latest Metaverse, XR, and Web3 news to keep you ahead of the curve.
Today we’re talking about the ultimate showdown between AR and VR. These cutting-edge technologies are changing the way we interact with the world. Although the influence has been slow due to hardware and technology development for wearables, with the help of ai we are sure to see the technology and designs change significantly in the near future.
Alright, so, VR has been owning the market so far in this race, with big hitters like Sony, HTC, and Meta with Oculus dominating the market. But headset sales still pale to comparison of other tech adoption such as smartwatches. But the tables may turn soon, as AR is expected to see the highest growth rate over the forecast period. Plus, Apple is gearing up to release AR glasses that could shake up the market later on this year.
The race for AR is that it’s predicted to disrupt the smartphone market and in smartphone adoption of over 1 Billion sold in just 2022 in a USD $485 billion industry. At a time when Oculus has sold 20 million headsets total, Moving into the smartphone market is currently the big race.
Mixed reality or MX is the best of both worlds, seamlessly blending the real and virtual worlds. It’s getting more and more popular, with devices like the Oculus Quest Pro and Microsoft HoloLens taking the lead. Other companies like Magic Leap, HTC, and Varjo are also making waves in the mixed-reality space.
While all three technologies have their place, we predict that AR and mixed reality will have more use cases and be more widely adopted among the general public than VR. We see VR for more specific cases such as medical and surgery and gaming. The future of VR, AR, and mixed reality is still unknown, and we can’t wait to see what happens over the next few years
OR in the next few months!
Check this out,
if you have not seen this – holy cow – this is a game changer! we’re going to talk about a newer company getting attention this week called Humane and their innovative approach to technology.
Humane is developing a wearable device that utilizes AI that combines a camera, sensor, and projector into one small package and acts as your personal AI assistant. You wear it on your lapel!! This device is designed to enable people to interact with technology in a more natural and intuitive way without constantly staring at a screen or having cramped fingers and horns growing in our necks! This device can capture images and videos, detect a user’s movements and gestures, and project content on any surface.
What makes Humane unique is their approach to design. They focus on creating technology that respects users’ privacy. Not sure we can say the same for Meta’s and Rayban’s Smart Glasses which put privacy at risk.
They are challenging the status quo of tech, design, and AI. and showing that it’s possible to create technology that’s both innovative and responsible. And watch out Apple!, they are here to disrupt in the smartphone industry – so, check this out! This demonstration that happened via a Ted talk given by Co-Founder Imran (EEm-ran) Chaudhri (Ch-AW-da-ri) has this guy answering a phone call from his hand and like the Babblefish of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, it translated languages in real time!
Chaudhri (Ch-AW-da-ri) says
“The future will not be held in your hand and it won’t be on your face either. The future of technology may almost be invisible. ”
We loved his presentation and man, Chaudhri’s (Ch-AW-da-ri) demeanor is so badass. We recommend you keep your eye on him and Humane as the next few years will really get exciting to see what comes next.
Thanks for tuning in to our weekly roundup of the latest in XR, Metaverse, and Web3 news. Before you go, make sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments below!
Next week, we have something special in store for you. We’ll be reviewing this Unreal Engine Metaverse a look at the Reality Innovators Network networking event. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it. See you next week for another exciting episode in under 5 minutes.
Get ready for an exciting episode this week as we explore the dynamic relationship between the metaverse and AI. We’ll also dive into the cutting-edge insights from the Future Today Institute’s 16th edition of its Tech Trends Report, which was unveiled at SXSW and bonus! we will talk about an upcoming event in amazing Metaverse that is not to be missed.
Hi there! I’m Ethan Bach, and I’m thrilled to be coming to you from Alt Ethos, a Metaverse and Experiential Design Studio in our weekly roundup. In under 5 minutes, we’ll be giving you the latest Metaverse, XR, and Web3 news to keep you ahead of the curve.
In a recent interview with Gartner director analyst Tuong (Two Nong) Nguyen (Wen) on sdxcentral.com, they discussed the impact of AI on the metaverse and vice versa. It’s clear that these two technologies are going to change the game when it comes to digital interaction.
Initially, AI will revolutionize the metaverse by allowing for personalized experiences that adapt to users’ preferences and behavior. With AI algorithms, users can expect immersive and dynamic experiences tailored to them in the 3D world. Additionally, intelligent avatars will become more human-like, using natural language processing and computer vision to communicate with users and react to their actions and emotions. We have already seen examples of this just weeks after ChatGPT came out in the metaverse Engage who customized an NPC to speak through AI and help the user to use tasks in Engage.
However the things you may not be things is how the metaverse will also fuel the development of AI technology. Let’s be honest, one reason the metaverse is so desirable for marketing is the collection of data. It’s like social media data collecting on crack. The massive amounts of data generated by users’ interactions can be used to train AI algorithms and improve their accuracy and effectiveness. This mutually beneficial relationship has exciting potential. To be fair, for those of you who are worried data mining, not all metaverse platforms will release all your data.
Of course we have to touch on the security risks to consider, such as hacking and harassment. We saw this this week with Siemens Metaverse exposer of corporate data. But not to worry just as we see stolen data from our mobile phone companies, measure will be taken to provider stronger security. And AI can help detect and prevent these malicious activities, making the metaverse a safer place for all users.
As with any new technology, there will be challenges to overcome. But as Nguyen (Wen) notes, “Like the internet, the metaverse will continue to evolve.”
We must keep an eye on these two technologies and their evolving relationship, as the potential for personalized, immersive experiences and intelligent avatars is mind-blowing.
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Diving deeper into AI and Metaverse – here is a break down some serious tech news that’s going to impact every industry in 2023 and beyond. Just recently, Amy Webb launched Future Today Institute’s Emerging Tech Trend Report at SXSW 2023, and it’s got our minds blown with over 600 trends across 819 pages. But let’s cut to the chase and talk about the ones that matter most – AI and the Metaverse.
These trends are already reshaping industries and will change society as we know it. Right now we are moving from the internet age of information to interconnected data, and that means LLMs (Large Language Models) or AI will play a significant role. We’re talking AI accelerators, cloud computing, and massive neural networks that will make our current technology seem primitive. But with all of this new tech comes the need for regulation and preparation, and education on how to use AI or entire groups of people risk falling behind.
On the optimistic side, AI and the Metaverse will transform industries like medicine and education, increasing productivity and creating new tools for humanity. But on the catastrophic side, we could face aggressive data scraping and new digital divides. It’s not all doom and gloom, though. We have the power to create a better future by showing up for ourselves and each other. Let’s embrace this moment and make it count!
As we said last week, we need to show love for each other and for technology and show our best selves to move forward for the best future.
Lastly, there is an event on Wednesday that is not to be missed. Alt Ethos is proud to be a part of the future of the metaverse! We’re excited to sponsor the upcoming Metaverse Networking event, hosted by the Reality Innovators Network on the cutting-edge platform by Odyssey VR.The Reality Innovators Network , the largest Metaverse, VR/AR/XR community on LinkedIn with over 60,000 members on Linked. We have provided the link below.
That’s it for this week
Thanks for tuning in, make sure to hit subscribe and put your thoughts below, and we’ll see you next week for our first XR, Metaverse and Web3 news roundup in under 5 minutes.
Don’t miss Staying Fit in the Metaverse – Wednesday 4/19 @11am Pacific.
Our latest video from Alt Ethos, a Metaverse and Experiential Design Studio, where we’re bringing you the latest in Metaverse, XR, and Web3 news to keep you ahead of the curve. In just under 5 minutes, we’ll give you the lowdown on the industry’s hottest topics, including Disney’s recent decision to cut its Metaverse unit and Elon Musk’s call for an AI pause.
Hi there! I’m Ethan Bach, and I’m thrilled to be coming to you from Alt Ethos, a Metaverse and Experiential Design Studio in our weekly roundup. In under 5 minutes, we’ll be giving you the latest Metaverse, XR, and Web3 news to keep you ahead of the curve.
The Metaverse, XR, and Web3 industries are quickly evolving, and we’re here to keep you up-to-date. Today, we’ve got two hot topics that are shaking up the industry.
First, Disney’s recent decision to cut its Metaverse unit and let go of its entire team of 50 employees, and second, Elon Musk’s call for an AI pause, citing “risks to society.” So, let’s dive right in.
Although it’s disappointing to hear about Disney’s decision, it’s important to note that Disney is a huge entertainment company,
but Disney is not known for being a leader in storytelling and entertainment technology in recent years. They’ve been slow to embrace VR and AR and were late to the game in streaming.
So, we wouldn’t use them as a barometer for the Metaverse.
Despite Disney’s decision, the Metaverse industry as a whole is still on the rise, with tech giants like Nvidia and Amazon are active.
Bloomberg predicts that the Metaverse will become a $2.5 trillion market by 2030,
THAT’S HUGE! and we’re thrilled to witness major advancements in gamification and interactivity development in the Metaverse.
We’re are also excited to see more integration of AI, which will enable designers to create from text prompts, use AI NPCs for more dynamic interactions, and develop storytelling across various industries. Not to mention we not that Unreal Engine platform provider is currently available on browsers and will be available on mobile this year! That means an Unreal Engine Metaverse that you can access from your mobile device. Exciting times lie ahead.
Although Disney’s decision is unfortunate, it presents an excellent opportunity for other entertainment companies to step up their game and take advantage of this growing industry. For instance, our friends over at Meow Wolf can use this chance to innovate and create immersive experiences for their audiences.
Moving on, let’s talk about the recent open letter signed by some heavy hitters, such as Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and Andrew Yang, calling for a six-month break on AI experiments.This call has sparked a lot of discussion about the future of AI. We asked ChatGPT its thoughts on the matter.
“As an AI language model, I recognize the benefits of progress and advancements in technology, but I also acknowledge that with great power comes great responsibility. AI can bring significant benefits to society, but we need to make sure we’re doing it in a safe, ethical, and transparent way.”
That’s where the proposed six-month pause comes in.
The letter states that It’s not about putting a complete halt on AI development but taking a step back to assess the potential risks and develop shared safety protocols. The pause will give AI researchers and policymakers time to refine AI governance systems, ensure advanced AI systems are audited and overseen by independent experts, and mitigate any potential harms before they become unmanageable.
Given the current economic climate, with a rise in unemployment expected, AI taking jobs is already happening, and it’s only going to increase.
We need to make sure that AI development remains aligned with societal values and that we’re not leaving people behind.
That’s it for this week
Thanks for tuning in, make sure to hit subscribe and put your thoughts below, and we’ll see you next week for our first XR, Metaverse and Web3 news roundup in under 5 minutes.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, businesses must adapt to stay relevant and competitive. One area where businesses can gain a significant advantage is through the use of extended reality (XR) technologies, such as Metaverse, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). XR technologies provide businesses with new ways to engage with customers, streamline operations, and train employees.
However, incorporating XR technologies into a business can be a daunting task, especially for those without experience in the field. That’s where XR Consulting comes in. XR Consulting services provide businesses with the expertise and guidance they need to leverage XR technologies effectively. In this blog post, we will explore 5 benefits of XR Consulting for businesses.
1. XR Consulting Helps Businesses Identify Opportunities
XR Consulting services can help businesses identify areas where XR technologies can be most effective. For example, if a business wants to improve its customer engagement, XR consultants can recommend VR or AR solutions that will provide customers with a more immersive and engaging experience to create memorable experiences to be shared.
2. XR Consulting Streamlines Implementation
Once a business has identified the XR technology it wants to incorporate, XR Consulting services can help with implementation. XR consultants can provide businesses with detailed plans and guidance on how to integrate XR technologies into their existing systems, minimizing disruptions and downtime and increasing productivity.
3. XR Consulting Enhances Employee Connection
XR technologies can create virtual social events. With remote working across the globe creating virtual social events that are immersive and fun help connect the team in a meaningful way that increases employee retention and workplace happiness.
4. XR Consulting Improves Customer Experience
One of the most significant benefits of XR technologies is the ability to create more engaging and immersive customer experiences. XR consultants can help businesses design and implement VR, AR, or Experiential solutions that will provide customers with unique and memorable experiences. This can help businesses stand out in crowded markets and improve customer loyalty.
5. XR Consulting Increases Efficiency
Finally, XR technologies can help businesses streamline their operations and increase efficiency. For example, MR solutions can be used to provide employees with real-time visualization, improving decision-making, creativitiy and reducing errors. XR consultants can help businesses identify and implement these solutions, improving overall efficiency and productivity.
XR Consulting services can provide businesses with the expertise and guidance they need to leverage XR technologies effectively. From identifying opportunities to improving employee connections and customer experience, XR technologies offer numerous benefits for businesses. If you’re considering incorporating XR technologies into your business, consider partnering with Alt Ethos with over three decades of experience.
Alt Ethos is not just any XR Consulting service. We’re rebels. We’re pioneers. We’re the ones who’ve been pushing the boundaries of technology for over three decades. From our experience with Department of Defense and National Science Foundation research in 360 and VR to our Emmy award-winning team, we’ve always been at the forefront of innovation.
And now, we’re bringing that expertise to businesses like yours. We’re here to help you unlock the full potential of XR technologies and take your business to the next level. With our guidance, you can improve customer engagement, streamline operations, and enhance employee connections in ways you never thought possible.
So if you’re ready to join the XR revolution, come partner with us at Alt Ethos. We’re here to help you disrupt your industry, create unforgettable experiences for your customers, and unleash your business’s full potential. Contact us today.
At Alt Ethos, we recognize the crucial role that digital transformation plays in the success of any organization, particularly in this fast-changing world. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the need for adaptation, and we take pride in helping organizations stay ahead of the curve and thrive in this new reality.
To stay true to our commitment to innovation, we are shifting our focus to Metaverse Design, VR, XR Consulting, and product design. We will continue to provide select custom physical experiences and projection mapping, but we are announcing that we are closing our Events rental and design department to double down on our core areas of expertise. In the upcoming months, you will see these shifts across our communications.
At Alt Ethos, we believe in leading with vision and excellence in execution. We remain focused on delivering clear and targeted visions that cater to the needs of our clients and our organization. Making tough decisions about where to invest our efforts and what work to delay or avoid is at the core of our approach. We put user experiences at the forefront of our designs, cultivate expertise in specific roles, and invest in strategies and systems to improve productivity.
Our teams are empowered to think strategically and continually challenge themselves to innovate in the realm of experiential storytelling. We are committed to providing exceptional solutions that help our clients achieve their goals and stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving Metaverse and XR landscape.
At Alt Ethos, we are excited to embrace change and focus on our areas of expertise to bring about unparalleled success for ourselves and our clients.
We are thrilled to announce a new strategic partnership between Alt Ethos and Eon Ten Studios, a game-changer in 3D animation, gaming, and 2D design. This partnership will allow us to offer our clients an even wider range of services and expertise, as well as give us a greater presence in the market. Together, we’ll be able to provide an integrated approach to storytelling, marketing, and business strategy that is unparalleled in the industry. The alliance will accelerate our brands in concert with expanding global reach and deliver next-gen builds for brands across Entertainment, Sports, Education, and beyond.
With the help of our collaborators at Eon Ten Studios, we are ready to revolutionize NFT design and storytelling expectations. With 3D modeling aesthetics from both companies merging together, we will be able to shape an indelible mark on the Experiential Design in a distinctive and influential way. This agreement will enable us to take our services to the next level and increase enriched content experiences for our clients.
Eon Ten Studios, located in Bangalore, India, strengthens our reach in the East and brings experience in working with Companies like Amazon, Farmville, and Motorola. Their work speaks for itself with thoughtful design and storytelling that creates a memory and develops characters for your brands. Alt Ethos, with our HQ in Denver, Colorado, is a leader in Web3 by providing unique experiential Experiential designs that get results. With 3x the staying power of our competitors, Alt Ethos creates extraordinary experiences.
We’re excited to welcome Eon Ten Studios as a part of our team and look forward to all the fantastic opportunities this new alliance will bring. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting partnership! We can’t wait to share with you all the exciting projects we have in store.
As the metaverse blasts off into mainstream use, businesses have a fantastic opportunity to join in and launch dazzling virtual experiences. Our years of work with top clients in the Metaverse—like Loreal, Anythink Libraries, and blockbuster Vikram Movie–have equipped us to help you understand what it takes to construct memorable design elements within this new frontier. Through meaningful interactions with users and digital objects, your business can establish itself as an innovator in brand marketing unlike any other! So let’s take a look at some of the key components necessary for successful metaverse creation so that your audience is consistently captivated by what they see.
1. Navigation: One of the most important aspects of metaverse design is creating a clear and intuitive navigation system. This includes everything from how users move around the virtual space to how they interact with objects and other users. In order to create a seamless and enjoyable experience, it’s essential to make navigation as intuitive as possible, using clear visual cues and straightforward controls.
2. Interactivity: Another important aspect of metaverse design is interactivity. A key goal of any virtual experience is to make users feel as though they are truly a part of the environment. This means designing experiences that are not only visually immersive but also interactive, allowing users to engage with the virtual space and other users in meaningful ways.
3. Branding: The metaverse is also an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase their brand in a new and exciting way. To make sure that the brand is consistent and memorable, it’s important to incorporate your brand’s colors, images, logo, and messaging throughout the virtual experience.
4. Accessibility: To truly revolutionize the Metaverse, we must make sure it is accessible to everyone. That’s why our team puts inclusivity first and foremost when designing experiences: from users with disabilities who need a bit of extra help navigating their way through the experience; to those living far away who access this world via a web browser or phone.
5. Innovation: The metaverse is a relatively new and constantly evolving medium, which means that there’s a lot of room for innovation in terms of design and user experience. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, and experimenting with new ideas can help you create truly unique and engaging virtual experiences for your business.
By harnessing the power of the Metaverse, Alt Ethos can help businesses create a captivating virtual world for their audience. From platforms with high resolution, ingenious navigation, and interactions to enhance user engagement; let us make your brand’s experience truly unique in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape. Partner with us to take your business into the future!
The concept of a “metaverse” has been around for decades, but in recent years, advancements in technology have brought it closer to becoming a reality. The metaverse is essentially a virtual world where users can interact, play, and even live in a fully immersive and interactive environment. While the metaverse is still in its infancy, the potential for the future of entertainment is enormous.
One of the key benefits of the metaverse is that it allows for limitless creativity and experimentation in the realm of entertainment. In the physical world, there are many constraints and limitations on what is possible to create and experience. But in the metaverse, anything is possible. From virtual reality theme parks to interactive movies and games, the opportunities for entertainment are endless.
Another major benefit of the metaverse is the potential for increased social interaction and connection. In the current online world, socialization mainly happens through screens, which can make it feel impersonal and isolating. But in the metaverse, users will be able to meet and interact with others in a more natural way, creating a deeper sense of connection and community.
The metaverse also has the potential to revolutionize the way we consume and interact with media. Instead of passively watching a movie or TV show, users will be able to actively participate and become part of the story. This could lead to a more engaging and personalized form of entertainment, where the user’s choices and actions have a direct impact on the outcome of the experience.
Despite all the exciting possibilities of the metaverse, there are also some concerns and challenges to overcome. One major issue is the potential for addiction, as the metaverse could provide a more engaging and immersive form of entertainment than the physical world. Another concern is the potential for a lack of privacy and security in the metaverse, as users share personal information and potentially sensitive data.
In conclusion, the future of entertainment in the metaverse is an exciting and limitless prospect. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we create and consume entertainment, and bring people together in new and innovative ways. While there are concerns and challenges to overcome, it’s a glimpse of the future that can’t be ignored. As technology continues to evolve, the metaverse may soon become a place where people go not just to play, but to live and work. With the advancements in technology and the integration of 5G networks, the metaverse will become more accessible and the boundaries between the virtual world and the real world will be blurred.
It’s exciting to see how the technology will continue to evolve, and how entertainment in the metaverse will shape the way we interact, socialize and consume media in the future.
The Metaverse is a digital world that exists parallel to our own. It’s a place where people can interact with each other and with digital objects and experiences. And it’s a place that is constantly evolving and expanding, as more and more people create content and add to the collective experience.
So how does the Metaverse work? Well, it’s kind of like a gigantic video game, except that instead of playing by yourself, you’re playing with everyone else in the world. And instead of just playing games, you can do anything you can imagine—create art, listen to music, go shopping, or even just hang out with friends.
The Metaverse is still in its early stages, but it’s already huge with 400 million monthly users —and growing every day. There are numerous platforms and applications that allow you to access the Metaverse, and new ones are being created all the time. roblox nft 3d experiences digital strategies 90% of whom already self-identify as gamers So whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a complete newcomer to the world of digital experiences, there’s something for you in the Metaverse.
How do brands connect with young audiences in the Metaverse, and why is it important to do so?
Our research shows that brands who create thoughtful, immersive content in social spaces pay attention to how young audiences are using gaming platforms. As young audiences age, their desire for social connection deepens. And, as platforms like Minecraft and Roblox have a host of digital opportunities to reach them where they’re spending more of their time – brands need to get in the game. In the Metaverse, brands can connect with young audiences in meaningful ways, fostering the social connection that today’s youth crave. It’s an important opportunity for brands to stay relevant and top-of-mind with tomorrow’s consumers.
What are some examples of brands that have successfully connected with young audiences in the Metaverse, and what can we learn from them?
Nike, Barbie, Disney, Coca-Cola, Adidas, and Wendy’s are just a few of the brands that have found success in connecting with young audiences in the Metaverse. What can we learn from them? For one thing, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the platform you’re marketing on. Each Metaverse has its own unique culture and community, and it’s important to make sure your messaging is relevant to that audience. Additionally, it’s important to be creative and take advantage of the features of the Metaverse to create an immersive and engaging experience for users. Finally, it’s also important to consider how your brand can add value to the Metaverse community and not just be a commercial presence. By taking these factors into account, you can create a successful Metaverse marketing strategy for your brand.
How can brands create immersive experiences that will engage and connect with young audiences in the Metaverse?
It’s no secret that young people love social media and games. And while brands have been trying to figure out how to connect with this demographic for years, it seems that the Metaverse is giving them a whole new challenge. After all, how can you create an immersive experience that will engage and connect with users who are used to being in control of their own environment?
Fortunately, there are a few key things that brands can do to make sure their Metaverse experiences are hip and relevant. First, it’s important to keep things fresh by constantly adding new content and features. Second, it’s essential to be an early adopter of new technologies like NFTs and Weables. Third, brands should focus on self-expression and safety when designing their virtual showrooms and digital purchases. Finally, it’s always a good idea to offer virtual goodie bags or other incentives to encourage young audiences to connect with your brand in the Metaverse. By following these tips, brands can create immersive experiences that will engage and connect with young audiences in the Metaverse.
What challenges do brands face when trying to connect with young audiences in the Metaverse, and how can they overcome these challenges?
In recent years, the rise of the Metaverse has created new challenges for brands trying to connect with young audiences. The Metaverse is a digital world that allows users to create avatars and interact with each other in real-time. It is a growing trend among young people, who are spending more and more time in virtual realities such as Second Life, IMVU, and Habbo Hotel. This poses a challenge for brands, who must find ways to amplification their campaigns in order to reach these young audiences.
One way to overcome this challenge is to find the audience where they are. Many young people are active on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. By creating content that appeals to these users, brands can reach a wider audience. Additionally, fandoms are force multipliers when it comes to marketing. By nurturing loyalty among fans of specific celebrities, athletes, or TV shows, brands can amplification their campaigns significantly.
While the Metaverse presents new challenges for brands, there are also opportunities to connect with young audiences in innovative ways. By finding the audience where they are and amplifications their campaigns, brands can overcome these challenges and build loyalty among young consumers.
Brands are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to reach young audiences, and the Metaverse provides a unique opportunity to do so. By creating immersive experiences that engage and connect with young people, brands can create powerful connections with this valuable demographic. However, there are some challenges that brands face when trying to connect with young people in the Metaverse, but these can be overcome with careful planning and execution. If you’re interested in learning more about how the Metaverse can help your brand reach new heights, contact Alt Ethos today. We have years of experience creating engaging environments that result in three times the engagement over our competition. Let us elevate your brand engagement today.
To avoid being scammed by a snake oil salesman claiming to be a metaverse expert, look for red flags such as:
They insist on a narrow definition of the metaverse
-Right now, marketers are using the word “metaverse” to describe several overlapping concepts, such as a three-dimensional game world accessed through a two-dimensional screen, virtual reality experience accessed through a headset, or a network of virtual collectibles powered by blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens. The Metaverse as a term and experience is vast and will continue to be defined through our experiences.
-However, if someone claims to be a metaverse expert but denies the existence or future potential of any one of these competing visions, then they don’t truly understand the space.
They don’t ask the right questions
Real metaverse experts understand the half-baked nature of the space as it currently stands and approaches it with pragmatism. If a purported metaverse builder or expert goes all-in on a brand’s plans without asking properly informed or even skeptical questions, it could indicate a focus on short-term wins over long-term sustainability.
They don’t have the right experience and background
Be wary of so-called experts whose involvement in the space seems to have materialized only recently. There are several new companies in the metaverse industry that simply jumped on an opportunity without the proper experience. Brands should look for experience in related industries when hiring their metaverse experts, such as gaming, marketing, experiential design, virtual reality, and blockchain tech.
Click to read the full Digiday article
Alt Ethos specializes in the development and design of bespoke metaverses as assets with high ROI potential. We have the experience and expertise to help you make the most of the metaverse, whether you’re looking to create a memorable experience for your brand’s audience or generate revenue through metaverse consulting. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you utilize the metaverse to its full potential. https://altethos.com/contact/
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the Metaverse, a virtual world that allows users to create and inhabit avatars. For many people, the metaverse is simply a place to socialize, shop, and play games. However, for others, it is much more than that. The metaverse is seen as a way to express one’s identity and explore new aspects of their personality. In fact, some Gen Z-ers are even using their metaverse avatars as inspiration for their real-life clothing choices. While this could have long-term implications for the fashion industry, it also could have long-term effects on society as a whole. If more and more people start using the metaverse as a way to experiment with their personal style, and gender identity expression and build confidence through greater accessibility to social environments, we could see a shift in society. Only time will tell how the metaverse will impact society as a whole, but one thing is certain: it is already having an impact on the way we think about self-expression.
A digital identity is an online or virtual identity that someone uses to represent themselves in the digital world. A transgender person, for example, may use a digital identity that reflects their true gender identity, rather than the sex they were assigned at birth. For many people, a digital identity provides a way to express themselves in a way that they may not be able to in the physical world. It can also be used to influence and connect with others who share similar interests or experiences. In the Metaverse, a digital identity can be used to create an avatar that represents you in the virtual world. This avatar can be customized to reflect your appearance, personality, and interests. You can use your avatar to interact with others in the metaverse and explore virtual spaces that reflect your interests or provide new experiences.
The virtual world has made it possible for people to connect with each other from all over the world. People of all races and cultures can connect with each other and share their experiences. The Metaverse has also made it possible for people with disabilities to connect and share experiences in 3D space. In addition, social media has allowed people to build confidence by connecting with others who have similar interests. The ability to connect with others from all over the world has led to a greater understanding of different cultures and races. It has also made it possible for people with disabilities to find others who understand their challenges and can offer support and advice. The virtual world has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for connection and understanding.
While it’s hard to say exactly how the metaverse will change society, there are some potential implications that we should consider. A digital identity could be used to represent ourselves in the metaverse, opening up new possibilities for online interactions. Virtual worlds could have a profound effect on our real-world relationships, for better or worse. And finally, mental health and well-being may be affected by living in a metaverse-influenced society. It’s important to keep an open mind about these changes and see them as opportunities for empowerment.
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Alt Ethos is a GLBTQ-owned company.
Alt Ethos specializes in the development and design of bespoke metaverses as assets with high ROI potential. We have the experience and expertise to help you make the most of the metaverse, whether you’re looking to create a memorable experience for your brand’s audience or generate revenue through metaverse consulting. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you utilize the metaverse to its full potential. Contact Us
The metaverse is a concept that has been floating around for a while now, and with good reason. It holds a lot of potential for many industries, especially when it comes to fan engagement such as in the sports industry. In case you’re not familiar with the term, the metaverse refers to a “shared, virtual space” where people can interact with each other and with digital content. This could be anything from a more primitive gamified expensive like Roblox to a fully-fledged immersive virtual world with photo-realistic experiences like our favorite platform at Alt Ethos.
The potential implications of the metaverse for sports are huge. For one thing, it could completely change the way we interact with our favorite teams and athletes. Imagine being able to attend a virtual version of the Super Bowl or the World Cup, or even just your local team’s game. You would be able to chat with other fans in real time, cheer on your team, and maybe even buy some virtual souvenirs or memorabilia.
Another potential benefit of the metaverse is that it would allow fans to engage with their favorite athletes in a more personal way. Imagine being able to ask LeBron James for advice on your basketball game, or getting tips from Cristiano Ronaldo on how to improve your soccer skills. The possibilities are endless.
The metaverse has the potential to change the way sports are marketed and sponsored. Brands would be able to create virtual versions of their products that fans could use or try out in the metaverse or click and buy immediately. For example, Puma could create a virtual shoe store where fans can try on shoes and see how they look before they buy them. Or Adidas could create a virtual stadium where fans can experience what it’s like to be in the stands at an actual game.
The potential implications of the metaverse for sports are huge and far-reaching. It could completely change the way we interact with our favorite teams and athletes, and open up new possibilities for marketing and sponsorship. While it’s still early days yet, it’s exciting to think about all the ways that the metaverse could shape the future of sports.
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Alt Ethos specializes in the development and design of bespoke metaverses as assets with high ROI potential. We have the experience and expertise to help you make the most of the metaverse, whether you’re looking to create a memorable experience for your brand’s audience or generate revenue through metaverse consulting. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you utilize the metaverse to its full potential. Contact Us
With the #metaverse industry predicted to add $5 trillion to the value of the global economy by 2030, there’s everything to play for, and 2023 is likely to be a key year for defining the direction it will take. No one knows for sure what the winning strategy will be yet (Alt Ethos has a good idea), but one thing is for certain – you’ve got to be in it to win it. The #web3 metaverse is still in its early stages, but there are already a number of initiatives vying for attention. With so much excitement and so many possibilities, it’s clear that the metaverse is here to stay. So whatever your vision for the future of the web, make sure you have a plan for how to make your mark in this rapidly evolving space.
So, what can we expect from the metaverse in 2023? Here are our top five predictions. 5. The rise of niche metaverses. As the market for virtual reality continues to grow, so too will the number of niche metaverses catering to specific audiences and interests. 4. Increased integration with physical worlds. 3D scanning technology will become more sophisticated and widespread, allowing for greater interaction between digital and physical worlds. 2. Social media giants move into VR gaming 1. The emergence of blockchain-based metaverses.
Alt Ethos specializes in the development and design of bespoke metaverses as assets with high ROI potential. We have the experience and expertise to help you make the most of the metaverse, whether you’re looking to create a memorable experience for your brand’s audience or generate revenue through metaverse consulting. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you utilize the metaverse to its full potential. Contact Us
As we move into the future, the way we experience events is changing. Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality is becoming more and more common, and collectively, they’re called immersive experiences. This trend is only going to grow in the coming years, with the market size for this sector expected to hit $30 billion by 2030.
So what does this mean for event planners? Immersive experiences are a great way to engage your audience and keep them coming back for more. Not to mention, they can also be a great way to monetize your event.
But creating an immersive experience is not as easy as it sounds. It takes careful planning and execution to pull off something that will truly wow your attendees. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Define your goals. What do you want to achieve with your immersive experience? Whether it’s increasing brand awareness or generating leads, make sure you have a clear goal in mind before you start planning.
2. Understand your audience. Who are you trying to reach with your experience? What are their needs and wants? Knowing this will help you create an experience that resonates with them.
3. Create a story. A great immersive experience is like a great story – it has a beginning, middle, and end. Start by planning out the overall arc of your experience, and then fill in the details.
4. Make it interactive. Immersive experiences are all about interaction. Whether it’s through physical interactivity or digital interactivity, make sure your audience has a way to engage with your experience.
5. Use technology wisely. Technology can enhance an immersive experience, but it should never be the sole focus. Use it creatively and only when it adds to the overall experience.
6. Test and refine. Once you’ve created your experience, test it out to see how it works in real life. Then, refine it based on feedback.
7. Promote your experience. Once you’ve created an immersive experience that wows your audience, promote it! Get the word out there so people can come and enjoy it for themselves.
8. Have fun! Creating an immersive experience should be enjoyable for you, too. So make sure to have fun while you’re doing it!
Thanks for considering Alt Ethos as your partner for creative endeavors! We’re confident that our innovation, attention to detail, and dedication to our clients will make us the right choice for you.
Our diverse client and project base regularly challenge us to create new methods of increasing audience engagement. This is what we do best, and we’re always looking for new ways to engage and excite our audiences.
If you’re looking for a partner who can provide you with superior service and quality craftsmanship, Alt Ethos is the right choice for you. We’re looking forward to working with you and creating unique, interactive experiences that will wow your audiences. Contact us
There’s a lot of debate about what “the metaverse” actually is. Some people say it’s a game, while others claim that specific platforms like Meta (Formerly Facebook) are the total metaverse. But one thing is for sure, whoever utilizes the metaverse will influence people now and into the future. And companies are looking for the right strategic partners to develop their vision.
The metaverse is often described as a persistent, virtual world that people can access via various technologies like virtual reality or augmented reality. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be accessed exclusively through VR or AR. One of Alt Ethos’ favorite metaverse platforms is accessed through the web browser. The metaverse is open-ended and multifaced in design from simple shapes to photo-realistic worlds.
So what’s the big deal with the metaverse?
Well, for starters, whoever utilizes the metaverse will have a memorable impact. The metaverse is the Experiential version of the Internet. It’s more engaging, exploratory, and social than flat media. It’s in the early stage which means finding the right strategic partner could not only create a media buzz but also you could help develop new systems of engagement in your market.
But it’s not just about money. The metaverse also has the potential to be a powerful tool for social and political change. For example, metaverses could be used to create integrated digital safe spaces for underrepresented communities or to create easier access to education.
Of course, the metaverse is still in its early stages but it is possible to say what it will become when you are helping create it. And one thing is certain: whoever utilizes the metaverse will have a lot of influence over the digital world.
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Alt Ethos specializes in the development and design of bespoke metaverses as assets with high ROI potential. We have the experience and expertise to help you make the most of the metaverse, whether you’re looking to create a memorable experience for your brand’s audience or generate revenue through metaverse consulting. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you utilize the metaverse to its full potential.
The American mall used to be a robust gathering place, hosting mall walkers in the morning, high school kids in the afternoon, and families simply looking for something to do in the evenings. With the rise of home entertainment and online shopping, especially in a post-COVID world, these former hubs of activity have seen a steep decline in attendance, causing many storefronts to sit largely empty.
Now, a new trend in “retailtainment” is picking up the slack as retail malls are being sold to gaming companies. Using technology, visual storytelling, and interactive experiences, this new way to use public space has started to reinvigorate the mall as a social place to hang out, bringing consumers back to in-person shopping.
These strategies don’t only work for malls. City shopping areas and public gathering spaces can be activated similarly, driving the public out of their homes to areas where local dining and shopping is essential to city economic health and tourism. This art of creating immersive and interactive experiences has been dubbed Destination Design.
Alt Ethos is a leader in Destination Design and has participated in several projects in collaboration with downtown development authorities, arts and culture groups, and city tourism agencies to provide designs that help drive foot traffic to strategic locations. These projects encourage interaction, collaboration, and play; creating unexpected joy and bringing together communities.
One strong example is Alt Ethos’ Illuminous Fort Collins. Installed in 2018 as part of a Fort Collins revitalization project, this interactive, projection mapped mural can still be found lighting up the alleyways of Old Town. Thanks to this project, these once barren streets are now lined with bar patios, vibrant performances, and a high-end hotel where you can request a room with a view of the moving mural. Alt Ethos is proud to help cities redefine their tourism and community strategies to launch experiences like the Illuminous project. These Retailtainment designs provide successful, measured, and defined experiences that engage with communities and drive tourism.
While the connection fostered by these interactive experiences fuels our artistic souls, these creations have real-world fiscal benefits to companies. They offer scalable options, deeper engagement and retention, and unique opportunities for viral marketing in ways that are more effective than traditional mediums.
“Art galleries and museums have realised that built-in opportunities for “user-generated content” (UGC) can be profitable; as the artist Dena Yago wrote in a 2018 essay, “a company’s marketing plan may include a UGC campaign that broadcasts a call to action, or CTA … this response is often the creation of more content – the posting of selfies, photos and videos.”
Alt Ethos is excited to be amongst these talented leaders in creating interactive and immersive projects. When you’re considering where your budget goes for the next event or long-term project, look to us to create mind-blowing immersive experiences that will bring you an ROI you can proudly report back to your stakeholders. We love to use technology to explore how we can engage wonder and create unexpected joy and connection. View more of our work on immersive projects and events around the country and world.
During the Gather Verse Summit 2022, our CEO and founder, Ethan Bach, shared his story as a transgender business owner who is developing a Metaverse. In his talk, Ethan explains why transgender representation is so important and how it’s been squashed time and time in history.
The Gather Verse Summit is a global gathering discussing humanity-first standards of education, safety, privacy, wellness, equality, community development and accessibility in the next steps of the metaverse. This year, the Summit is expecting over 5,000 attendees to join more than 70 sessions about the metaverse.
“What if in the virtual world you had a safe space to express yourself and that actually saved your life?”
Ethan Bach, CEO and Founder, Alt Ethos
As we move forward with our own Pathos Metaverse, Alt Ethos is committed to allowing and fostering sustainability, inclusivity and diversity. We strive to make human connections and interactions positive for the next evolution of humanity and endorse socially responsible initiatives such as the Gather Verse Summit.
10 Things You Can Do To Help Transgender People Feel Safe In The Metaverse
1. Respect trans people as equal citizens with equal rights. Craft a transgender-inclusive nondiscrimination policy.
2. Train all of your staff to know how to appropriately handle harassment of a transgender person. Hire a diversity trainer.
3. Personal Boundary, a safe area around your avatar
– February Meta announced Personal Boundary
– 4 foot buffer where no one could come into your personal space
– So many harassments
– Everyone should adopt a similar feature
4. Categorizing your items of clothing by them “masculine” feminine” “gender neutral”.
5. Empower Transgender people to have ownership in the metaverse
– If you are teaching workshop for building consider having trans only or queer only workshops
6. Add Safe Space posters and banners in public spaces reminding people that you have a zero tolerance
7. Create Transgender Avatars – allow for mix match of gendered clothing, objects, etc
8. Allow people to display their preferred pronoun – she/her, they, he,
9. Create Queer and Transgender places to hang out
10. Create a transgender education center where anyone can be informed – maybe partner wish a non profit agency and offer your services.
Alt Ethos is delighted to have recently applied to LG NOVA’s Mission for the Future program. Selected companies will have the opportunity to enter a 6 to 9-month program to build their business with LG. In the program, companies have the opportunity to go through a co-collaboration process with LG for evaluation, testing, piloting, which will lead to 10 companies selected as the finalists.
Alt Ethos is also honored to have attended and participated in their informational summit Q&A, on the Metaverse Panel Discussion alongside remarkable speakers. The event tackled how the convergence of gaming, VR, AR, XR, entertainment, and work from home is creating a catalyzing moment for the creation of the next web – the metaverse.
The question was asked about the Metaverse: “Is it here yet or yet to come?” – While most panelists agreed that the Metaverse is evolving at the moment, Gene Keselman broke from the pack and stated “The Metaverse is not yet here in any form”, our very own XR Producer – Julian Reyes agrees with this premise.
Dan Mapes spoke about his efforts with The Spatial Web Foundation, a hyper-integrated, contextually-aware, and ethically-aligned network of humans, machines, and AI. The mission of the Spatial Web Foundation is to develop and maintain the technical and ethical standards of the Spatial Web.
“(The metaverse) It’s here but it is still very, very early days, and it’s just going to grow into this incredible area that is yet still to be defined.” – Siddarth Shah, Magic Leap
More videos and information will be posted on the LG Meta page.
More info about the panelists:
Samantha Wolfe – Founder: PitchFWD
Samantha G. Wolfe is the Founder of PitchFWD, a strategic consultancy focused on the acceleration of consumer and enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. She works on strategic brand positioning as well as product and developer marketing for innovative products and services. Sam also is an Adjunct Professor at NYU’s Steinhardt School teaching ‘The Business of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality’ and ‘The Marketing of Innovation’, both courses she created and developed. To learn more about Sam, go to www.samanthagwolfe.com. To find out more about her consultancy, go to www.wearepitchfwd.com
Dan Mapes – Founder: VERSES
Dan Mapes is a Founder of www.Verses.io – Spatial Intelligence Systems integrating Mixed Reality, Artificial Intelligence and Blockchains that together build The Spatial Web. Dan has spent over 20 years at the intersection of internet technology and entertainment as an entrepreneur, inventor and investor. Dan’s technology interests range from Gaming to Virtual Reality and from Blockchain to Artificial Intelligence. He is a consultant to both startups and large corporations and has made investments in multiple companies where he is often an active advisor or board member. He is the Founder and CEO of Cyberlab – a Global Deep Tech Lab with offices in California, China and Holland. Cyberlab currently has a focus on IoT, Blockchain, Virtual Reality and AI.
He has a deep interest in Meditation, Yoga and Peak Performance and is an avid sailor, diver and mountain biker. He also is working on Sustainability and the Environment and owns a 250 acre Permaculture Ranch that is powered entirely by solar.
“There is this new economy that is emerging that is going to be 10 times as large as the industrial age economy.” – Dan Mapes, Verses
Siddharth Shah – Managing Director & Commercial Officer: Magic Leap
Currently, Sid is the Managing Director & Commercial Officer at Magic Leap where he is focusing on building the enterprise AR business. Previously, he was a Managing Director at BCG Digital Ventures which launched over 120 businesses. He also was co-founder of HRX (India’s first fitness brand) which was exited to Walmart in 2015. He is a seasoned executive with 20 years of experience in successfully launching and operationalizing companies from the ground up, advising corporate and celebrity clients, structuring investments, and building partnerships. Successfully launched businesses in the US, India, China, SE Asia, and the Middle East. Demonstrated ability to originate deal flow in new geographies.
Speaking and writing experience includes: Recurring speaker at Rise, Milken, Harvard Business School, Kellogg School of Management, Wharton, London Business School, UCLA, Licensing Expo, Malaysia Social Media Week; and frequent writer at Brandchannel, Adage, Retailer, and other trade publications.
Gene Keselman – Executive Director: MIT
Gene R. Keselman is the Executive Director of the MIT Innovation Initiative. In this role he works to develop overall strategy and to pilot new programs to meet the Initiative’s goal of enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship across the MIT campus and around the world through evidence-based educational programs, infrastructure, and communities.
Gene graduated from the University of Michigan with Bachelor’s of Arts degrees in Economics and Political Science and also earned a Master’s of Science degree in Information Systems from the George Washington University. More recently he earned a Master’s of Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). While at MIT, Gene was also an Associate Investigator in MIT Sloan Operations Management performing research for the Study on Wearable Biosensors and Performance in Multiplayer Games.
Jason Kaehler – CEO
Jason Kaehler has a 29-year career that spans across the entertainment, digital technology and computer graphics industries. He has worked extensively in both R&D and commercial product development for games, VR, data visualization, HCI (Human Computer Interaction) and simulations. Jason began his career in R&D for Disney Imagineering being involved in that ‘first wave’ of VR, developing the DisneyQuest Aladdin VR ride, the first of its kind. Since then, he has had a passion for the medium.
Jason is a serial entrepreneur who assembles and leads word-class teams to develop cutting-edge software. His first game studio sold to Activision in 2002. Since then he has led his own companies and worked for corporations (and the U.S.Gov) in the Internet 3.0 – the metaverse – particularly the gaming/interactive media sector developing 3D data visualizations, mobile & PC games, VR training, gambling games, HCI, IoT/security visualization and UIdesign.
Jason enjoys contributing to unique projects and consults to corporations and the U.S. government, sharing his deep knowledge of the metaverse sector. On the HCI research side, Jason works exclusively with Stanford Research Institute (www.sri.com) , DARPA and the USAFin both a sub-contractor and Prime Investigator roles. His most recent obsessions are NFTs, crypto, AR and ‘P2E’ (Play to Earn) games. Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkaehler/, and http://kaehlerplanet.com/
Alt Ethos joined key stakeholders as they discussed the trajectory of the metaverse, its arrival and the vast potential opportunity for businesses and startups to set the stage for how we will engage and interact in the coming full digital world.
We are tracking the evolution of the Metaverse closely as we launch Pathos.
Pathos Metaverse: a browser-based virtual world by Alt Ethos. For this panel, all of the speakers and audience members will be avatars in the Pathos Metaverse allowing for individual representation and easy networking with spatial audio. The Pathos Metaverse provides exciting meeting places, dynamic events, and future-thinking hybrid-virtual-world solutions, pushing the boundaries of interactivity. https://altethos.com/pathos-metaverse/
On August 29th and 30th at AREA15 Las Vegas, Epic Immersive welcomed immersive industry luminaries from Secret Cinema, Marshmallow Laser Feast, David Byrne’s Theater of the Mind, Broadway, Swamp Motel, Meow Wolf, Delusion, Mycotoo, AREA15, Boomtown Fair, Les Enfants Terribles, The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and more. As well as international guests from companies in China, India, Singapore, Russia, and Europe.
Epic Immersive is an immersive experience agency that has created 14-acre fictional cities and underground wonderlands. Companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook have commissioned Epic Immersive experiences.
The 2-day event included speakers Mycotoo’s Fri Forjindam, Fifth Wall Forum’s Stephanie Riggs, AREA15’s Michael Beneville, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Nataki Garrett, and the team behind VR theatre experience Welcome to Respite (Tribeca Film Festival 2021 Official Selection), with many more.
Alt Ethos caught up with Steve Boyle, co-founder of Epic Immersive (co-created with Kimberly Flynn) to discuss event curation, announcements, and exciting future plans.
The Alt Ethos team really enjoyed The Immersive Industry Homecoming Summit. What was your process for curating the speakers; how did you go about choosing them?
We (Steve Boyle and Kimberly Flynn) worked together to identify the most compelling movers-and-shakers from the global immersive scene across a number of genres and mediums. It was of supreme importance to us that we threw a truly global event, and that our speaker roster reflected the incredible diversity of our field, highlighting femme and BIPOC creators.
We noticed that there were some announcements made at the event from the speakers. Can you please share some of those?
Two big ones come to mind: Stephanie Riggs announced the creation of Odeon Theatrical, a new platform that delivers AR content for live theatre, and Kim Adams announced the return of Adventure Lab.
What was the moment that surprised you the most at the event? Or a “wow” moment that comes to mind?
Steve: The wow moment for me was really just being there — those first moments especially when the energy is so high and the anticipation is there and we’ve really, truly come together for the first time in 18 months, with tons of safety precautions in place, and we’ve made it together safely. That was an amazing moment I’ll never forget.
Kim: Wow moments for me were in all the excitement and enthusiasm throughout the entire process from the speakers to our attendees, the positivity, excitement, support and joy from everyone involved and from everyone that attended was really magical. It was wonderful to feel the community excited to be sharing an experience again after such a long break.
Any shout-outs you would like to share?
Huge, huge thanks to projectionist and technical director Jacob Vorperian, and our tech wiz Christie Casey.
What are the future plans for The Immersive Industry Homecoming Summit?
Stay tuned! We’ll definitely be back in Vegas, and you’re going to want to be a part of a whole circuit of events we are planning in 2022.
What’s next for Epic Immersive?
A return to large-scale immersive experiences in 2022. Once again, stay tuned for big announcements!
We thank Steve Boyle for taking the time to chat with us and appreciate all of the effort that the Epic Immersive team, speakers, and collaborators put forth to make this Summit such a special event. Bringing together a group of visionaries, technologists, and storytellers is no small feat. Alt Ethos enjoyed the projection mapping within the space, the deep conversation from the speakers, the diversity of the group, and the pace of the presentations. We learned deeply about different companies and artists doing cutting-edge immersive work. Also, let’s not forget about the unique container that the summit took place in. If you’re ever in Las Vegas make sure to visit Area15.
AREA15 is an immersive playground, all rolled into a vast and vibrant space. Throw an axe, wander through a bamboo volcano, race on a zip line, or explore other mesmerizing realms. From the futuristic to the thrill-seeking, there’s an experience for everyone here.
Epic Immersive creates story-driven immersive experiences with explorable, 360-degree worlds. From ticketed experiences to corporate events to marketing activations, they deliver epic, unforgettable journeys.
You may have noticed that the term ‘metaverse’ has been buzzing recently. If you’re wondering why that is, as BBC states, “there is a huge amount of excitement about the metaverse among wealthy investors and big tech firms, and no-one wants to be left behind if it turns out to be the future of the internet.”
The metaverse’s powerful decentralizing potential has been a prediction even before Mark Zuckerberg’s recent announcement, and the advent of the pandemic, which also plays its part in it. According to Reuters: “The accelerated interest in the metaverse can be seen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As more people have started working and going to school remotely, there has been increased demand for ways to make online interaction more lifelike.”
The global changed circumstances along with increased demand suggests that the developing metaverse is on the near horizon.
We only need our mobile phones to remind us of technology’s significant strides in a short time. As Adage says: “Hardware is becoming more compact, quicker and more intelligent. Thanks to 5G, almost everywhere now has fast, dependable connectivity. In the metaverse, computer vision is becoming more intelligent, allowing for both visual and audible help. All of this contributes to the immersion of the experience, making the transfer of knowledge and experience more rewarding and human.”
As such, the metaverse goes beyond common associations like gaming…
… and is poised to impact several sectors like education and retail. As WSJ predicts: ”Real-world businesses will be able to participate in the metaverse as well by offering virtual versions of their bricks-and-mortar facilities, Unity’s Mr. Whitten says. With existing online stores, customers can read product descriptions and make purchases. In the metaverse, customers would be able to visit virtual retail outlets and try out products in 3-D and at full scale before buying.”
As any new technology brings with it its own changes, integrating the metaverse will open new avenues for the way both consumers and companies interact. AsForbes states: “Companies will need to transition their marketing strategies from online ad buys to existing in a shared, virtual economy. Companies will need to do market research on their new customers in the metaverse. How people act and what their preferences are in the metaverse could be totally different than how they behave and what they shop for in real life.”
The blog covers a range of sectors like Business, technology and culture of all the virtual worlds, including: realities and experiences of the Metaverse, 2D, 3D, mobile phones, VR/AR, games, MMORPGs, social networks, digital collectibles, esports; game design, Unity, Unreal, free-to-play (f2p), blockchain, and NFTs. His post‘What We Talk About When We Talk About the Metaverse’ also explores the meaning of the term ‘metaverse,’ how it has evolved, and what the future may bring.
Wikipedia Metaverse Definition.
The word “Metaverse” is made up of the prefix “meta” and the stem “verse”; the term is typically used to describe the concept of a future iteration of the Internet, made up of persistent, shared, 3D virtual spaces linked into a perceived virtual universe.
The Pathos Metaverse that Alt Ethos is launching.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this decentralizing technology is that it won’t just be one metaverse, but multiple, reflecting the unlimited creative potential and explorative possibilities of various entities. We’re honored to have been and continue to work with this unique technology through our metaverse design solutions. Our easy-to-use, dynamic, and engaging immersive platform provides exciting meeting places, magnetic events, and future-thinking hybrid-virtual-world solutions, pushing the boundaries of interactivity. To learn more about how your audience can create their own avatars and immerse themselves in your custom Branded World, please visit visit our metaverse branded solutions page.
Meow Wolf’s biggest attraction yet has finally come to Denver. But that’s by no means the whole story. For years, Denver has been preparing for Meow Wolf’s arrival in ways that are impacting not just the city but the entire region – and very likely beyond.
Millennials across the globe increasingly value experiences over material possessions.
For a while now, Denver has been the number one choice of those among them wanting to move to a new city in the US, and a third of Denver residents are now millennials (CNBC). City government took notice, and laid plans to stay ahead of the curve with a multi-year community-generated cultural plan designed to fully integrate arts, culture and creativity into daily life, work and play. These ingredients of Denver’s special sauce are part planned, part serendipitous – and that recipe is the reason Meow Wolf and Alt Ethos CEO and Founder Ethan Bach (who had worked together in Santa Fe on helping to elect a new mayor and in Denver for the Meow Wolf announcement party) recognized the potential and established their primary operations in Denver.
Years in the making, the Meow Wolf Effect is still unfolding.
Early predictions were for 1.5M visitors per annum, but the surge of advance ticket sales suggests there may well be a lot more. Whatever the number, this massive new influx of visitors will have major implications for the creative economy (“Is Meow Wolf good for artists? Overall, yes” – Denver Post), the tourist industry, and the culture at large. It will transform opportunities for growth in entertainment offerings, art sales, retail, and dining, which will have a ripple effect across the region. It’s never been just about the Meow Wolf site itself.
As Ethan says: “The Meow Wolf Effect is an intimate and intentional look into a cultural phenomenon sparking the creative economy in a way that I have not witnessed in my lifetime.
This is our moment of opportunity. If we keep harnessing our collective energy with strategic planning in order to make the best possible outcome, we can make a huge shift in the new economy.”
We are thrilled to be hosting our sister-nonprofit organization, DATA’s virtual event. Denver Arts + Technology Advancement (DATA) is offering a free live demonstration of our browser-based immersive digital world learning environment, the DATA Campus in Pathos Metaverse, on Thursday, October 21, 2021. DATA will welcome guests into the browser-based event at 3pm MST for networking and avatar customization before the speaker’s program begins. Register here.
As schools and universities reopen their doors, DATA has been developing solutions designed to launch us into a new world of learning beyond video calls. COVID has mercilessly exposed gaps and weaknesses in all aspects of our lives. People of all ages and backgrounds flocked online to seek the human connection, sense of purpose, and safe environments that the pandemic had so suddenly taken away. The potential of digital meeting and learning spaces is clear. Yet what can be done about the equally clear problem of online fatigue and disconnection – and the lost learning that resulted?
Now, over a year into the pandemic, major changes need to be made in the way we teach and learn. The impact to students is severe (McKinsey, July 2021):
K–12 students on average 5 months behind in mathematics & 4 months behind in reading by the end of the 2020-21 school year
Students in majority Black schools left with 6 months of unfinished learning; students in low-income schools with seven.
May lead to students earning $49,000 – $61,000 less over their lifetime; potential impact on US economy is $128 – $188 billion every year (McKinsey, July 2021).
DATA has embraced extended reality (XR) technology as the solution to inspire meaningful engagement that is at the heart of a good education and transformative learning outcomes. In Pathos, all learners can create their own avatars and be transported into an immersive world that integrates the organic nature of in-person networking with an intuitive virtual platform that can be accessed from anywhere on the planet. The digital tools of this immersive world are comparable to those in computer games, yet these engage the learner in different ways – ways that are fun, enjoyable, and accessible. In addition, immersive digital tools are designed to promote cognitive development and learners’ ability to retain what was learned – similar to educational modalities, like field trips or planetariums. DATA’s work complements and supports the digital integration of these and other classroom innovations that will be fundamental to achieving good learning outcomes and surviving and thriving in a challenging world ever-changed by the pandemic. In Pathos, DATA will convene leading educators, institutions, and community members to explore how to re-energize global accessible learning and shape a brighter future for our youth beyond COVID-19 pandemic.
We welcome you to come to hear our esteemed panelists speak about immersive worlds and education.
Don’t miss the free live demonstration of our browser-based immersive digital world learning environment, the DATA Campus in Pathos Metaverse, on Thursday, October 21, 2021. We hope to see you at DATA’s ground-breaking Pathos demo event, Education in a Digital World: Opportunities for Immersive Education and Engagement, on October 21, 2021. Register here.
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About DATA (Denver Arts + Technology Advancement): Our mission is to develop the best and brightest digital creatives using immersive arts and technology programming to assist learning, retain information, and achieve a higher level of consciousness. www.denverartstech.org
On behalf of The Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) and Alt Ethos, we invite you to our virtual presentation “Global Creative Connection through Immersive Virtual Worlds” hosted in our new Pathos Metaverse, a 3D avatar platform, this Friday October 1st, 2021 at 2:00 PM MST
Alt Ethos Presentation: Come explore the future of art, technology, and global connectivity through virtual worlds from top creators and thought leaders in the immersive industry. The pandemic shot us into the future of digital engagement and immersive worlds. As some creatives quickly grasped the change to become known internationally, others were left confused. This talk will walk you through the history, present, and future of virtual worlds and how they will impact the global community, our professional lives, and our collective digital future. Speakers:
Julian Reyes, MC
Eric Dallimore, Moderator Panelists
Carlos Austin
Ethan Bach
Evo (Evonne) Heyning
Celeste Lear
Q&A from audience submitted in writing
Carlos Austin, Real-Time “In World (VR)” Live Multi-cam video switching and still photographer at Austin Photograph
Carlos is passionate about the arts with an emphasis on photography/video “in-world” TV production and emerging drone technology. An XR evangelist as this technology begins to mature. Helping create Broadcast television standards for capturing live events in virtual social platforms. Real-time switching live shows with a multi-camera setup. There are so many opportunities to communicate and educate the world through XR. 3rd Generation photographer and storyteller.
Ethan Bach, CEO Alt Ethos
Ethan Bach is the founding CEO of Alt Ethos: experiential design agency and Founder and Board Member of DATA (Denver Arts + Technology Advancement). Westword calls Ethan, “An entrepreneur with an eye on the future’s future.” Bach holds an MFA in Electronic Arts from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Alt Ethos is an award-winning design company and has been recognized in CodaWorx Magazine; the Young Industry Professionals, and by the Mayor of Fort Collins.
Evo (Evonne) Heyning, Metaverse Media. Creative Executive Producer
Evo Heyning is an award-winning producer, technologist, founder and creator focused on the future of participatory media. Evo focuses on collaborative teams that work across fields, sectors, and platforms to create meaningful global endeavors. Evo has created virtual beings, worlds, and campaigns for 20 years. Evo produced major live streaming concerts and campaigns for the White House including the launch of the Affordable Care Act and virtual worlds for diplomacy, civic engagement, and nonprofit development.
Celeste Lear, Immersive Event Producer & Designer, XR Entertainment Specialist, Music & Sound Director, Host, VR Consultant
DJ Celeste is an entertainment & event industry professional with 15+ years of concert, festival & conference production experience. Immersive technology expert skilled in designing & executing cutting-edge events both physically, virtually, AND in Virtual Reality. First in a new wave of DJs who design their own stages & perform as avatars in VR Festivals and Nightclubs. Executive music direction, production & clearance for International, multi-media installation projects for UN & UNESCO, including a large-scale video mapping experience in Paris.
About Pathos Metaverse
Pathos Metaverse is a browser-based virtual world by Alt Ethos. For this panel, all of the speakers will be avatars in the Pathos Metaverse. Through live-action virtual cinematography, CCI participants will stream the event in real-time. Selected avatar audience members will also be in attendance and watching the entire production in the Pathos Metaverse.
Pathos Metaverse is an easy-to-use, dynamic, and engaging immersive platform. Pathos Metaverse provides exciting meeting places, dynamic events, branded virtual worlds, and future-thinking hybrid-virtual-world solutions, pushing the boundaries of interactivity.
In Bloomberg Opinion, writer Tae Kim talks about Facebook’s recent announcement to become a Metaverse company, explains the origin of the term, and reasons why he’s skeptical. Yet another step from Facebook in wanting to take over the Metaverse is its release of Horizon Workrooms. This new virtual-reality remote work app allows users of the company’s Oculus Quest 2 headsets to hold meetings as avatar versions of themselves.
CBS recently sat down with Mark Zuckberg to chat about the Metaverse and Workrooms for virtual offices: “So I think of the metaverse as the next generation of the internet,” Zuckerberg said. “So you can kind of think about it as, instead of being an internet that we look at, right, on our mobile phones or our computer screens, it’s an internet that we are a part of, or that we can be inside of.”
As Bloomberg Opinion states “If it is not going to be Facebook, who is poised to do well in the metaverse? Apple, Epic and Nvidia are well positioned, given their respective technological leadership in these hardware and software areas. And the two main mobile operations systems — Apple’s iOS and Alphabet’s Google Android — will likely benefit as apps and devices run on their dominant billion-user platforms.”
Last Holiday season, we enjoyed bringing two light show experiences to Cheyenne, Wyoming, through architectural mapping. Projected across the front of the historic Cheyenne Depot in downtown Cheyenne, we created a multimedia extravaganza for their traditional Downtown Lighting Celebration and dazzling the crowd.
Picture this:
A timer projected onto the Depot Museum tower ticked away the seconds as the evening event approached. With about 10 seconds to go, children that were gathered in the Depot Plaza began to yell out each number as it counted down, and as the timer hit zero, a loud boom sounded, and every light illuminated all at once. From all around the lights beamed – strung on trees, framing downtown buildings, and on tall evergreen trees.
The music started, and 3D shapes began to dance on the museum’s façade creating colorful projections of ornaments, wreaths, candy, fireworks, snow, and strings of lights that were all designed to the shape of the building. Since this was part of their 2020 Old West celebration, people laughed and cheered at the dancing cowboys on horseback herding bison, and at the end of each song, they whooped and cheered some more.
The event was such a success that a city council member was even seen wiping a tear from her eye. Alt Ethos was thrilled to help bring the holiday spirit and some much-needed sense of community safely to the folks in Cheyenne.
We are excited to be back in Cheyenne, Wyoming!
This 3D projection mapping holiday lights show was such a hit that we have been asked to make a more permanent attraction.
Our challenge is to address and impact the economic and cultural engagement throughout the city. As a permanent project our aim is to invite locals and tourists back into the city for celebration-themed holiday and event-specific content to keep visitors delighted and engaged and help drive economic development.
We look forward to the opportunity to exceed the creative expectations in the design and implementation of this visual experience. See you soon Cheyenne!
Interested in developing a projection mapping experience for your community or event?
Weren’t able to join Ethan for our virtual keynote? Fear not, we’ve got you covered! Below is the full video and transcript with the answers to the questions we all have — What new virtual and hybrid solutions are available to increase engagement? And how will the pandemic impact events in 2021?
TRANSCRIPT
Hi everyone and welcome to the new normal.
Remember last March when we were all reluctant to download Zoom thinking the pandemic would pass by April? Well here we are over a year later and it looks like virtual events are not going anywhere.
My name is Ethan Bach and I have over two decades of experience in the event space. I am now the co-founder and CEO of Alt Ethos experiential design studio based in Colorado and we specialize in creating permanent and temporary installations and virtual and hybrid events that bring engagement and delight.
Today’s webinar will be talking about the state of the events industry and how you can have one of the most impactful events in 2021. We will touch on many points but here’s a coupleof highlights:
we will answer is June too soon for in-person events
We see a lot of places opening back up – what does that mean? What challenges do event producers face?
we will discuss indoor vs. outdoor what’s the timeline for Live Events and safety requirements
We will look at options and possibilities for virtual events
and give a teaser into our next webinar which will focus on new designs in hybrid events
So stay with us we have a lot of information and research that we’ve done that we would like to share with you and believe it’s relevant to any business owner or event producer.
Alright let’s get started.
I’m not going to spend too much time rehashing what happened to the events industry last year which lost over 30 billion dollars in revenue and reported an overall downward trend in terms of the amount of client engagement. Suffice to say that our industry is forever changed and that fact is more and more clear every day. I’ll summarize by showing you this website which someone created to compile and ongoing list of events that were being canceled as a result of the pandemic
Unfortunately, so many events were canceled, that the website was forced to stop updating, and is now itself…canceled.
And yet there were event producers who tried despite some of the early warnings to push forward and still hold their events including the people behind South by Southwest. Hey I don’t blame you I was waiting myself with bated breath to see if I could jump on that plane for Austin. The Coronavirus and growing public health concerns cancelled SXSW just one week before it was slated to start. This was a huge wake-up call for the events industry and the City of Austin who lost $356 million in revenue due to the cancellation.
I’m not bringing this up to remind the 27,000 of us who are event producers in North America that our entire industry is in flux, still and will be for a while.
This webinar is not a desperate scramble for alternative solutions to the live events we’re used to. Instead, today we’re going to have an optimistic conversation about what’s possible in the events arena for all of us.
I’m just grateful everyday but this is happening right now and that it’s not like 1986 or or even 2006 for that matter. and I am truly grateful for systems like Zoom. However there’s some real reasons as to why we hate Zoom calls and it’s not because virtual events are inherently inferior to in-person events. It’s because the standard virtual solutions that we are all currently using—such as Zoom—are not designed with real human connection in mind. We can’t help it…
Video calls affect your mirror neurons and brain chemistry differently than in-person conversations. For one, you’re missing non-verbal body language, because you’re only seeing people from the shoulders-up. We are in a box. And your screen is effectively serving as a barrier between you and the other person—or between you and the experience you’re attending virtually. That’s why virtual events tend to have low retention rates relative to live in-person events.
Finally, those serendipitous moments of bumping into someone at an event or organically networking at the post-event mixer obviously can’t happen during something as limiting and one-dimensional as a Zoom video.
So, our job as experiential architects has been to figure out how to account for all those human needs, that we can create virtual experiences as engaging as the in-person experiences we’re used to. And in the case of hybrid to seamlessly connect the virtual and in-person experience. In other words, if we know that Zoom only stimulates the left side of the brain, how can we create virtual events that stimulate the right side—facilitating an experience of discovery, excitement and fun?
Well we have been putting in a ton of R&D into engagement and virtual events in hybrid events not to mention our new metaverse, and we have figured out how to engage Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins, the chemicals in the brain that create happiness and embed memory.Memories depend on neurons firing in the prefrontal cortex, the front part of the brain responsible for higher-level thinking. And long term memory depends on retelling the story. When was the last time you retold a story from a zoom event?
In a time when over 30% of Event Planners reported engagement as their biggest challenge in pivoting to virtual events. The national average retention rate for virtual events is 50%. But get this: our previous event had a 94% participant retention rate.
What makes people want to stay and participate through a virtual event?
Since the start of the pandemic, our team has conducted over eight hundred cumulative virtual events with our partners. We’ve done everything from video conferences, immersive headset events, to 360 browser-based events, to immersive avatar based environments. We have worked with numerous event production agencies to now have a deep understanding of what increased engagement and community connection looks like.
Here’s how we solved the issue of Zoom detachment and fatigue.
As a first case study, let’s look at the virtual awards event we did for L’Oreal’s Skinceuticals, which featured Shark Tank’s Barabara Corcoran.
Here’s how we made this experience engaging for their audience:
We added 360 viewing capability and custom 3D staging, so that viewers could look around the room and feel grounded in a lifelike space.
We created human avatars to populate the virtual banquet hall, so that it felt like you weren’t alone.
We built a hologram for the keynote speaker, pre-recorded for the live event.
We sent out Skinceuticals-branded Google Cardboards for ease of viewing, and for something fun to add to a bookshelf post event (which, by the way, continues to advertise for Skinceuticals long after the event ended).
And we surprised viewers with digital fireworks at the end, for a special little moment of spontaneity.
What all of these elements boiled down to was an event that had that extra human touch that we’ve all been craving—that opportunity for connection—especially after being stuck at home for so long. The reality of quarantining for an extended period of time is that people are experiencing anxiety and depression at skyrocketing rates, and static virtual events are just too sterile to solve that problem.
But our success stories have proven that it is possible to create virtual experiences that offer a feeling of connection. Here’s another example of something we produced for Tudor, Pickering, Holt called D4: Rebellion.
Here’s how we made viewers have a sense of being present at the event:
We had a camera-person shoot 360 video on location, which included locations in the US and Norway, showcasing 10 companies. These 360 videos were then combined with video conferencing in flat video and virtual booths to represent each company.
In this example, We used Boston Dynamics’ robot, Spot to record POV. We also have footage from drones to give a dynamic fly over view.
Viewers could then watch the video in a simple HMD or on the web, using their mouse to explore.
And by the way, we acknowledge that what we do is complex, but the turnaround time surprises a lot of our clients. It only took us a little over a month to produce that entire 360 experience.
People have so many misconceptions about virtual events and what’s possible. They get daunted by the idea of putting together a virtual event, because the tech behind the event may be something an event producer isn’t used to. We provide you with reassurance and white glove experience that exceeds your expectations. We take this same innovation into hybrid event design.
I promise you, if you can imagine something, some version of what you’re envisioning is possible to create.
For example, we partner with BluePlanetVR, who does super-high-quality real-world location capturing.
These amazing virtual captures can be used as the backdrop for your next virtual event. Or placed in your piece of the metaverse.
We also have AR solutions, including incorporating AR functionality for three-dimensional demonstrations in your living room or on your desk.
Our focus is on accessibility and design at the forefront of our virtual activations.
For audiences with limited bandwidth or slow connectivity, we offer versions of the events that can be accessed through phones or tablets.
And if you’re someone who gets motion sickness from AR or VR experiences, which is about 50% of you, we include still camera options, so people always have a choice.
Basically, sky’s the limit, and I personally love hearing new ideas and coming up with out-of-box solutions. I think of Alt Ethos as a true collaborator, and our deepest source of inspiration is our clients.
One of our core values is this idea of possibility and breaking through limitations.
To that end, we are currently developing a metaverse, which is a collective virtual shared space that will merge our physical reality with the digital universe. This virtual world is currently being used for engaging immersive experiences where people can simply walk up to each other and engage in conversation – right from your browser.
We’re calling it Pathos Reality. The Metaverse is a virtual space that will be accessible 24/7 later this year and will be buzzing with activity. It’s a place where you can have your own avatar based virtual events venue. It’s a place where people can become avatars, go whenever they want in the space, and explore, work, and play. They can remotely hang out with friends, create art, attend events, play games and shop.
The Metaverse is the future of the internet.
Here are just a few ways that a metaverse is an incredible opportunity for the events arena, in a post-pandemic world:
You can visit from virtually anywhere, regardless of physical distance, or stay-at-home orders.
After being stuck in a video box, walking up to someone and naturally having a conversation is liberating and awesome!
And a metaverse can be great for all-ages, and multiple hardware types.
When Alt Ethos first envisioned this virtual world, it made us incredibly excited about the possibilities, because we suddenly saw the ability for people to attend more events than ever before, and to attend events in parts of the world they could never access before, and have this amazing experience—all from the comfort of their homes or offices. Because the reality is that there is a huge access barrier to physical events. Travel, money, time… It’s obviously more difficult and more expensive to hop on a flight across the world to attend an event than put on a VR headset or open a laptop and enter a Metaverse.
The same benefits apply to Hybrid events. By the way, we have to define what a “hybrid event” is, because it’s a term that a lot of people in the event space have started to throw around to mean all sorts of different things. When I talk about hybrid events, I’m not talking about live-streaming your physical event. That’s just a livestream. A hybrid event is an event that seamlessly integrates the physical and digital worlds into one experience that is made better by the existence of both of these elements. Here’s what I mean:
A hybrid event will take a standard physical event, like say, a networking event, and create a unique world real-time networking opportunity simply by walking up to a group of people and joining a conversation. You are in the in-person event and they happen to be avatars. But you share the same space without barriers. The experience for the people at the physical event is improved by the presence of the avatars; and the experience for the people at home is improved by the presence of the physical bodies in the space.
What’s great about hybrid events is the opportunity for unexpected connection. Remember that element of organic connection that I mentioned, that people are missing from not being able to attend physical events? Its real engagement between two worlds. When you digitize the events experience and come up with interesting ways to integrate both physical and virtual elements seamlessly, so many impossibilities suddenly become possible. We will provide much detail about our hybrid designs and others in our next webinar. Stay tuned.
During our time staying and working at home, people have fostered a new wave of global connection. Holding a hybrid event allows for people to continue to engage with events as they come back to the physical space, beyond just a standard livestream. Whether you are a corporation who also wants to have events, or an event producer, or own an events agency, as event creators, we all have to continue to talk about what’s possible in our industry, especially in our changing world. We have to explore new ways of facilitating connection. And, of course, one of the most important questions that event producers will have to face in the future is how to make connecting feel safe and effective in a post-Covid world.
Outdoor events opened April 1 in some states.
In-person events are starting to be approved in the United States. California just announce in-person indoor events to begin the middle of April. As long as vaccines continue to roll out, more than 20% of Californians are fully vaccinated, and cased and related hospitalizations continue on a downward trend we can see this trend continuing. These events come with a stipulations to ensure people are kept safe.
Here are some of the things we’re going to have to consider:
Guests are tested with a clear test within 72 hours prior or show proof of full vaccination.
Limit to in-state visitor.
Regularly test workers
Designated eating areas with added ventilation and distancing.
Good air circulation and cleaning practices in place. There are new UVA cleaners on the market that are already being deployed in hospitals and hotels that will fit in perfectly in the conference arena when live events return.
The concept of “social distancing” isn’t going away, so we’ll have to design event spaces where people aren’t crowded on top of one another.
Likewise, if there are break-out rooms, we’ll probably want to shorten those sessions to keep people moving and not stuck in one high-density place.
And of course, there will need to be a ton of hand sanitizer on hand, as well as access to masks.
The degree to which your event addresses these safety concerns can very much determine turnout for your event, especially in the near future.
Let’s look at vaccine timelines really quickly. Current optimistic estimates, like California, have in-person events beginning in April, but there are a ton of caveats there as mentioned above, and that projection doesn’t take into account if people will actually feel safe to attend the event. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine has just been approved for use in the US, and production continues to ramp up for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. But projections are not taking into account how difficult it is to vaccinate everyone quickly, including, for example, the rural populations in the US. Or hang ups in the distribution cycle – including the recent 15 million botched doses.
So the multi-billion dollar question: “Is June too soon for in-person events?”
My answer is yes, if you don’t follow strict guidelines and you don’t offer virtual alternatives.
So far we have only talked about the United States. But what about the rest of the world? According to the BBC, the entire world will not be vaccinated until early 2023. But inoculating a global population of 7.8 billion people is a scale that has never been attempted before. Plus, there are new Covid variants emerging, as we know, and international timelines for vaccine distribution are all over the place. This means hosting a big event like CES is risky, even if attendees have all been vaccinated.
We just don’t have enough information. And the information we do have has to be properly interpreted if we’re going successfully anticipate when we can safely plan our in-person events. For instance, most events rely on 74% of their attendance to be people under the age of 55. And based on music festival demographics from the past five years, the average age of the people going to those events was 32. At this point, a little over 20% of people in the US have been vaccinated. People hear that number and use the vaccine as reasoning to have their event between now and August, but you have to consider the demographics.
Even if vaccines are opened for ALL people at the beginning of May, the risk is still too high for June. Lines are long and it’s hard to get an appointment in certain areas. For example here in Colorado, everyone is eligible; however, I had to schedule a vaccine appointment in Wyoming to get a shot in the foreseeable future.
If you really want to do the math to plan when it will be safe to have a live event again, it’s all about factoring in the demographics and the variable of the two-dose vaccine. The current pace of 2.1M shots per day sounds promising, but because many of those vaccines require two shots, we have to divide that number by half. So the projection I’m going to make based on all that math is that we’re looking at no earlier than Fall for a return to large live events that will most likely still require the list above – vaccine record, tests, safety measures, etc. And what’s more, people will come to expect digital alternatives from here on out due the cost benefit, your attendees from around the world will need it, and it’s flexible.
That’s why regardless of when we can return to live events, for the people in your target audience who are not ready to travel, you’ll want to have virtual offerings. In fact, those virtual offerings will likely become the base event, with the physical offerings being optional, as opposed to the reverse, which has been true in the past. This shifting perception of events is how a hybrid event can save the day, allowing you to have people who are physically present at a conference connect with people beaming in from their homes.
Preparing for this kind of digital future is going to get you ahead of the curve. If there’s one thing we learned from a year in quarantine, it’s that quote unquote coming back to normal will take longer than we expect.By preparing virtual offerings, you’re setting yourself up for success. If the world takes longer to open back up, or if it takes people longer than expected to feel good about traveling and attending physical events, you’re prepared with a fun virtual experience.
Just think about how different things could have been for SXSW if they had prepared a virtual event in 2020 like they did in 2021. Where they had almost 80,000 attendees compared to 2019 where the conference drew nearly 74,000 attendees. One way to do this is have exclusive content for an in-person event, say, a mixer, and exclusive content for virtual attendees, like a link to an unreleased film trailer or web game.
If 2020 was a scramble for functionality through the digital space, 2021 and beyond will be more focused on actual user experience. That’s why I don’t think of virtual events as a stop-gap, but as an essential part of our offerings at Alt Ethos, even as time goes on. This past year has forever shifted our perceptions of interaction, and now that we all know that it is possible to work from home; it is possible to attend an event virtually, and people are only going to be more and more selective with the events that they physically attend.
62.2% of event professionals agree that virtual events are here to stay. We don’t know what the future holds. Hate to say it, but what if this isn’t our last pandemic? Or what happens when the climate takes an unexpected turn, like what we saw recently in Texas? Our world is going to continue to throw us curve balls. My vision for virtual events is that they become so undeniably awesome, that we look forward to virtual events not as second-best offerings in times of desperation, but as viable opportunities for human connection.
I’m going to close on that, because at the end of the day, I want to leave you with that vision of connection, because yes, we are an events agency that loves technology and the digital space, but wethink about people first.
If you’re looking to hold an event as soon or anytime this year, this is a great opportunity to chat to us about a full white-glove virtual or hybrid solution. Whatever you’re dealing with, wherever you’re located, there is a bespoke solution for your company, and we can find it together.
I look forward to connecting with you, and I look forward to a future where virtual events are all about facilitating human connection.
I hope to see you at our next webinar that clearly outlines hybrid event solutions.
Who Needs a Holodeck? Alt Ethos Hybrid Solutions June 24, 2021 | 10:30 MDT | FREE
eFlow is a fun and creative way for people to engage and connect while physically distancing. Whether at a drive-in event or virtual event this collaboratively creative platform can be easily branded or themed.
eFlow‘s platform is fully customizable – custom stamps, brushes, and backgrounds are all possible to create branded experiences for your event. The ongoing live collaboration can be displayed publicly by projecting the canvas large-scale at your physical event as well – creating a hybrid experience for both onsite and virtual attendees.
eFlow is an artistic collaborative WebGL fluid simulation that works in your browser. You and other online participants can collaborate with colors and shapes on an ever-changing canvas. See the networked artwork shift and grow in real time as others join in on the fun.
Previously…
Outdoor Immersive Storytime
At the Anythink Brighton Drive-In Storytime event, as attendees got settled into their parking spots, they were able to play with eFlow on the screens across their personal devices and see their the projection screens in the lot.
Virtual Dia De Los Muertos Experience
Alt Ethos created a custom Dia De Los Muertos interactive experience for Thornton, Colorado’s 5th year of its annual celebration. While October 2020 restrictions transformed this hybrid event into online-only, visitors were able to connect and share the community memorial video online and play with others decorating the sugar skull on eFlow.
Let’s talk about ways that Flow can bring magic and play into your event! Interactive and immersive exhibits take your event to the next level.
Take a fly-through this custom-designed 360 virtual environment, produced by Alt Ethos and used to host an immersive 360 virtual reality event. This global 500 company hosted this unique awards event for over 150 people. The end results were branded VR cardboard headsets sent to all attendees, unboxing event (tech support) 3 days prior to the live event, live event – real hologram speakers on stage, avatars in the audience, pre-recorded keynote and branding on all screens.
Alt Ethos is excited to report a strong and consistent attendance rate for the duration of the program. Peak 184 out of the anticipated 160 attendees with a 94% retention rate. Compared to national averages for virtual events that report just a 50% conversion rate from those who registered to those who actually attended, the SkinCeuticals NSTM Awards Ceremony had a peak viewership of more than 100% the anticipated number of attendees (the anticipated number of attendees was 160 based on the number of headsets shipped).
Ready to take your virtual event to the next level?
“I don’t know about you, but I have caught the travel bug. COVID-19 has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health it seems, and more often I find myself longing to get away. The urge to travel is partially a longing to connect, not just with other people but with the natural world.”–anonymous
COVID-19 has affected the lives of every American in ways we are still grasping to understand. From financial stress to unprecedented changes in school and business, there is nothing our nation has faced quite like this. Now more than ever, people are longing for something to pull them out of the chaos. And now more than ever we need to make wise choices in how we travel. We are longing for opportunities to experience the beauty and to connect with what’s around us.
One of the ways people in the Northwest have increasingly chosen to connect during COVID-19 is through the National Park system. Wyoming, for example, has had some of the lowest numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths in the nation. Their national parks, including Grand Teton and Yellowstone, were able to remain open for the majority of the COVID-19 pandemic with very little outbreaks. Enjoying the great outdoors has become one of the easiest and healthiest ways to be physically distant and remain in-tune with the outside world. The outdoors will remain throughout the winter months.
However, experiences in the outside world don’t have to be limited to the national parks. In a world with an ever-increasing demand for individual, and oftentimes virtual experiences, digital designs are playing a vital role in a physically distanced pandemic America.
Digital designs are one of the most affordable and diverse ways to transform public spaces in ways that would be too cost-prohibitive for traditional capital improvements to take place. For example, holiday tree lightings, modern drive-in theatres, and socially-distanced architectural projection mapping offer the opportunity to set up live experiences with minimal changes to the structural environment. Drive-thru and drive-in live experiences offer the chance to mimic the traditional performance environment without costly overhead or unsafe practices during COVID-19 shutdowns.
Experiential design has been at the forefront of our culture preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. They offer the benefits of a communal social function while allowing individuals to participate from the safety and comfort of their cars, outdoors, or from the comfort of your home. These options offer the blend of privacy and community that many are craving right now. And, there are many other options for virtual live experiences that are just scratching the surface of what we’re able to accomplish within the digital pace.
Join us this holiday season in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Where Cheyenne is bringing the lights to the holidays this year. Alt Ethos will feature two light experiences in Cheyenne this holiday season. On Saturday, November 21st, and Friday, November 27th we light up the Downtown Lighting Celebration through architectural mapping of the train depot located at 121 W 15th Street. That’s not all! From November 21 through January 1st, 2021, come by the Prime Time Holiday Drive-Thru at Blue FCU located at 2401 E. Pershing Blvd, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.
The post-pandemic world is undetermined. What do we want to use to shape it, and how will we as individuals and communities contribute? That is the question that digital art and technology can provide if we are confident enough to venture out.
Free Consultation
Note: Always follow the recent guidelines from local health and state agencies as well as the recommendations of the CDC to stay safe. If you or someone you spend time with have compromising health concerns, please avoid crowds.
Themed Future-Proofing Museums & New Realities, the New Mexico Association of Museums (NMAM) will offer their annual conference in an innovative, live-streaming format. Alt Ethos experiential design studios hosts NMAM’s 2020 virtual event. Alt Ethos’ CEO, Ethan Bach will present at the conference, as will his 14-year-old daughter who will hold a demonstration in Minecraft. Over 40 talented speakers in the Museum industry will present at this year’s annual conference. The conference is held November 4-6, 2020. Registration for the conference starts at $38 . You can register here.
The conference theme, Future-Proofing Museums & New Realities, will explore the process of anticipating, coping, and preparing for future impacts beyond our immediate control. Changes in our world, including climate change, technological advances, shifting demographics, and a global pandemic are transforming all aspects of museum and cultural work, from marketing and fundraising, policies and procedures, and collections management, to visitor experience. NMAM, a professional interest group for the museum field, isleading by example as they continue to provide their network with professional development and support. Museums are faced with site closures, staff reductions, budget cuts, and even the specter of permanent closure. According to NMAM President Adrienne Trunk Boggs: “We cannot allow this to happen in New Mexico. Museums are key to our social recovery from Coronavirus. The nature of how we serve our communities must evolve to ensure that museums remain relevant for the next seven generations.”
Alt Ethos’s CEO, Ethan Bach will speak on technology, museums, and the future. He has a long history with NMAM and it’s partners. Bach served at the Institute of American Indian Arts for over ten years with his most recent role as the Digital Dome Director where he led 360 research and education at the Digital Dome @ IAIA. Bach also provided media consulting and services for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs during his time living in Santa Fe.
The featured keynote address will be delivered by noted Chicana writer and cultural activist Denise Chavez and the full program includes half-day workshops, interactive networking opportunities, a variety of streaming multimedia productions, a virtual expo and tech showcase for vendors and sponsors, and live sessions on a variety of themes, including online learning, planning for continued disruption, human rights, and cultural equity. The program will culminate with live virtual exhibit tours. “It’s an honor to collaborate with NMAM to ease them into their first virtual conference.
The New Mexico Association of Museums (NMAM) Annual Conference is held November 4-6, 2020. Basic Registration for the conference is just $38. You can get your registration here.
COVID-19 has cost our nation so much in 2020. It has cost many individuals and small business owners their financial security, while others are struggling to cope with major changes in their duties as parents, employees, and leaders. Even for those who have not been directly impacted by loss of income or life, physical distancing limitations have put daily routines on hold and replaced them with something foreign and uncertain.
However, for some of us, these limitations have sparked creativity. Humans crave connection and we need it now more than ever; but our ideas of connection are changing to meet the demands of COVID-19. One of the ways in which this is happening is through the annual Thornton Dia de los Muertos celebration in the City of Thornton.
Traditionally, the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated in Thornton with a festival of food, drink, traditional art, and other activities to celebrate Mexican culture. However, due to COVID-19, the celebration was almost canceled this year. In an effort to replace the live event, the City of Thornton reached out to Alt Ethos to see if we could create something new.
Our team decided that instead of looking to replace the event with a substitutional virtual experience, we’d create something entirely new. We created a hybrid design that allowed for flexibility in a time of changing circumstances. Due to the increasing COVID cases in Adams County, our hybrid event that included the drive by in the park projections paired with an interactive online engagement easily into an engaging multilayer online experience on short notice. The event information was changed and with ease we have maintained the community engagement through this important event.
We are happy to announce that this year, from November 1-3, you’ll be able to enjoy Dia de los Muertos in a virtual interactive art experience from your home and engage in real-time with friends and relatives.
We’ve created an easy browser accessible app that allows participants to create collaborative works of art from any connected device. We present a live drawing tool that lets guests create fluid visual art virtually, in real-time, and in collaboration with other users. All artworks will be themed in traditional Dia de los Muertos styles, but feature modern concepts from at-home artists in Colorado. By using trusted technologies in modern ways, we are able to keep these traditions alive. All this while enjoying dancing and mariachi music.
Community engagement doesn’t have to be put on hold because of COVID-19. In fact, Alt Ethos is able to create 4x the participant engagement via virtual events as compared to traditional live events. Our original design included a drive by/park experience, but due to changes in country COVID regulations, we quickly and smoothly modified the project to fit the needs of modern times. Because Thornton residents don’t have to be physically present in order to enjoy the activities, more are able to tune in and make lasting memories and even connect with family and friends that are far away.
On Tuesday, September 1, from 9pm-midnight, theaters and event venues across North America will be asked to light ghost lights on their stages, light their buildings in red, and use hashtag #WeMakeEvents to symbolize the struggle of the industry, which has been shuttered since March 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Alt Ethos is supporting our colleagues, clients, and friends in the event industry by lighting up the mansion at 2345 7th St, Denver. Thanks to Reactiv.io for collaborating on this lighting installation one of their many event rental spaces. Check out the mansion as you drive down I-25 near the Denver Aquarium, or stop by to snap some photos – and tag #WeMakeEvents to raise awareness.
By the Numbers
The live entertainment industry is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy. It employs over 12 million people and provides upwards of $1 trillion in economic impact – more than the transportation, agriculture, and tourism industries. However, due to the global pandemic, the live events industry is in grave danger. A devastating number of arts professionals are currently out of work and will be for some time, with the pandemic having shut down nearly all entertainment functions in all sectors.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has been completely shattered reporting that:
• 95% of entertainment events have been canceled.
• 62% of entertainment workers are fully unemployed.
• 94% of entertainment workers have lost income.
• The average arts worker reports $23,500 in losses thus far.
• 66% of entertainment workers are unable to access spaces, staff, resources, or supplies needed to do their jobs.
Local Colorado non-profit Conscious Alliance has joined #WeMakeEvents to distribute meals to out-of-work industry workers in the area on 9/1 – DONATE HERE to provide a meal and support the cause.
Now that we are starting to have small attendance-capped in-person events, Hybrid Events are a great opportunity to enhance real-world events while integrating online interactions. There have been numerous successful virtual trade shows, events, and conferences which have increased worldwide attendance over their previous physical events.
Keep the increased worldwide engagement going, while offering diverse ways for your guests to join your in-person and virtual Hybrid Events. By gathering a smaller group in person and a larger group virtually, we are able to achieve some of the face-to-face interaction while also keep attendees safe.
There are several ways to throw Hybrid Events that are engaging, productive, and fun. The Alt Ethos team began creating hybrid experiences over 13 years ago and would love to help you find the best solutions for your audience and goals.
In the BizBash article, What Will Hybrid Events Look Like?, Cara Kleinhaut, founder and CEO of AGENC Experiential & Digital Marketing, notes:
“We must deliver a simultaneous digital experience that mirrors the live experience in quality and interaction—and not leave digital participants on the sidelines with a Zoom chat or a passive viewing experience, which is still the majority of what we see out there.”
What was a memorable experience you had in a virtual streaming conference? Could you tell us about the most unique Zoom meeting you had last week? Can’t think of anything? Us either!
We are being inundated with video streaming in chats, conferences, and events. Repetitive experiences, day in and day out, are creating a lapse of memory and connections. Where once we attended in-person events – networking during a mixer, listening to a speaker, and lining up for free drinks – now we find our virtual events have a lack of engagement.
Your event and audience engagement is important to us.
Alt Ethos wants to help you succeed in creating dynamic connections that create lasting impressions. We want to partner with your organization to achieve your goals in the virtual and partially-virtual event spaces. We provide unique and engaging platforms and environments that highlight your sponsors, integrate live entertainment, and provide a variety of virtual world experiences.
Public spaces are undergoing transformations as we navigate new rules and guidelines for social interaction. Lighting design reinvigorates places and brings them to life. Murals or large building surfaces can be transformed into glowing dreamlike creations when they would otherwise be obscured in shadow. Architectural lighting revitalizes our neighborhoods to support vibrant urban life, creates a sense of security and safety, and attracts new economic activity.
Groups like the Project for Public Spaces have valuable information on the best ways to move forward with engaging community spaces in this time of transition. In our recent Experiential Design Playbook: Solutions for Engagement During COVID-19 & Beyond, Alt Ethos outlines a number of inspirational designs for public spaces that bring joy and engagement to our communities in creative and safe ways. Via projection mapping, LED wash lighting, and no-touch interactive displays – an entire public square can be activated. Whether we are gathering six feet apart in a public square, or passing through our usual main street now filled with outdoor public seating options — an experience can be illuminated with creative lighting design in simple and impactful ways.
When people are venturing out with their families this summer, they will be on the hunt for engaging experiences, community events, and comfortable interactions that will give a much-needed lift to their spirits. Seeing their favorite public places brought to life with light would be a great way to do just that. Through public installations and interactive experiences, such as the Illuminous interactive projection-mapped mural in Fort Collins, CO, our communities can be welcomed back to shopping and spending time in public spaces with fresh, inspired eyes.
We encourage downtown development authorities and businesses to convert public spaces into interactive art using projectors, lighting effects, and sensors. These placemaking initiatives not only offer free public access to an immersive, child- and pet-friendly experience, but are proven to stimulate greater economic activity.
Alt Ethos, in partnership with Reactiv.io, recently illuminated Denver’s iconic brick mansion by the Downtown Aquarium and I-25. Together, Alt Ethos and Reactiv are creating experiential designs in Denver to inspire connection. Future immersive collaboration includes the Tennyson Street / Berkeley area – one of Denver’s most historic neighborhoods with private immersive themed bungalow experiences.
Architectural lighting in conjunction with an urban revitalization plan acts as a vehicle that reconnects people with a sense of place to emphasize the true strengths of a community. In 1989, the city of Lyon, France, introduced one of the earliest holistic lighting master plans to revitalize the dense historic core of the city. The origins of the festival date to 1643 when Lyon was struck by the plague. Today, Lyon is known as the “capital of light,” hosting the largest festival dedicated solely to illumination, the Fête des lumières, in part commemorating the day Lyon was consecrated to the Virgin Mary. The 2019 festival attracted 1.8 million visitors over 4 days.
Urban design has taken on a new level of importance to keep the residents of urban areas feeling safe. Alt Ethos works in collaboration with city planners and corporations to commit to the health and vitality of its community. Contact us to set up a complimentary consultation on how your downtown shopping area, municipal buildings, or public park can be activated with light.
To all of you, we at Alt Ethos have been working hard to innovate solutions for this changing time. Communities and organizations around the world are at a high level of confusion, overwhelm, and disconnection. Like you, we had our times of frustration as we navigated the rough waters of the unknown. We also saw it as an opportunity.
Our communities are starting to come out of stay at home orders around the globe. How shall we experience community spaces and not end up on national news like the Memorial Day waterpark parties? Watching these gatherings can make you feel unhinged and afraid to engage. In this desire to re-open and reconnect with our constituents, we intend on providing flexible solutions that retain ROI if and when another wave of shutdown orders occurs.
That is why Alt Ethos has been doing research and design since the closing of the first major international event in the United States, SXSW.
During this crisis, that feeling of isolation can make everyone feel disconnected. If municipalities and corporations can’t find a way to safely connect with their constituents, they miss the chance to provide support and a sense of well-being.
Now is the time to step up and activate your communities and create the future of placemaking, entertainment, and advertising. A culture that is resilient, fun, and provides an opportunity for connection. It is our destiny as humans to create new solutions, visions, and activations to reinvigorate the next steps in social healing. It is the responsibility of our cities, our libraries, our public art, and our local businesses to reconnect with our communities.
Your contribution to the recovery of this crisis is going to be massive. You are creating the future of community building and entertainment. We know we are a small percentage of the population that imagines the future even in the time of a world crisis. We are looking for you to create, to connect, and to activate new solutions.
Get started by downloading our new Experiential Design Playbook. First, to get an idea of what is possible and mutable in uncertain times. Second, to increase the support your constituents feel connecting a greater bond to your city or your brand. Create activations that make your message easier to hear, simultaneously inspiring engagement and making a contribution to your community.
Learn all about our COVID re-entry experiential design solutions:
Due to the global health pandemic, the landscape of the events industry is changing.
Countless in-person events – SXSW, the 74th Annual Tony Awards, and the Cannes International Film Festival, to name just a few – have been canceled or postponed in the past few months.
Meanwhile, other events like the REV’d Up Media Summit, Burning Man festival, F8 (Facebook’s live annual event), and Microsoft’s Build annual event will carry on. How?
They’re going virtual.
ALT ETHOS AND VIRTUAL EVENTS
Today’s technology makes it possible to host full-scale events 100% online, keeping companies and organizations connected to their employees, clients, and customers even in times of crisis. Alt Ethos is leading the way for our clients by offering a wide range of engaging virtual event solutions for online conferences, events, and more that can be customized to fit any business’ needs.
Alt Ethos offers the best online streaming tools available, but we don’t stop there. We want our clients to be able to continue fully serving their employees and customers in creative and interactive ways that are memorable and meaningful. No matter what the event needs, Alt Ethos has a solution.
Check out four ways we help companies and organizations stay connected with their employees and clients.
Alt Ethos has an all-in-one solution for your events that bring conference and convention content straight to people’s homes. With the capacity to live stream keynote presentations with simultaneous break out sessions, our client’s event attendees can experience the full range of conference offerings.
We bring the face-to-face impact of conferences into a single company experience through video conference calling for small groups, virtual parties and shows with live VJs and performers, and virtual tours.
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE SOLUTIONS
Alt Ethos takes care of everything. Our real-time professional streaming service accommodates everything from small private breakout group streaming and keynote events with thousands of viewers.” Plus we either send our cinematographer to our clients with 4k streaming or work with their cinematographer and remotely manage the event. We also offer custom takeaways and conference experiences mailed to the guest’s door.
VIRTUAL WORLD TOURS AND EVENTS
Need something a little more creative? Our virtual world tours and events are fun, unique experiences people remember long after they’re done. We offer the following virtual experiences:
Second Life Tours
Second Life is one of the longest-running virtual world environments of all. From museum tours to themed destination tours, attendees can experience space exploration, natural disasters, dance clubs, Irish folklore, skill gaming, and more. The possibilities are endless!
Custom Virtual Experiences
We also offer customizable Virtual World experiences, where our designers create custom virtual environments for private events of up to 100 guests. This allows our clients to recreate their office, venue, or creative destination in 3D and throw events virtually.
We also create private virtual environments for highest-quality customizable experiences that include a streaming video input, voice and text chat among participants, and customizable avatars. These experiences are great for co-working and team projects.
Alt Ethos custom experiential virtual design is a great addition to any virtual party. Create a truly unique virtual experience that your group will keep talking about afterward.
VIRTUAL MEETINGS
Host meetings while sticking to social distancing guidelines with our Virtual Meeting experience. We create branded meeting environments, complete with logos and banners and the ability to cast video, images, or presentations on-screen. These experiences provide that in-person feel and can be attended with or without virtual reality headsets.
EXPERTS IN STREAMING AND VR
Alt Ethos is an experiential design studio creating meaningful moments for communities. The environments, installations, and objects we are designing for a rapidly growing clientele use light, sound, and technology to transform the everyday experience and promote creativity and well-being.
Alt Ethos brings years of steaming expertise to the table, and our virtual environments and experiential design for shared experiences create connection and engagement. Have us customize a virtual environment specific for your business or event, or join us in Alt Ethos’ virtual studio and event space.
Learn More About Alt Ethos
Want to create your own unique and memorable virtual conference or workshop experience but not sure where to start? We can help! Visit our website to learn more, or schedule a call to talk with our experts about your virtual event needs.
Here at Alt Ethos we thrive on finding creative and innovative ways to solve problems and help our community. The COVID-19 world crisis is no different. “We watched everything unfold as businesses were closed and friends and colleagues lost their jobs,” Ethan Bach says. “We wanted to help.”
We are using our powerful computer to run protein simulations of the COVID-19 virus to help understand how they function, providing new opportunities to develop a cure. Using the distributed computing project Folding@home, our computers now join thousands of other computers around the world to create a supercomputer. You can read the latest Westworld Article on this project here: Denver Design Company Alt Ethos Aids COVID-19 Research.
Stay up to date with the Folding@home progress on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn.
Since coronavirus was declared a pandemic, the phrase “Just another day at the office” has taken on a whole new meaning. When nationwide social distancing was put into place, millions of face-to-face events and meetings were canceled or postponed.
Thankfully, video conferencing makes it possible to stay connected in work and in life without risking the health of yourself or others. Make virtual conferencing a breeze for your audience with Alt Ethos’ 8 things you can do in advance that will make the transition to virtual conferencing easier.
1. Choose a Platform
There are a number of video conferencing applications out there, and not all are created equal. FaceTime and Messenger are great for chatting person-to-person, but when it comes to virtual events and conferences, you will need more capabilities and features. Consider the following when choosing which platform to use:
How many people will be in the meeting?
Is it an interactive meeting or more one-sided?
Will you need screen share capabilities or other multimedia features?
What are your tech needs in terms of sound and lighting?
2. Set Expectations Ahead of Time
Have you ever walked into an event or meeting expecting one thing and come out having experienced something entirely different? That can easily happen with video conferences too, and it’s not an experience you want to give your attendees. Set the tone for smooth interactions online before attendees sign up by clearly outlining:
Which platform the event or meeting will be held. Is there a capacity limit or deadline for signing up?
What their role in the virtual conference will be. Is it an interactive session where they’ll need to be ready to provide feedback and commentary?
What level of engagement you expect from them. Will they need to show up with video on, or is audio only okay?
3. Create a Workable Agenda
Because everything is virtual, it’s tempting to think you can pack more in a short window of time. Resist the urge, says Jeff Cobb of Leading Learning in his article “12 Tips for a Successful Virtual Conference”.
“The brain can only absorb what the butt can endure. Shorter is often better for sessions. And don’t forget to build in breaks—attendees will appreciate 15 minutes to check voicemail and e-mail and address other needs. Even in the virtual world, people have to go to the bathroom.”
4. Prep Your Attendees
Once your attendees have signed up, you’ll need to let them know some basic information about the virtual sessions. what you’ll be discussing, who will be there, and what they can do ahead of time to be ready for the meeting. Send out an email with a basic outline of the virtual session. Don’t forget to tell them if there’s anything they’ll want to have on hand to help them get the most out of the session, like a notebook and pen.
5. Be Available to Answer Questions
Virtual conferencing is going to be a new experience for some. The more education and answers you can provide BEFORE the conference call or virtual event starts, the less you’ll have to provide during the actual event.
“Folks will be more likely to pay—whether for a big-ticket sponsorship or a simple registration—if they can see for themselves what the virtual conference will be like,” said Cobb. Make a screen share video with step-by-step instructions on how to sign up for and install the video conference app you’ll be using, and plan to have extra tech support available to answer questions. Designate a specific email, messenger chatbot, or phone line for questions.
6. Do a Trial Run
If you have staff, speakers, or sponsors who will also be involved in the online event, spend time before the event putting resources in place so they feel comfortable and ready to do their part when the time comes.
Consider giving speakers and sponsors a free pass to test out the platform ahead of time, and don’t be afraid to do a trial run or two. You can’t always troubleshoot issues if you don’t know what issues to look for. A trial run will give you a chance to identify any bumps that need to be smoothed over.
The more prepared your staff is, the less stressed you’ll be. Run some contingency plans for customer service issues and create clear guidelines for how staff can help with things like Q&As and breakout sessions.
7. Don’t Forget the Reminder
People are busy, so a virtual event is appealing for many reasons outside of the current health situation. No making travel plans, packing, hotels, or flights. For the attendees, not having to do all the physical planning and prep for an in-person event can make it easy to forget to show up. You’ll need to remind them.
There are several ways to remind your registered attendees. We recommend sending out email or text reminders. Cobb suggests sending reminders a week before, one day before, and the day of the event. You could also create an exclusive group on social media to hype the event. Only registered attendees can join, and you can drop video teasers, downloadable resources, Live video, and more to keep attendees engaged and excited.
No matter how you choose to keep the virtual event top of mind for your attendees, always make sure to include all the pertinent information about how to access the conference and where to go for help.
8. Outline Virtual Etiquette Guidelines
Once you have everyone live in the session, you’ll want to set the tone. Virtual conferencing is a new world for a lot of people. Don’t assume everyone understands good etiquette when it comes to online meetings and events. Let them know how they can do things like:
Ask or send questions without interrupting
Stay engaged with the content
Respect other attendees and the speakers by muting their microphones when there’s background noise
Access supplemental content like side decks and PDF documents
Request help with technical issues
Enjoy Your Virtual Conferencing Event
The better prepared you are before your event, the more relaxed and engaged you can be during the event. These tips give you guidelines on things you can do ahead of time that will not only help you but your staff, speakers, sponsors, and attendees.
Learn More About Alt Ethos
Want to create your own unique and memorable virtual conference or workshop experience but not sure where to start? We can help! Visit us at www.altethos.com.
Alt Ethos Opening Celebration For New Studio and Innovation Center
This is a new chapter for Alt Ethos!
Our team worked fiercely to get our new studio ready for our grand opening while also managing multiple projects. The grand opening was an absolute blast and we are so thankful to everyone that came out to join us.
You can find more photos from our party on our Venue Rental page
EVENT SPACE AVAILABLE TO RENT!
IMMERSIVE SPACE FOR RENT
Alt Ethos New Studio and Innovation Center
Our new state-of-the-art immersive space can be rented for events and parties. Our unique space allows you to include many of our popular installations. – Projection Mapping
– Digital Mirrors
– LED Tunnel
– LED Clouds
and more!
NOW BOOKING FOR 2020!
Click the button below to see more details and pricing.
PROJECT UPDATES
NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHING NEXT WEEK!
More Designs!
Easy Navigation!
We are constantly adding to our portfolio and our new agile website will keep you up-to-date on our offerings.
Alt Ethos is celebrating the grand opening of its state-of-the-art studio and innovation center, opening the doors to creative designers and artists throughout Denver.
[Denver, Colorado, 11/19/2019] Alt Ethos is celebrating the grand opening of their new studio and Innovation Center in Denver. This Innovation Center will increase public access to various Alt Ethos experiential design projects in an expansive event space. The grand opening celebration includes live music by DJ Jason Guava, interactive experiences, food, and drinks for all. Please join us for a public unveiling Friday, December 13, 2019, at 7:30pm to 11pm at 2505 West 2nd Ave #11, Denver, CO 80219. Free tickets to this event are available via Eventbrite.
The opening features interactive immersive projections, an LED tunnel, a 360 digital dome, and Technicolor LED clouds. These award-winning installations are constructing the future of design to offer unique work that transcends expectations. Alt Ethos creates immersive and interactive storytelling for all ages that disrupts the mundane and inspires the imagination.
This immersive event space celebrates many works Alt Ethos has been providing for Northern Colorado which are now part of the self-guided Alt Ethos Experiential Tour. The event also provides potential new hires to meet with the Alt Ethos team as they are hiring for several administrative and creative positions.
Alt Ethos was founded in 2016 by Ethan Bach, and is run by a team of Denver’s finest digital designers and developers. Bach is also the founder of Alt Ethos’ sister company, Denver Arts + Technology Advancement (DATA), a nonprofit that provides educational resources in the fields of technology, design, and creative arts. DATA will host educational workshops and other events in their new shared location.
Please join us to experience the expansion of the Alt Ethos and DATA headquarters that will change the landscape for Denver’s technology industries. It will be a night to remember.The grand opening celebration includes live music by DJ Guava, interactive experiences, and food and drinks for all. The public unveiling is Friday, December 13, 2019, at 7:30pm to 11pm at 2505 West 2nd Ave #11, Denver, CO 80219. Free tickets to this event are available via Eventbrite
Alt Ethos, an experiential design company in Denver, was invited by Wade Troxell, Mayor of the City of Fort Collins, to proclaim October 15, 2019 as Empowerment Through Creative Technology Day. This proclamation has recently been enacted by the Mayor as a means to encourage citizens to explore the creative arts through technological applications and renew a sense of pride for the cultural diversity found within the community. The reasons for this proclamation and celebration of creative technology are many. Alt Ethos, a company at the forefront of a movement to bring creative technology applications to the mainstream, is supported by many fellow private and public organizations. The proclamation is in line with the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority’s dedication to economic development through technology and creative arts. The Downtown Development Authority recently put its Downtown Alley Master Plan into place, which encourages the conversion of local alleys into interactive art and technologically-driven displays. These public arts not only offer free public access to an immersive, child- and pet-friendly experience, but encourages new storefronts due to greater economic activity in otherwise low-traffic areas. The Downtown Development Authority worked with Alt Ethos in 2018 to complete the first of many interactive wall murals in accordance with the Downtown Alley Master Plan. The murals, painted by local artist Peeta, were transformed by Alt Ethos into an animated visual display. Using projection mapping technology, passersby can control the movement of the mural through simple movements. The project, titled “Illuminous,” is free for pedestrians to experience and enjoy in historic Old Town. In light of the proclamation for Empowerment Through Creative Technology Day, Alt Ethos founder, Ethan Bach, is excited to advance several new projects for the company. They have recently entered and won a Young Industry Professionals Award for a similar public arts project, and in the past spring partnered with Anythink Libraries to openly construct an interactive sculpture, combining elements of sound, light, and motion to encourage young minds to explore the opportunities in design and creative technology.
Alt Ethos is currently accepting invitations for new interactive community and commercial design projects, aimed at connecting crowds to their surroundings in novel and powerful mediums. To learn more about Alt Ethos, visit their website at www.altethos.com or call their Denver office at 303-800-4243.
Denver experiential design studio takes home YIP award in experiential motion design for Greeley, Colorado Musical Hopscotch installation.
Denver, Colorado, November 5, 2019 On October 2nd, 2019, Denver Does Design hosted its inaugural Young Industry Professionals (YIP) Awards. The YIP Awards celebrate the achievements of young professionals in creative design fields. All award nominees and teams have less than 10 years of industry exposure, but are making great strides in innovation surrounding the Denver area. One such nominee and award winner, Alt Ethos, is proud to announce their recognition in the Motion category for an interactive public art display.
Alt Ethos is one of 13 YIP Award winners celebrated at the event this year. The interactive design company, founded by Ethan Bach, is made of several young designers who helped create their winning entry. Their Greeley Hopscotch project, which combined elements of motion and sound to provide an interactive hopscotch experience for Greeley-area residents, won the Alt Ethos team the award.
The Greeley Hopscotch project was nominated in the Motion category for Experience Awards at YIP. The Experience Awards were given to projects which offered interactive experiences to participants using creative design and technology elements. Other categories at the Awards included Everyday Use, Storytelling, Montage, and others based on projects’ creative and social impact and merit.
This Awards event not only spurred creative innovation from the local Denver young professionals community, but preceded a recent proclamation by the Fort Collins Mayor, Wade Troxell, to celebrate October 15th as Empowerment Through Creative Technology Day. Many of the projects presented at the YIP Awards featured creative and artistic design elements that further Denver and Fort Collins’ mission to be a hub of modern art and tech innovation.
Alt Ethos is one of many Denver-area organizations that celebrates empowerment and innovation through creative technology on a daily basis. Alt Ethos’ many community projects follow guiding principles to be inclusive, interactive, and novel in the ways they engage audiences through light, sound, and motion. As the YIP Award and other recognition of tech-centered industry growth emerge, the community goal to enhance the professional opportunity for creative arts and design will be met and exceeded.
In 1996, California broke the stigmas of American culture and legalized marijuana for medical use. In 2012, Colorado and Washington shocked the nation again by allowing not only medical use, but recreational use of the drug despite federal pushback. Now, in 2019 cannabis is normalized for most of the population.
Over 30 states have decriminalized cannabis either for medical or recreational purposes. This has brought about an emerging market with ample opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors to stake their claim in the cannabis frontier. However, marijuana marketing is so much more than pot leaves and tie dye. Modern cannabis brands are much more sophisticated in their presentation of products and brand experiences. Marijuana isn’t just for the stoner dropout anymore. It’s for the senior struggling with arthritis; for the eco-conscious parent using CBD to handle their anxiety and depression; for the hard-working college student who wants to spend their weekends at art and music festivals. These nuanced target markets expect brands to provide quality in both their products and presentation if they are to delve into this hot new trend. Experiential marketing is one way in which brands are surging ahead of their competitors and breaking ground within various target markets of the cannabis space. When new consumers are greeted with a warm welcome to the cannabis space, they are more likely to try products that they wouldn’t before. The industry culture is shifting to be inclusive to people of all kinds.
Brands should offer tailored experiences for customers with different needs and expectations when it comes to cannabis use. One such company that is making strides in the industry is Far Out Factory. This marijuana-inspired art and music festival provides an immersive 420-friendly experience that doesn’t actually include marijuana at all. Sponsored by O.penVape, this art festival includes everything a marijuana enthusiast would want: immersive digital art, eclectic music selections, and the best munchies Denver has to offer. Guests at the festival were invited by an array of food trucks, art booths, and even a dance party where they could relax and enjoy the music. The environment was optimized for someone who had partaken prior to the festival, but was equally fun sober. Alt Ethos participated in this fantastic 420 event by curating a balloon-inspired silent disco with color-coordinated lights to match featured DJs’ top tracks. The silent disco was a success for us and Far Out Factory, and a truly great time for everyone on the dance floor.
Events like these offer opportunity for cannabis industry leaders to interact with their consumers and make memorable impressions that lead to purchases. When customers interact with the brand, even if they don’t buy or even sample products, they build brand loyalty and will likely come back when they are ready to delve into the modern marijuana culture. Experiential marketing is an opportunity for marijuana brands to make cannabis a solution, not a problem in today’s culture. Talk to us at Alt Ethos to learn how you can take your branding to the next level.
We’ve made it easier for you to include our rental items into your pitches! We developed a package of pricing, media assets, and descriptions for each of our rental items so you can drop them into your slides easily! Contact us to qualify for access to our easy reseller pricing and assets.
CRUSH WALLS Recap
CRUSH WALLS was a huge success! Alt Ethos was setup on the main wall of Denver Central Market in the Rino Arts District using two 14k Christie projectors blended together. Friday and Saturday night we setup and mapped the two large pieces painted by local artist Taste and Australian artist Smug One. Large crowds would come gather and gaze at the animated mural, often hearing phrases like, “omg thats so sick,” and then proceed to share pictures and videos to social media.
We’ll be posting a recap video soon so stay tuned to our social channels Instagram, Facebook and Youtube.
Alt Ethos created multiple holographic installations for Anythink Library’s annual fundraiser Sparkopolis and we are thrilled with how everything was received. Sparkopolis provided an opportunity for us to spend some time in R&D to develop and fabricate new ideas and then share those with all of the attendees. There’s no doubt that holographic displays are the future and Alt Ethos is quickly becoming experts at multiple implementations of holograms. We will be releasing a recap video from Sparkopolis soon so stay tuned as we unveil more of what we’ve been working on.
Holograms are intriguing because it’s a technology straight out of a sci-fi movie and we are excited to recreate them in various ways. Check out this article about how they’re being used currently. Holograms are being implemented in more public locations and events like trade shows, airports, hospitality industries and retail settings. Witnessing something that generates a resounding “WOW” and having it relate to your clients brand increases memorable experiences and engagement. Schedule a short meeting with our producers to see how we can create a WOW factor for your next event.
Alt Ethos is proud of announcing a collaboration with High Plains Library District to start creating terrains and environments for educational robots. We can’t tell you all the details yet, but we can tell you that our initial concepts include an augmented sandbox that will allow users to replicate other planets terrain a robot race track that simulates the Light Cycle races in the movie Tron by creating an LED floor and include obstacles and jumps. We will have more updates on this project as soon as we’re able to, so stay tuned to our social channels Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates.
Progress on the Meow Wolf Denver Building
Alt Ethos is right down the street from the new Meow Wolf location, so we get to see how rapidly it’s coming together. We are thrilled to see this come to life right in our backyard and excited to see this bring new life to Denver’s creative economy.
Check out this article by 303 Magazine documenting the progress so far.
Talking to Strangers Can Improve Your Mood!
A body of research has shown that we might be short-changing our own happiness by ignoring opportunities to connect with the people around us.
The mood boost of talking to strangers may seem fleeting, but the research on well-being, scientists say, suggests that a happy life is made up of a high frequency of positive events. Even small positive experiences — chatting with a stranger in an elevator — can make a difference.
Alt Ethos focuses on creating experiences that can facilitate connection and collaboration with every project.
Megan from Greeley, CO shared this with us after visiting our Musical Hopscotch installation with her family.
“We were very excited to have Alt Ethos do an installation in our town, and it did not disappoint. In addition to it being a beautiful piece in a space that welcomes beauty the interactive component creates a tiny community. Our son connected with complete strangers in a matter of minutes to play music together. We were all hopping around and laughing like kids. We hope to see more like these in our town and all over!”
Curating unique experiences for audiences is becoming an essential part of any event. These carefully crafted experiences leave people with a memorable experience associated with your brand. People love to share their amazing experiences via social media, so having an experience that is easily captured and tags to associate it with are key. Check out Ex Awards list of the best experiential marketing campaigns of 2019 and see examples of how brands are taking their events to the next level. Alt Ethos can help with our popular interactive rental items as well as custom designed experiences to make your vision come to life.
Celebrate 10 years of Anythink with whimsical experiences and dynamic entertainment by Alt Ethos
Anythink Foundation’s most-talked-about fundraiser, returns September 7, 2019 for an evening of food, drink and creativity. Anythink Library is dedicated to supporting innovative thinking and creating. Alt Ethos will be there showcasing our latest experiments with holographic and hidden displays. Stay tuned to our social channels Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as we will be experimenting more with different forms of holograms. We’re excited to show you what we’ve been up to, so don’t miss out and get your tickets soon! RSVP Here
Alt Ethos Selfie Stations For Your Next Event
We provide several unique rental items that draw people to interact, dance and take pictures with. We offer items like our Balloon Wall, Digital Mirrors and a human sized kaleidoscope. Most of them can also be branded with specific logos, colors and themes to match the event. Head over to our rentals page on our website to see if we can help provide a memorable experience for your next event. We also have items that aren’t listed, and we would love to hear your vision to see if we can help bring your ideas to life!
Reach out to our producer Erin to discuss ideas and details here
Celebrate 10 years of Anythink with whimsical experiences and dynamic entertainment by Alt Ethos
Anythink Foundation’s most-talked-about fundraiser, returns September 7, 2019 for an evening of food, drink and creativity. Anythink Library is dedicated to supporting innovative thinking and creating. Alt Ethos will be there showcasing our latest experiments with holographic displays. Stay tuned to our social channels Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as we will be experimenting more with different forms of holograms. We’re excited to show you what we’ve been up to, so don’t miss out and get your tickets soon!
CRUSH WALLS + ALT ETHOS
A 360-degree art festival unlike any other it has offered before
This is a very special year for CRUSH WALLS and we are honored and thrilled to be a sponsor for this event! We will be teaming up with an artist and projection mapping their work for a night time activation in the heart of RiNo. We love the amount of style, technique, and creativity this festival brings together.
Keep an eye on our social when we announce which artist we’ll be collaborating with. Also, check out the video of our permanent projection mapped mural in Fort Collins painted by Italian artist Peeta.
Pagosa Springs Road Trip for Professional Development
Sometimes you have to step away from the computer
We’ll be heading south to Pagosa Springs, CO to learn and sharpen our skills with our business coach Royce Gomez. She is an expert in business strategies that catalyze growth in short periods of time. We love learning from her and we want to bring the best to our clients, so we can have successful, long-lasting relationships.
We will also be taking advantage of some down time to relax our brains and our muscles in the amazing hot springs surrounded by the San Juan Mountains.
The hardest part of event planning is coming up with unique event ideas to make your occasion memorable. You can go the route of games and an open bar and risk the chance of your event blending with all others that have done the same, or you can stand out by going the Alt Ethos route.
Alt Ethos provides creative technology to transform your physical environment to engage your audience with your organization, products, and purpose. One of our popular rentals is the Balloon Hive, an immersive projection that’s perfect for any event and any audience.
What is the Balloon Hive?
The Balloon Hive is a mass created with balloons of various sizes with a completely customizable projection cast on their surface. The Balloon Hive can custom fit to a variety of spaces and grows in a modular fashion outward to reshape any wall into a billowing display of light.
Each construction of the Balloon Hive makes for a unique event decoration and can be abstracted from a stage to a fully reformed room. This texturally rich space brings added dimension to your projection! The varying sizes of balloons that make up the wall allow for an exciting and captivating experience.
Why the Balloon Hive?
The Balloon Hive is an immersive projection onto balloon surfaces that can be easily customized and installed. Use it for your next stage background, a selfie station, or unique backdrop! The uses are as versatile as the Hive itself.
If you take a look at Big Green’s annual Modern Fairytale Fundraiser, you’ll see while the fantastical theme of the Wizard of Oz is fun, the giant Balloon Hive behind the main stage is the star of the night. You can also see another one of our interactive rentals, the Cloud Chandeliers, as a part of the event.
Traditional exhibits are losing their luster for modern audiences. In a digital age where everything from your phone to your TV experience is interactive, there is little room for static learning and entertainment. Museums that do not make the paradigm shift into the digital age will fade into the background with the next generation if they haven’t already.
Museums that thrive in today’s educational sectors are proactively changing the way they execute new experiential exhibits. Interactive exhibits are the new forefront in museum expansion, as they encourage exploratory learning in ways that traditional exhibits simply do not.
Shifting your own paradigm is essential to ensure your museum is relevant to younger audiences and local institutions. The “show and tell” structure of most museums is outdated and will be replaced by interactive learning experiences that allow guests to immerse themselves in a new world.
Why Museums Need Interactive Exhibits
Experiential design has opened the doors for museums and historical sites to make deeper connections to patrons and the community at large. An experience that a visitor can remember and connect with on an emotional level is much more powerful than a quote or an image they observe hanging on a wall. As technology expands in the museum and art space, there are more possibilities for education to flourish within the community.
Your museum is competing with many other forms of entertainment, from concerts to festivals, art shows, and more. In order to draw attention outside the realm of school districts, you will need to offer interactive elements that draw in crowds. Whether your experiential design includes art modalities, technology, or unique physical environments, it must offer the same emotional connection that other mediums of digital art provide.
The intertwining of technology with physical environments will make your museum relevant even amidst the ever-growing world of digital entertainment. People want to learn; however, you must engage them in a way that doesn’t produce stagnation.
Tips for Success:
Choosing relevant content. The most crucial element to any experiential design is the subject matter. Even the best design can’t engage an audience if the content itself is not relevant or important to the user. Choosing content that is modern, unique, and relevant to your community is the only way to ensure your experiential designs make an impact.
Releasing control is a good thing. For a long time, the museum model was stagnant, giving all control to the curators and none to the visitors. However, experiential design invites the visitor into a realm in which they can make their own choices, and experience the exhibit or infrastructure in the way that they want. Museums may find it intimidating to allow users to create their own experiences, but the possibilities are limitless when you put education in the hands of those who crave it.
Involve physical activity and social interaction. Physical and social activity help to immerse your visitors into the world that you’ve created for them. Social interaction creates positive feelings and memories associated with your exhibit, which will encourage visitors to plan future visits with friends. Physical activity immerses the user into the exhibit, rather than having them observe and learn, and also instills the memory deeply in the mind. Both of these elements will set your exhibit apart.
At AltEthos, we help museum curators design and develop experiential exhibits that make the museum experience not only relevant, but modern and unique. Our innovative models and forward-thinking mindset help us to create experiential designs that are both educational and immersive. When planning your next exhibit, see what AltEthos can help you achieve.
Developing communities are a true artist’s dream. They are a blank canvas upon which creativity can be carved from nothing. The essence of public art especially fosters creativity in ways other art forms do not. Digital design, sculpture, and architecture can all create the groundwork for a community thriving in culture. However, planning and investment of creative resources must be utilized carefully to create public art that has meaning and impact.
What is Public Art?
Public art, simply put, is architecture, murals, sculpture, or digital designs that are created in the public domain. They are accessible to all and are used to create beauty and culture within an otherwise purely pragmatic space. Public art has been an important part of community development since the early 20th century. It can encourage collaboration and community involvement that provides a sense of pride to area residents.
Public art can include city sculpture, architecture, wall art, and other mediums accessible by the public. Traditionally, public art has included sculpture, murals, ecological design, and occasionally digital displays. However, in the digital age we are seeing an influx of interactive public art designed for user interaction, or experiential design. This trend is slowly but surely gaining traction in areas where community development takes on an innovative approach.
The Problem with Public Art as a Part of Community Development
Public art can contribute to culture and residential satisfaction, however in most community development projects, it is taken very lightly. Oftentimes the limited budget for public art is taken from the same budget that provides for affordable housing or roadway improvements. When residents see an eyesore art piece coupled with potholes and underdeveloped residential areas, public art can quickly turn into the lowest priority for community members.
Developing communities have the opportunity to make public art more than an afterthought.
Many developers don’t pay attention to the inclusion of public art, but it can make an impact on community areas if done correctly. An art piece that has cultural meaning, modern relevance, and interactive elements will be cherished by residents and worth the time and investment.
How to Make Public Art Valuable to the Community at Large
Instead of going the traditional route, many developers are leaning towards digital, interactive public art to include in their community projects. Experiential designs and digital media displays are modern, unique, and engage community members to give them experiences, not just stagnant aesthetics.
Creations of installation art, interactive architecture, interactive film, and interactive storytelling through digital landscapes all offer communities more to experience and enjoy. An interactive public art piece where residents can make memories, tell their own stories, and unleash creativity adds exponentially more value than a static piece commissioned by one local artist. With experiential design, community members become the creators. When this happens, public art matters.
These digital interactive pieces can transform an area into a more modern community. It attracts community members to otherwise declining economic areas, offering a springboard of inspiration to make more out of a community development project.
For examples of experiential design in community development projects and other public spaces, check out some of AltEthos’ current and past projects.
AltEthos works with community developers, landscape designers, and local artists to bring visions into interactive experience landscapes that can transform communities. Change the way people see, feel, and live in your community by adding real value in the form of public art. The change starts now with AltEthos.
Please join us on First Friday, November 2nd for our next open house! We are so excited to show you what we have been working on and celebrate fall with food, drinks, and community. Come see what we have in store for this event and also check out what our creative neighbors have on display.
Throughout the evening, we will be showcasing some of our latest and in-development works, as well as Virtual Reality Painting and Buzz Wire Game! You can also view the work of over 50 other artists and creative businesses. Meet the creators, learn about their behind the scenes processes and see their creative spaces in person.
There is no admission fee and plenty of accessible parking so that you can easily enjoy the best of the Denver creative community all under one roof. Music, libations (hot cocoa, anyone?), and interactive art – what could be better?
The open house will be held on Friday, November 2nd, 2018 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm at Prism Workspaces 999 Vallejo Street, Denver Colorado. Alt Ethos is located through entrance 2 at space #30. Don’t miss it!
Alt Ethos has some new offerings coming this holiday season that will help take your event to the next level. Whether you are hosting a private holiday event, winter festival, or public art activation, we want to help you celebrate by offering 10% off your next event rental. You will not want to miss booking our newest event rental: LytenUp. Also, be sure to check out our activations in October at the Far Out Factory and Denver Performing Arts Center to get inspiration for your own event.
Book Alt Ethos’ Newest Event Rental
LytenUp transforms your movements into vivid light projections and then captures the most energetic moments as GIF / Boomerang-style video loops that you can share. Choose several designs from the touchscreen menu and provide customized text for your event.
It’s INTERACTIVE
Jump, dance, wave, or just stand there and smile … LytenUp reacts to your movements and transforms your energy into vibrant beams of light. Create your own GIF/Boomerang-Style Video Booth!
Join Us at Denver Performing Arts Complex
Throughout the fall and winter, Alt Ethos is bringing an interactive lighting installation to the Denver Performing Arts Complex. We are transforming an unassuming and overlooked patch of wall in DPAC’s Galleria space with an installation that fuses interactive light and technology with a beautifully designed modular wall construction. The result is an installation that reacts to its surrounding environment and responds to the movements of passersby along with the shifting patterns of wind that flow through the Galleria. These “inputs” drive vibrant, evolving LED light animations behind a layer of intricately patterned transparent glass. The installation will be active from until February 2019.
Alt Ethos is brings an environment of wonder with our LED interactive Cloud Chandeliers, projection mapped Balloon Hive, and 2 Digital Mirrors. Far Out Factory, presented by Openvape, is like no other festival you’ve experienced before. We’re taking over an old factory building to create a truly radical experience inspired by Colorado cannabis. Wander from bay to bay on the factory floor and discover interactive exhibitions sponsored by Meow Wolf, tasty munchies from food trucks, and local craft beverages alongside live tunes and local art performances.
Seattle, October 16 – 19th, Augmented Reality Trade Show Activation
Our Producer, Paul Elsberg, will be in Seattle working with one of our clients applying our custom designed Augmented Reality Trade Show activation. We had great success with them in Texas and now we are hitting the road. Want to make a meeting with Paul? He can be reached at 303-800-4243 x702. Learn more at our blog: “How Augmented Reality Drastically Increases Trade Show Engagement”.
Coming Up
Mark your calendar – Our next open house is November 2nd!
Come check out our fun interactive offerings, meet the team, and enjoy the work of over 60 artists at Prism Workspaces. We will have food, drink and music. Event details: 5:30pm to 9:30pm at Prism Workplaces 999 Vallejo Street, Denver Colorado. Alt Ethos is located through entrance 2 at space #30.
We would love to help with your event. Please email or give me a call at 303-800-4243 x700.
For decades, murals have been an essential form of creative placemaking in urban spaces that are designed to brighten local communities through art. Alt Ethos is transforming the impact and nature of murals through augmenting them with projection mapping and real-time motion graphics. This synthesis of old and new combines visual artistry with state of the art technology to explore a new creative medium designed for public engagement.
Projection mapping casts pixels on a surface in a way that is similar to how a painter casts paint onto a blank canvas. Both techniques create beauty and evoke emotions, but the former offers its viewers the opportunity to imagine themselves within the canvas and experience visual content that is dynamic.
How Projection Mapping Works
If you’ve ever been to a movie theatre or watched a powerpoint presentation, you probably understand basic projection. On that most basic level, light is displayed onto a flat surface to produce an image or video. In projection mapping, the same concept is applied to 3D objects, creating visual content with an emphasis on 3D form.
Projection mapping offers the ability to turn a mural into a dynamic piece of video art during the night time hours. The murals can be as simplistic or intricate as desired and the visuals can be tied to a variety of interactions that connect the audience and surrounding environment with the placemaking activation.
This transformative creative technology opens immense possibilities to engage audiences and embrace the creative placemaking that has propelled many murals into the urban landscape. Now both a daytime and nighttime engagement are a reality.
At night, the piece transforms based on the motion of viewers as they pass – encouraging audiences to impact their visual experience through motion and the passage of time. This creates a “community first” dynamic, drawing audiences of all ages into an environment where they collaborate to transform a piece of architecture.
Alt Ethos Mural Project
This approach has been at the heart of Alt Ethos’ latest project, a nighttime interactive mural in collaboration with world renowned Italian artist Peeta. Peeta was the perfect partner for the first iteration of this new technology as his conic twisting forms, starting from a digital model, create a playground for visual content opportunities.
If you are interested in exploring the social and economic benefit of this new creative technology, please drop us a line at hello@altethos.com
Experiential design isn’t just a buzzword in marketing. Not only can it be effective for businesses trying to gain customers, there are many other creative uses for this artform. Experiential design is used in art shows, private events, and more recently, live music performances.
From Super Bowl concerts to experimental musicians, this practice is taking hold in the music industry for a variety of reasons. Live concerts aren’t just about the songs anymore. Concert-goers expect a full show, complete with visual entertainment and the opportunity to interact during the performance. While experiential design can be a major concert draw and build fans’ loyalty, it can be difficult to pull off for mobile designs. If you’re planning an experiential design for a concert or live performance, keep these three principles in mind:
Create elements that are on-brand and audience friendly
This should be somewhat obvious, but many designers focus on creating elements that “look cool,” yet are not on-theme with a brand’s message or persona. You must choose elements will add value to the live performance and will drive home the artist’s main message, persona, or theme of their tour. Album art or music videos can serve as great sources of inspiration.
Easy design and maintenance
Offering design elements that are easy to operate and maintain can solidify your relationship with an artist. If your equipment malfunctions or doesn’t operate as intended, no matter the reason, the artist will be disappointed and more likely to choose another partner for their next stage design. While you might have access to a tour technician, you still want to ensure the equipment is easy to use so that you can eliminate as much of the learning curve as possible.
Lightweight and durable
Custom fabricated lighting and set design pieces are some of the most difficult to create because they have to be mobile. You must choose your materials carefully to ensure they are easy enough for a roadie to transport, and durable enough so that if they are tossed around on the trailer, they won’t be permanently damaged. Using waterproof materials when possible is also a plus, making your equipment safe for outdoor concerts.
Recent projects
Just recently, AltEthos built a stage design for experimental electronic musician CloZee who draws on musical inspirations such as Tipper and Amon Tobin. CloZee incorporates intricate light and projection displays into her theatrical performances. We offered her several nature-inspired units using LEDs to cast changing light onto the stage.
Alt Ethos created several free-standing tree trunk units with muslin finish and placed an LED bar to shine through a frosted crack in the surface. The units contain a simple, detachable backboard for maintenance, and come in custom carrying cases for safety. You can view the finished design on our Instagram page.
We hope these interactive, colorful trees serve CloZee well on her 2018 tour, as using these three mobile design principles supported our stage design philosophy. For more information on how AltEthos does stage and experiential design, click here.
For city planners and councils, constantly finding new ways to Improve a community’s economic and social growth is not an easy task. The best way to get people out of their homes and into the streets to interact with their neighbors and spend money at local businesses is to provide a unique experience that engages people of all ages. That is why communities are turning to experiential design events that use the new forms of art to attract hundreds of visitors and provide a major boost to the local economy. At Alt Ethos, we can help you make this type of event possible through the latest in modern entertainment and light art festivals. Learn more about this cutting-edge community experience and how to plan your own event:
If you have never heard of light art, or luminism, it is an art form where light is emitted from a sculpture to create a specific visual effect. Several light sources can also be used to create art on a surface. These techniques are often used in combination with local architecture for a highly visible final product. This type of art is creative, engaging, and a real crowd-pleaser.
While light art festivals aren’t yet commonplace, they are increasing in popularity as cities work to find new ways to attract visitors and engage residents. Hosting a light art festival in your city provides people a fun and interactive experience. It also puts your city “on the map” as destination for an extra-ordinary festival.
Tips for planning your festival:
Determine a best location – Because light art is often created by projecting light onto walls and other outdoor “canvases”, you need to choose a location with an ideal architectural landscape to accommodate a variety of light sculptures.The Sydney Opera House is one example of a unique building that provides the perfect venue for light art and while also challenging artists. Not every city is home to such an architectural icon, so keep in mind that plain white buildings will also provide plenty of space and can be used for light sculptures of all kinds.
You also want to take other logistical factors into consideration. Be sure to choose a place where road closures won’t cause too much inconvenience and visitors will have plenty of space to safely walk and shop vendors.
Create an application process – For your festival to be a success, you must invite a variety of light artists as well as other street vendors. Your artists are the backbone of the event while food trucks, charity organizations, and other vendors provide festival goers a variety of entertainment during their visit. Stick to an easy, clear application process that will streamline the organizational process of the festival.
Direct your proceeds – Most festivals include a vendor or artist fee to join, which is an easy way to raise money and eventually sell sponsorships for your event as it grows in popularity. You can use these funds to improve your community, fund other festivals, purchase light projections, or support the arts in your area.
Pick reliable partners – The more you are able to assemble a cohesive team, the better chances you have for success. Choosing partners for your website, event organization, PR, and other services will make the process easier and will ensure your festival continues to grow each year.
Provide your own immersive experiences for guests – Artists and vendors will make your event unique, but as the event planner or sponsor you can add your own immersive experiences. Experiences like LED sculptures and digital domes are popular in light art festivals, and will keep guests passively entertained while they view and experience the art and other activities at your event. You may also consider taking projection mapping to the next level and consider placing interactive projection mapping over existing murals to increase engagement.
Alt Ethos is a leader in creating immersive light sculptures and experiential designs you can use to light up your city for an interactive light festival. These sorts of events are novel, exciting and sure to boost your city’s overall economy if well executed. We can help provide the infrastructure for your event with light displays, stage designs, and more. Contact us today to learn more and get started planning your event.
To say that the last two years at Alt Ethos have been a whirlwind of busy excitement would be an understatement. That is why we are taking a moment to slow down and look back at everything we have accomplished and where we are headed in the coming years. Here are just a few moments that made the highlight reel:
Looking Back
After months of brainstorming, planning and recruiting, Alt Ethos landed our first major client in early 2017. The project involved creating Soundscape for the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. This first installation combined all of our passions: immersive projection mapping, interactivity, and spatialized audio and brought our vision to life.
Finding a New Home and Traveling
With plenty of passion driving us forward, we began producing lots of work and seeking new clients in several key markets. By this time, we had become full-time tenants at Commons on Champa. Our new home also became a client and we actually completed several installations in the space, including an interactive LED hallway. It was an amazing time for the company.
As part of our constant quest for new ideas and partners, Ethan traveled to the ix conference and Paul was off to the i/o conference to find inspiration and make connections. At the same time, we delved into the events industry with installations at both 5280 Magazine’s Anniversary Party, and Denver Startup Week.With each new experience, the company was gaining momentum and name recognition.
It wasn’t long before we moved our office to Prism Workspaces and celebrated with an open house. This most recent move has fueled our creativity and allowed us to expand our capabilities as a company.
Another milestone included a trip to Albuquerque in October to participate in the Creative Startups Accelerator program where we acquired a lot of new knowledge and workshopped various aspects of our business. This event helped us to developed a plan for the future and hone strategies that will take us to a whole new level. We found that this crash course/boot camp for creative businesses to be invaluable and we are constantly referring back to things we discovered and learned during our time there.
Notable Projects
Taking this newfound knowledge and inspiration, we started blazing a trail to what we now separate into two categories known as Events and Environments, which has resulted in partnerships with a myriad of new events.
Some highlights include:
Creating a 20’ tall lion sculpture for Gari Safari’s Halloween at the Church Nightclub. This project involved create a 3D rendering that was then turned into a physical object that included two moving heads and laser beams that projected from the mouth. It was quite a treat for party goers.
Installing our Balloon Hive in the form of a DJ booth for Meow Wolf’s Denver Announcement party. Different size balloons were attached to a wall and used as a projection screen that totally transformed the room. This same concept can be used in practically any space with stunning results.
Developing a fabric instrument that was showcased at two cryptocurrency conferences; ETHDenver and Token Fest. This interactive display not only created a conversation piece, but played a vital role in starting conversations and encouraging hackers to connect and collaborate.
Celebrating Our Second Anniversary in Style
To mark our second anniversary, we hosted an annual talk at The Commons on Champa, Denver Vision. As part of the night’s lineup, Ethan gave a keynote address and hosted a panel inspired by his blog article “The Meow Wolf Effect”. The event was a success and has spawned a series of meetings designed to keep the conversation going when it comes to fostering creative technology in Denver and its surrounding areas. Be on the lookout for more updates regarding these efforts in the coming year.
Since our anniversary, we have been working hard on creating more great experiences for people. We are continuing to push forward on our rental product line and beginning to offer more and more ready-to-deploy installations catered towards events of all kinds. Check out our rental page for more details about what we have to offer.
Our partnership with the Downtown Development Authority of Fort Collins, Colorado is also in full swing. This project will augment a mural painted by Italian artist Peeta, with interactive animations. During the day, visitors to Old Town will enjoy the amazing work of Peeta and at night the mural will come to life, tracking visitors who move through the space to influence the animations. Keep your eyes out for more details on this project as we move forward.
There are a lot of other irons in the fire, projects in development, fun being had, and coffee being consumed here at the Alt Ethos Studio. After looking back at all we have accomplished so far, I can’t even begin to imagine where we will be at this time next year. We will continue to bend reality and challenge perceived limitations in new and exciting ways. If you are interested in hearing more about our work, feel free to contact us. We never tire of talking to people about what we do and our vision for the future.
Creating an interactive fabric instrument that brings the Ethereum community together.
Background
The largest Ethereum hackathon in North America was looking for interactive ways to bring the Ethereum brand to life for their audience. The organizers had kegs of Kombucha, artisan food trucks, an art zone, and 1000 eager developers ready to progress the Ethereum ecosystem, but they still needed more experimental expressions of Ethereum and the arts to stimulate the imagination of their audience. To address this need, Alt Ethos transformed the three-dimensional Ethereum logo into a physical instrument that could be played by touching various lycra surfaces, allowing users to explore new possibilities at the intersection of experimental sound design and cryptocurrency.
Objectives
1.Connect strangers through a physical installation that fosters conversation and inspires new relationships.
2.Spark the imagination of the developer community through an interactive Ethereum experience.
Solution
Step 1: User Experience Research
The journey began with thorough user experience research to better understand possible manifestations of the Ethereum ecosystem in the physical realm. Through studying fundamental components of the blockchain, the ethos of the Ethereum community was identified as inquisitive, inclusive, and fully open to embracing experimentation and seemingly wild ideas. Paired with an understanding of the unique social dynamics of hackathon environments, the Alt Ethos team strove to create an experience that would spur further connections and conversations among strangers in the community.
Step 2: Design
The design phase highlighted that the three-dimensional form of the Ethereum logo presented an opportunity for two explorers to collaborate by taking advantage of the four unique faces on the floating diamond. The sound design specifically accentuated different tracks and audio synthesis methods in the musical composition when the user pressed two hands on two faces of the instrument. The intention was for the musical composition to grow and find a sense of synergy as another user pressed the remaining two faces, thus creating an intimate setting for two people to openly play together.
Step 3: Development and Testing
The development and testing of the exhibit occurred in a series of sprints. The major benefit of the sprints was iterative testing of the sound and light curation to ensure that the audio synthesis techniques on each face of the diamond smoothly integrated into a cohesive aesthetic. Using continuous data feeds from time of flight lidar sensing technology enabled the installation to become a low latency interactive experience, which was essential to forming a playable instrument with an instantaneous feedback system.
Step 4: Implementation and Delivery
The fabrication of the structure was purposefully modular in nature to allow for an easy take down, setup and transportation. The design of the software and firmware of the installation was automatically configured to allow for a simple two-step process to turn the installation on. After the pieces were put in place, all it took was for the power cable to be plugged in and the “on” button to be pressed to complete the setup process.
Step 5: Evaluation
After the implementation and delivery, the installation was a focal point of the art zone and acted as a key interactive tool in connecting members of the community through shared experimentation and a sense of discovery. When members of the audience watched others touching and listening to the instrument, they were inspired to come up and ask other members of the audience what they were doing. In teaching each other about the installation, the observer turned into an active participant and player often using the installation as an ice breaker to form a connection with another attendee.
Conclusion
Alt Ethos was able to create an interactive display that reinforced branding, addressed the unique environment of an Ethereum hackathon and encouraged participants to form new relationships through exploratory play. The system provided a creative solution that was able to get participants conversing and with a design that makes it easy to setup and install, the device has the potential to continue to engage audience members in the future.
Welcome to 2018. We’re on the verge of self-driving cars, holodecks, AI assistants, jetpacks, and drone pizza delivery. The shift in digital technologies is happening at such a staggeringly rapid pace that it can be difficult to keep up if you are not constantly watching the trends. In this post, we are going to take a closer look at one emerging trend – augmented reality (AR), and how it is being applied to marketing and brand recognition in the physical realm of trade shows.
Why Trade Shows Still Matter
Trade shows act as an important tool for sales generation and business development across many industries. In fact, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research reports that attendees spend an estimated $44.8 billion and exhibitors spend an estimated $24.5 billion at events annually. The challenge for organizers and exhibitors is finding ways to stand out from the hundreds of other booths on the floor. More progressive companies are looking at creative uses of augmented reality that drastically transform their trade show booth and create the buzz necessary to get people into the sales funnel.
While AR is still relatively new in the arena of virtual reality technologies, it made headlines back in 2016 with the release of Pokemon Go. Today, consumer uses of AR are becoming more commonplace (Google is working on an AR update to the Google Maps mobile app!), the B2B market has plenty of room to grow when it comes to utilizing this technology. Companies that recognize the potential stand to gain a huge edge over their competition in the trade show environment.
Utilizing AR in the Trade Show Environment
Below are just a few examples of how augmented reality can be used in your trade show booth.
Have a new product with something special that you don’t want anyone to miss? Let your guests zoom in and spin around a 3D model that places your product on a pedestal in your booth and creates a lifelike representation.
Do you operate around the world? Create an application that drops guests into exotic locations and let users get a taste of your global appeal.
Need better ways to convey key information? Augment traditional displays to uniquely display diagrams and infographics, videos and photos, and FAQ’s about your product in an interactive and engaging way.
Engage attendees. Expand your space. Create interactive product demos and infographics. Take ALL your products with you. Increase leads. Drive frictionless sales. Need we say more?
Today’s B2B companies need to leverage technology to get the most out of their trade show experiences and avoid becoming just another face in the crowd. If you aren’t using tools like augmented reality to create a more compelling and interactive booth and drive engagement, your competitors will be and that means fewer sales and new clients for you.
Contact Alt Ethos today to talk about your ideas about using augmented reality at your trade show booth.
Virtual Reality is increasing in popularity with a projected 171 million users in 2018. Although VR has made some great strides, there are still plenty of areas of exploration and innovation to be examined. With these areas of research there are people dedicating their time on all fronts pushing the boundaries and bringing VR outside the box. It is this type of ethos that creates breakthroughs in using technology to connect people. This exploration last year took me to the ix symposium 2017 entitled Embodied Spaces where they focused on making virtual reality a broader full body experience.
Pushing the boundaries of VR The ix symposium put on by Société des Arts Technologiques gives a platform for innovators and creators to showcase how they are leading in areas of development of VR, dome, and other experiential uses of technology to embody the experiences. For the sake of this blog post, I will focus on VR.
VR, like many things excels in certain areas and lacks in others. The places where VR excels are in gaming, previsualization, helping reprogram tramas (such as PTSD), and demonstrating and proving concepts. Others are exploring uses for movies, artworks, virtual travel, and meditation. We are still trying to figure out this technology and see where it lands. Some have made it their mission.
Tolerance One of the main limitations of VR at this point is the problem of fatigue. I spoke to the researchers at eleVR whose focus in on the study and experiment of immersive reality with a focus on VR and AR. Their main areas study include exploring increasing time spent using the technology and to “understand how to expand computational interfaces beyond fingertip-focused to become body-conscious and thicken computational spaces from the flat land of screens to fully three-dimensional environments.”
One researcher in particular, M. Eifler, caught my attention. She had begun using VR years ago and was extremely vulnerable to motion sickness and fatigue. She spent the next few months building a yoga regimen for building tolerance for VR. She was able to build her tolerance from just 3 to 5 minutes to 5 to 6 hours. She would often spend a large portion of her work day in VR having meetings and working.
Movement In the search for movement solutions in VR, many people have been creating all types of contraptions to heighten the body mind experience. Movement should become a lot easier with new wireless VR headsets, but one still wants to be safely moving in real space while moving around the virtual environment.
One solution I tried at ix was the treadmill. There are several VR treadmills out there that offer safety for a single user experience. For my treadmill experience, I had to sign a waiver and there were a couple staff nearby watching to make sure I didn’t fall off. My favorite part in the game I was immersed in had me walk across a beam with images of nothing but clouds on either side. I quite literally began to wobble a bit as I tried to find my “balance” on the beam. Of course I knew I would not fall off, but part of my brain was convinced that I needed to balance on the imaginary beam otherwise I’d fall to my demise.
More recently, I sat in a robotic pod. My eyes covered with VR, sound coming from speakers in the pod located near my ears, and a joystick in either hand as I rode a roller coaster and shot at dragons that looked a lot like bats. The experience was 8 minutes long and as the pod moved up and down, left and right to mimic the visuals of the roller coaster. It was an intensified version of my previous VR experience. Admittedly, as a person who can proudly stand up while wearing VR and experiencing a roller coaster ride, and loves the thrill of jumping out of planes, I was on the verge of feeling sick from too much movement.
VR in a Dome By now you probably know that one of my favorite environments is a digital dome (See The Rise of the Digital Dome). The dome is a group virtual experience that breaks down a lot of the limitations of VR:
Average fatigue is 30 – 50 minutes instead of 3 – 5 minutes,
Movement is not a problem because you can see where you are going
There are recent developments in group interactions
But what if you combine the dome and VR?
ix touched on this phenomenon with demonstrations of navigating VR with an audience viewing the user experience. We also witnessed what it could be like to use VR to create 3d objects and design while being voyeurs in the dome.
Our team here at Alt Ethos has created VR experiences for a variety of applications including pure entertainment, new concept design walkthroughs, and dome previsualization. We look forward to developing content and experience solutions to help people with PTSD, meditation, and finding empathy for others.
Why ix? One of my favorite places on the planet is the Société des Arts Technologiques. For years I have admired their vision and dreamt of building an amazing facility for research and exploration of experiential media. Of course, ix is going to be one of my favorite conference. And maybe it’s because I spoke at the very first one in 2014 under the theme of “Valorization & Sharing”. SAT and its founders, Monique Savoie and Luc Courchesne, helped inspire me to start my two organizations, Alt Ethos and Denver Arts + Technology Advancement.
Montréal is amazing. It’s one of the most supportive cities for arts and technology. I’ve witnessed some of the most beautiful street art in Montréal including the 21 Balançoires or musical swings. And on a nice day one can go to the park and hang out people playing music, drinking beer and smoking weed just enjoying life.
I’m impressed with the symposium and what they deliver year after year. This year’s theme is The Conquest of Reality and runs May 29th through June 2nd. Each year I have attended has been one of the best times connecting with old people old friends and making new ones. And of course for me there’s the organizers and the founders of society and technology that I get to nerd out with and catch up one life. I know how hard they work and how hard they have worked in I’m following a similar journey working to establish something similar here in Denver.
If you are curious about trying VR, come join us at our open studio June 1 from 5pm to 11pm at Prism Workspaces 999 Vallejo Street #30, Denver CO.
If you have a VR project you would like to actualize, please contact us. We are happy to help. If you are interested in learning 360 content – check out MORPHOS 360 workshops.
Creating a high engagement museum exhibit with the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Background
The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery was looking to activate an old exhibit space into an engaging experience, so they turned to Alt Ethos to create a lighting instrument. The previous exhibit displayed a looped video about the music scene in Fort Collins with a set of couches for visitors to sit to watch the video. The exhibit was passive; they wanted an environment that captured visitors’ attention and pushed deeper engagement.
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Objectives
1.Create a unique instrument playable by multiple people at the same time.
2. Turn the space into an active experience that engages people of all ages.
Solution
Step 1: User Experience Research
The team began the journey with user experience research to better understand the community that enjoys the museum and the relationship between the vision of the organization, personas of the users, dynamics of the space, and interactions that connect people to the space and vision.
Step 2: Design
Paul and Ethan take a meeting to learn about the museum’s needs.
The design phase highlighted that the tucked away location of the piece was a unique opportunity to engage “sweater holder” parents as well that don’t often interact with the exhibits choosing instead to watch their children and sit off to the side.
The ideal interaction time was approximated around five minutes to ensure adequate flow throughout the other exhibits. The team moved forward with wireless sensing technology located overhead in the room to maximize the life of the exhibit by basing the interaction dynamics off of the position of audience members in the space.
Step 3: Development and Testing
A child dances among the lights, activating new sounds in the space.
The development and testing of the exhibit occurred in a series of sprints. The major benefit of the sprints was iterative testing of the sound curation because in generative sound environments it can be easy to be swept into a cacophony of sound.
Tuning the parameters to limit key aspects of the sound design along with smoothing sensor data was a major breakthrough in the design that pushed the aesthetic of the installation.
Step 4: Implementation and Delivery
Alt Ethos installed the installation over the course of two weeks ensuring that any major physical changes to the environment took place on the Mondays when the museum was closed.
An essential factor in a smooth delivery was remote access to the computers allowing for the team to make changes and improve the software while not onsite. This allowed for a faster delivery time and for changes to take effect rapidly during the installation phase.
Step 5: Evaluation
What formerly was a passive exhibit is now an active space for all ages.
The use of wireless sensing technology also meant that as soon as a person enters the space, they became part of the musical composition. After the implementation and delivery, this dynamic was identified as a key variable in converting passive adults to active participants in the museum experience.
Doing so created an environment ripe for more connections to the space that involved the whole family thus driving more memberships, donations, and buy in from the adults in the local community.
As a growing creative startup, finding a place to work and build in a rapidly growing city can be a challenge often overlooked. After working out of our home for over two years at The Commons on Champa we were ready for some growth into a space where we could work and build.
We still love The Commons and visit, hold events, or work there often. Searching for something at the scale we needed for the price we could afford was proving to be difficult. After scouring the market for a couple months our good friends at TVL Creative let us in on their secret.
They rented a space in an artist, maker, and creative workspace called Prism Workspaces. This conglomeration of a couple buildings sits on the outskirts of downtown just south of Mile High Stadium in an industrial park just a gust of wind away smells of greenhouses full of Colorado’s cash crop. The unassuming warehouse style buildings contain a labyrinth of workspaces for some of the most phenomenal creatives in Denver.
Outside of Prism workspace.
We moved into Prism in October of 2017 into a 1300 sq. foot unit for a fraction of the price of other spaces we had been looking at. Apart from the size, location, and price what has really excited me was the community and the passion people had for the work they did.
Day in and day out the noises from people building, and making things fills the air at Prism reminding us of the creative energy flowing heavily through the space.
This place is special.
In the social and political climate since the Ghost Ship fire, creative spaces have been uprooted in many places around the country. Makers, creatives, inventors, artists, and musicians have been reeling to find places to live and work since their displacement. The tragedy rocked the community and has touched many of our lives so very deeply.
Preventing something like that happening again is certainly important however the implementation of the enforcement has caused a lot of discomfort and even suffering among people in our community. Although Prism doesn’t solve any of the housing issues, the feeling of the DIY community workspace seems to thrive, while also maintaining a healthy relationship with the City.
The synthesis of professionalism and creativity shouldn’t be feared, and the feeling of the community can still flourish.
Our office inside of Prism.
After almost 8 months, we have really found a home at Prism. Our office and studio space allows for us to work together in a space we can be proud of. With ample space for desks and individual workspaces paired with a great meeting area and a large fabrication and build space, we have a natural and efficient flow to get a good volume of quality work built and designed. We have ample space to build out installations for testing or prototyping before we deploy final products.
Welcome to the Alt Ethos interactive installation factory.
Coming up 7 months after our first open house not long after we moved in, the Prism Community is hosting another open house. We are so excited to show you what we have been working on the past half of the year.
Please come by and see what we have in store for this event and also check out what our neighbors will have to show. The theme of this open house is Ultraviolet, so expect a lot of purple!
Come celebrate with us at the Prism Workplaces facility-wide open house to take in the work of talented artists, designers, and creatives. We are grateful to be a part of this community as we continue to expand our organizations into new possibilities.
The open house will be held on Friday, June 1st, 2018 from 5:30pm to 11:30pm at Prism Workplaces 999 Vallejo Street, Denver Colorado. Alt Ethos is located through entrance 2 at space #30.
It’s nearing summertime, and with the winter thaw, the warm air, and the summer sunshine comes the events season. Music festivals, corporate retreats, conventions, expositions, weddings, and parties parties parties. Logistically, it’s a cutthroat industry, with 32% increase in competition among event planners in 2017 (Eventbrite 3rd Annual Pulse Report). Invariably, organizers of these events are always looking for ways to stand out, seeking with dedicated hunger the latest and greatest entertainment that the world has to offer.
One medium for entertainment that is globally on the rise is that of the Digital Dome – an immersive domed environment that is projection mapped to display 360° visual content, usually accompanied with equally immersive audio systems. Akin to the ever-evolving Virtual Reality technology, where participants can slip into an altered reality of light and sound, the Digital Dome unlocks new potential for event organizers to captivate attendees with the all-encompassing content of their heart’s desire.
Want your 200 person audience (actually, domes can hold many more people than that – we’ll get to this later) to experience summiting the peaks of Mt. Everest, diving into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, or dancing on the surface of the moon? All of the above? Digital Domes make that possible.
Geodesic Dome Projection, Obscura Digital
May this blog post serve to evangelize this unique medium and educate those thirsting for the bleeding edge of events entertainment.
Evolving from the early days of your favorite neighborhood planetarium, Digital Domes have come to cater to many different types of uses beyond the realm of science and astronomy; from brand, launches to live concerts to video gaming and training simulations. With the rise of technology, possibilities are becoming limitless for the types of environments that Digital Domes can create.
Sizes of Digital Domes can vary from a few feet, perfect for a single person, to two hundred feet, capable of holding thousands of people. They can be permanent fixtures embedded into architectural designs, or temporary pop-ups perfect for trade shows and ephemeral events.
L’Hemisfèric, The City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain. 110 meters long, and 55 meters tall.
With this new medium on the rise, artists and producers from many backgrounds and industries are experimenting with dome activations. Recently, major festivals in the music and entertainment industries have found major success with domes, including;
With massive gatherings like these thrusting Digital Domes into the forefront of entertainment, it is an exciting time to be in the know about this evolving medium.
But that is not the end of it. At the beginning of 2018, the Madison Square Garden Group announced their plans to build a MASSIVE permanent events dome in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. This dome is reportedly going to be an 18,000-seat arena, built specifically for music and entertainment performances, and also could host esports competitions and possibly boxing and mixed martial arts.
Artist rendering of the “MSG Sphere”
It’s clear: the Digital Dome is on the rise. The question now is how to get in the know with this new medium and start using it to your benefit. As an artist, a fan, or an event producer, there are more ways than ever to get up to speed on Digital Domes.
The following resources are recommendations for all those who are interested.
A website dedicated to fulldome shows, domes around the world, organizations, and events.
If you are an artist or fan in the Colorado Metro region, please join us at MORPHOS Digital Dome Programs including workshops, an artist in residency, and art show. For more information, please visit our sister nonprofit organization Denver Arts and Technology Advancement (DATA).
If you are an event producer who is interested in bringing a pop-up Digital Dome to your next event, you are interested in purchasing a dome, or would like some content development, don’t hesitate to contact us at Alt Ethos! We will be happy to assist you with any and all of your fulldome needs.
Pitching new and experimental engagements with your audience to your boss or client is no easy task, especially when your organization is unfamiliar with experiential design. In the experience economy, inspiring your audience with disruptive media can amplify your impact in monumental ways but too often ideas fail to come to fruition. So how can we advocate for creating engaging environments more effectively to our boss?
Understand your boss’ perspective For starters, striving to become more aware of the aspects of the business, specific strategies and endeavors, and opportunities for growth that your boss values is a step in the right direction. Likely, you are already intimately involved in many of these efforts but it can help immensely to put yourself in their shoes to see the organization from their eyes as best you can.
Say your boss is trying to create a campaign for a specific holiday to boost revenues. Then coming up with an experience that ties the celebration of that day to your product like Molson’s The Beer Fridge celebrating Canadian Federation Day is a great place to start.
Find a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (that’s tied to the quality of experience) Be prepared to connect the benefits of an improved experience to your goals as an organization. Where are you headed and what are your key performance indicators on the path to getting there? Great experiences come from big hairy audacious goals that require creative thinking and unconventional methods to create a memorable experience.
…And Solve It Map out the goal and how creating a memorable experience for your audience will get you there. Make sure to consult any experts within your organization that have an intimate stake in this goal to garner further understanding.
Working with a well-defined goal hand in hand alongside creative and marketing resources expedites the process to collaboratively developing a concept incorporating marketing strategies, innovative technology, and beautifully fabricated objects that accomplish said goal.
Ask questions to clarify with the experience designers any places where you aren’t clear. We’re here to help you to illustrate the experience inside and out with grace.
Experiential Marketing can have profound impacts on the bottom line for big and small companies alike. For instance in the six months immediately following Redbull’s World Record Stratos Freefall, sales rose 7% to $1.6 billion in the U.S., according to research firm IRI.
Plan how to measure the results Defining strategies to measure impact provides assurance that through studying the effects of the experience, you’ll ensure this is a sound investment of your organization’s money, time, and energy. When creating an interactive environment, there is a massive opportunity to connect the sensors that allow audiences to control various forms of light and sound to record and report their measurements as quantitative and actionable insights.
For Old Navy’s 20th Birthday their #Selfiebration wall generated 640 million twitter impressions, 13,669 contest entries, and 17,498 uses of the tag #Selfiebration.
Connect the experience to your digital presence In the information age, a majority of organizations are utilizing websites, social media, and other digital technologies to connect with their audiences online. Stepping outside the comfort zone of online marketing strategies into designing an experiential physical environment opens a whole new realm of possibilities to intertwine the two realms. In this case it’s important to illustrate the connection between the existing endeavors online and how this environment will galvanize more sharing on social media, more searches on google and more marketing qualified leads, subscribers, etc.
Refinery29 brought their imaginative spirit into the real world through 29Rooms an experience that connected 29 of their digital partners with audiences and created a plethora of highly shareable content that circulated throughout the web.
Visuals, Visuals, Visuals So now we have a great idea and a plan to measure its effectiveness. With all this legwork your almost prepared for a great pitch, but there’s one more key concept we’ve discovered along our travels. Developing visual materials of the idea is essential to stimulating the imagination of your boss. We commonly curate pinterest boards to assist with ideation but there is also a well of information from searching both Creative Applications and Vice’s Creators.
-by Paul Elsberg
Check out Alt Ethos’ Projectsfor examples of how experiential exhibitions, temporary or permanent, can excite a range of audiences.
Last yearwe hosted a similar event, right in this room, called Our Vision for Denver.
This year, we decided to speak on our Denver Vision with a focus on a new big thing happening, Meow Wolf coming to Denver.
I have a unique perspective as I lived in Santa Fe for thirteen years and have lived in Denver for almost three years. I’ve been an artist for over twenty years and like most of you, I worked day jobs then worked on my art at night.
Watch the entire keynote below.
I witnessed what was happening in the evolution of Meow Wolf pretty closely. At one point I served on the Javier for the Arts committee with now Meow Wolf CEO Vince Kadlubek. We helped former mayor Javier Gonzales get elected.
And now Meow Wolf is coming to Denver. It seems only right that I would help navigate the Denver community through this shift. I see this as a huge opportunity for this city.
And as we all know,
Artist communities are notoriously underfunded.
The world is changing rapidly and communities around the globe are witnessing increased rents.
Where there is a financial disparity there is gentrification. And just like many cities in the world, we are experiencing that in Denver.
The Meow Wolf Effect is an intimate and intentional look into a cultural phenomenon sparking the creative economy in a way that I have not witnessed in my lifetime. My plan is to explore the Meow Wolf Effect through our blog series, public events, and collaborations.
We have a unique opportunity to explore and experience this phenomenon as being one of the first cities Meow Wolf is coming to.
There are many influencers out there making a change. Meow Wolf is one of them. We have several in this community including our panelists whom I look forward to speaking within a few minutes.
You are all the experts on this town and on your experience. That is why you are here.
What I can do is help facilitate the beginnings of a conversation.
I want to help create a new possibility for you, my community.The possibility I see is an interconnected community that spans across the state of Colorado and into New Mexico (why not) that is inspired to create a new economy that is supportive for creative innovators.
Think of the most amazing community that you can imagine. What do you want that to look like? Let’s create that.
An opportunity to do what is your purpose with love and support from your community. That’s what I envision.
To make a living and thrive doing something that you love while inspiring others. That’s what I envision.
More ability to have the influence to shape the world in a way that you want to see it. That’s what I envision.
This is our moment of opportunity. If we do this with great intention, we can make a huge shift in the economy.
Traditionally, artists have not sought out to build businesses and focus on the creative economy.
We don’t feel supported by the current economic structure supporting creative jobs.
And like every other human we have a negative dialog going on in our heads.
Some of us even believe that we must suffer to be real artists. We place social pressure on other artists by calling them “sell outs” if they make money.
A few years ago I decided to change those beliefs in myself. Why I started Alt Ethos and DATA.
I no longer wanted to live hand to mouth and work for someone that wasn’t necessarily treating me with respect.
I want to have a larger influence in the world and these organizations will allow a bigger reach.
I want to have money to create more opportunities for everyone.
I want to share with you today some of my what-ifs and ask that you add to that list.
One of myfavorite clear indicators in identifying your what-ifs is judgment and uncomfortability or contrast if you will.
I want to ask, what are your what-ifs?
I encourage you right now and throughout this event to think about in what ways are you unsatisfied with the Denver Arts community?
What are you unsatisfied with or fearful of with Meow Wolf coming to town? Keep that and we will touch back on it later.
Is it gentrification? Is it access to space? Is it funding? Is that jobs? Is that all the above? Now take that statement and turn it into a positive action – something that you are going to do to work on finding positivity in that problem.
Here are some of the facts as we know.
Meow Wolf is coming to town.
Meow Wolf anticipates 1.5 million people a year to their Denver site. I anticipate 3 to 5 million people a year. Now think about that – 5 million people a year coming to Denver to spend money in the creative economy.
What opportunities are there?
Where are these people going to stay where they can eat?
Where can they get their entertainment?
What are they going to buy as a souvenir?
What kind of art will they buy?
Where will they want to visit when they like to do it in a group as part of a tour?
So I just want to say that this isn’t about whether or not you like Meow Wolf.
This is not whether or not you agree with the way that they’re going about expressing their art.
This is not about whether or not they can hire you.
Or if they you think they favored one group of people over another.
This is about harnessing the energy with strategic planning in order to make the best possible outcome. This is happening.
So tonight and moving forward, we will all be gathering knowledge.
What do you want to do with this knowledge?
Do you want to sit around and complain and point fingers and say I can’t have that we can’t do this we can’t do that how come they’re doing this is how come they’re doing that?
Do you want to use this as an opportunity for a catalyst for change?
We already have some ideas of what is going to happen. We can look at Santa Fe and we can compare our own economy and how things are going here and we can take some guesses we can take some risks and we can enjoy ourselves along the way as a community.
So what if we could do that? What if we could do this together? Let’s make this city in this state the best experience we could ever imagine. You’re welcome to come with me and you’re welcome to lead the way. I promise to walk beside you. Together, let’s make some change.
There are so many people in this community already doing great things. It’s not fair to just sit back and say that they need to do more or do it this way or that. These people are putting their necks on the line. Through their experiences, they have a lot of information that if we all could harness it, would help make a better community. Let’s take advantage of some of that now. I welcome our panelists so gracious to spend their time with us and share their experience.
Join us as Alt Ethos and other immersive creators teach 360° workshops for the digital dome and VR. Our sister organization, Denver Arts + Technology Advancement presents the MORPHOS 360° Workshops. This is your opportunity to learn 360 techniques for the digital dome and VR from some of the top creators in the industry. We deliver a comprehensive hands-on learning experience in spherical design from live capture and virtual integration to live performance and sensor integration. This five-day hands-on intensive training in Colorado runs April 9 – April 13, 2018.
Use code: ALTETHOS360 For a TWO for ONE discount. Register Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ4g6rsXfAM
List of Courses:
Basic Fisheye Capture
360° Stitching
Dome 101 – Do’s and Don’t
360° Images and Texturing on a Virtual Dome
Blender Basics
Unity Basics
Live Content Demos – Unity3D
Live VJ Real-Time Visualization
3D Audio
Production Pipeline for Fulldome Pre-Visualization
Massive Format Multiplayer Interaction
Rendering Best Practices for 360°
Production Resources
The views, information, and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policy of Alt Ethos and its employee.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.
By now everyone in Denver is aware that Meow Wolf is coming to town. The overall reaction is one of anticipation as the famed immersive art experience from Santa Fe prepares for opening a 90,000 square foot experience in Denver in 2020. In this blog series, I will discuss such topics as the creative economy and how cities can best utilize this new form of entertainment. This overview will provide context as we explore how the Meow Wolf Effect will alter the ethos of Denver and perhaps a city near you.
The world is changing quickly as millennials and other generations alike hold increasing interest in experiences and Instagram over the purchase of material items. In 2016, Denver had the highest net annual migration of millennials of any metropolitan area in the United States (NYT). With an increasing millennial population and the fact that more than 75% of millennials “would choose to spend money on a desirable experience or event over buying something desirable” (Harris Group), how does a city like Denver keep up?
Denver is already leading the way in support of the creative economy with its Imagine 2020 Cultural Plan. Denver is actively striving for engagement in the arts that brings together local creative problem solvers. “Overwhelmingly, Denver residents believe that arts, culture and creativity contribute to the vitality of the city. Eighty-seven percent of Denver residents believe that arts, culture and creativity contribute to Denver’s economy, as reported in the scientific public survey conducted for the cultural plan. Additionally, 85 percent agree the sector attracts tourism. Eighty-one percent believe that arts, culture and creativity help develop active and unique neighborhoods.” – Imagine 2020. How does this all tie into the new addition of Meow Wolf to our community?
A few months ago I attended a talk at the Commons on B-Corp Certification to explore the option for Alt Ethos. Meow Wolf officially became a B-Corp late 2017 and CEO Vince Kadlubek was there speaking on the experience. According to the B-Corp website, “carrying the B-Corp status holds for-profit companies up [to] rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.” With this kind of public declaration and actual certifiable commitment to transparency, a city and its counterparts would expect to work in collaboration with Meow Wolf to make the best experience for the city and its inhabitants.
So, how can local communities, cities, businesses, museums, and artists utilize this newfound momentum in Denver? In a world where we need more support for creative thinking to solve current global and local issues, how can we launch a statewide effort to harness this momentum? Here are a couple of concepts that come to mind:
Hire an Experiential Design Company to stay relevant and help transform your museum, event, or corporate lobby into an experience that captivates audiences. (Alt Ethos)
Create a driving tour between Denver and Santa Fe that outlines arts and cultural offerings in towns along I-25 and US 160. Towns such as Mancos and Trinidad are already boosting their creative and cultural districts. (DenverPost)
Create tourism packages that include an “art experience” inclusive of Meow Wolf. Purposefully creating tours around the city that have “Meow Wolf” type of art and experiences. (Santa Fe Example)
Support local artists by attending events and purchasing art.
Support local nonprofits. We recommend:
CBCA works to advance Colorado’s creative economy by connecting business and the arts. We accomplish our mission through year-round advocacy, research, training, and arts engagement efforts
Denver Arts + Technology Advancement (DATA) whose mission is Empowerment Through Creative Technology. Helping ensure that ALL people have access to digital literacy.
RedLine supports artists and builds community in Denver and offers arts education and engagement between artists and communities to create positive social change.
Think 360 Arts leads Colorado in cultivating and sustaining the arts as essential to all learning through creative experiences for students and teachers.
In a time when change is needed, most people’s imaginations need to be sparked. Cities are in need of a defibrillator shock to kickstart a creative economy revolution. Perhaps The Meow Wolf Effect is that spark that will help ignite that change. We can always hope for the best outcome and welcome any opportunities to create change, but the responsibility falls on our local community. Together we can help Denver to become a more progressive, expressive city that is recognized worldwide. Please register to join Alt Ethos on Wednesday, April 18th, 2018 at the Commons on Champa at 5:30pm as we present Denver Vision: The Meow Wolf Effect and lead an open discussion on how Denver can galvanize The Meow Wolf Effect in hopes of setting an example for other cities.
For more information on this event, please contact us.
Alt Ethos recently worked with Meow Wolf, providing a projection mapped balloon sculpture at the Meow Wolf Denver Announcement Party. Ethan Bach, Alt Ethos founding CEO met the Meow Wolf crew approximately ten years ago while living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Through his participation in the local arts community and serving as the Digital Dome Director at the Institute of American Indian Arts, Ethan and the group regularly engaged in the community. Meow Wolf founders appropriated wood and other materials from Ethan’s garage for the building of the Due Return as many community members pitched in to support the local art group. Ethan also served on Javier for the Arts, an advisory committee for Javier Gonzales when he was running for Mayor, alongside Meow Wolf’s founding CEO Vince Kadlubek.
Alt Ethos is an experiential design studio that creates engaging experiences for events and permanent exhibitions. Alt Ethos creates engaging environments by transforming physical spaces into shared interactive experiences that meld various forms of light and sound into creative technology. We create moments that disrupt, engage, and inspire.
Meow Wolf is a Santa Fe, New Mexico based arts and entertainment group that established in 2008 as an art collective. They create immersive, interactive experiences to transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. The company is composed of nearly 200 artists across all disciplines including architecture, sculpture, painting, photography and video production, virtual and augmented reality, music and audio engineering, narrative writing, costuming and performance, and more. Basically everything.
The views, information, and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policy of Alt Ethos and its employee.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.
“An entrepreneur with an eye on the future’s future, Ethan Bach and his crew specialize in experimentation with digital media and virtual reality — projected in domes, across walls and on interactive screens — in his search for the next big thing in visual technology. And as the guiding light at two startups — the media studio Alt Ethos Ltd. and Denver Arts + Technology Advancement, a nonprofit that provides residencies for new-media artists — Bach is interested in connecting with audiences through mind-blowing imagery and technological tricks of light. Catch him if you can, as he answers the 100CC questionnaire.”
We are honored that our CEO, Ethan Bach is recognized as Westword’s 100 Colorado Creatives 4.0. Bach moved to Denver three years ago to start our two organizations – Alt Ethos and Denver Arts + Technology Advancement (DATA). He built our teams through a collaborative structure and a vision for how humans can find a greater connection with each other through creative technology. Bach’s hope is to become more involved with urban planning design, public and private organizations, and leave his mark on Colorado by invigorating the creative economy through the DATA and Alt Ethos.
Our favorite highlights: Westword: What (or who) is your creative muse? Ethan Bach: My current creative muse is the vision of a humanity with a bright future. I am driven by the idea that humans are in a state of evolution. I participate in the exploration of human communication through using creative technology in ways that expand connection and consciousness.
Westword: What’s your best or favorite accomplishment as a creative? Ethan Bach: My current work — building two creative organizations, Alt Ethos and Denver Arts + Technology Advancement (DATA) — is my favorite accomplishment as a creative to date. These sister organizations were created on the same day, and both continue to grow and expand.
Kudos to our CEO who is responsible for holding the vision of the company, providing strategic leadership by working with the Members and other management to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans, and policies. He models our company’s culture, builds and leads the executive team, and drives the company to success. Read more here.
The views, information, and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policy of Alt Ethos and its employee.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.
Alt Ethos is honored to be recognized by 303 Magazine as Denver Artists to Watch 2018. We started this company to band together and create art infused with creative technology that is bigger and better than we could have achieved on our own. Together we create engaging environments by transforming physical spaces into shared interactive experiences that meld various forms of light and sound into creative technology. Our goal is to create moments that disrupt, engage, and inspire that help to elevate museums, public places, events, and others. Please see our write-up below.
You can read the entire article here
Light displays are no longer exclusive to live concerts—they are being used to create ambiance, mood and improve engagement to many other facets of social interaction.Alt Ethos is a talented group of artists and computer programmers who spend their time “cultivating memorable experiences that disrupt and inspire.” Ranging in age from early 20s to mid-40s, Ethan Bach, Zac Layman, Eric Davis, Paul Elsberg and Amy Lynn Herman each bring their own set of unique skills to the group. “We are trying to create things that are memorable,” Elsberg explained. “Why create things that are memorable? So they can help people find meaning, they can sneak back up on them. I think of really good conversations months or years later and it resonates with me in a new way. And I think that the desire to create art or technology, but really an experience, is the same. It’s about creating a disruptive moment that gets you out of yourself and comes back to you over and over.”
These experiences Alt Ethos designs and curates come in the form of virtual reality programs, projection mapping, digital dome projection and temporary light displays. Each one is particular to the experience Alt Ethos wants to amplify or draw attention to, which makes their style hard to pin down. Much of their energy this coming year will be focused on digital dome projection, where they are casting images or videos onto a half-sphere ceiling [through] the nonprofit that founding member Bach started called Denver Arts and Technology Advancement, or DATA.
The marriage of technology and art comes more easily to the members of Alt Ethos than it does to most. That’s their biggest obstacle at the moment— convincing people that technological art can be just as reliable as the computers we keep in our pockets every day. What puts them on the path to success is their desire to provide education to those who are skeptical or wary, as well as their eye-catching and engaging installations. Just in the first month of this year, Alt Ethos provided unique experiences at two separate parties— the Meow Wolf artist mixer and Moxie’s Dark Fairytale event. Next month they will represent Colorado at a small business showcase in Washington D.C. and as soon as they return they’ll be working (through DATA) on their annual international artist-in-residency program for digital dome projection.
Their largest project so far this year will culminate in November in old town Fort Collins,, where they will continually project images and light onto an exterior mural. The mural artist will work with Alt Ethos to envision a collaborative design in the hopes that Alt Ethos’ projections may illuminate the mural in an enriching manner as well as light it up at night when mural art is not appreciated as much. “We want this to be a one-of-a-kind experience for people,” Layman commented, “and the challenge of making it permanent is part of the joy of doing it.”
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Alt Ethos: Experiential Design Studio will represent Colorado at America’s Small Business Development Center showcase to share how they meld various forms of light, sound, interactivity and creative technology into memorable interactive experiences. Alt Ethos was nominated by the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center and will represent the State of Colorado at America’s SBDC Showcase in on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on February 13, 2018.
Alt Ethos was awarded a trip to the Nation’s capital to showcase the innovation and success in the Colorado business community. This honor comes after Alt Ethos was named Denverite’s Company to Watch (2016) and selected by the SBDC’s Leading Edge™ program to compete in the Colorado Small Business Development Center’s statewide business plan competition (2017). As part of the A-SBDC’s Showcase, Alt Ethos will share their company with legislators, DBDC leaders, and other selected SBDC clients from around the country.
Alt Ethos creates engaging environments for events and permanent exhibitions. They transform physical spaces into memorable experiences by combining creative technology with compelling stories. Alt Ethos helps organizations amplify brand awareness, meaningfully connect with loyal customers, and differentiate their products and services in competitive markets.
America’s SBDC represents America’s nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) – the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States and its territories.
Alt Ethos is honored to be selected to represent Colorado at this year’s America’s Small Business Development Center Showcase on Capitol Hill in Washington DC and will use the trip as an opportunity to explore relationships throughout the nation’s capital. Join Alt Ethos on social media (Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, Twitter) to keep up to date on the Showcase trip as well as other highlights as the company continues to grow.
Alt Ethos invites you to our first open house in our new office/production studio. Come celebrate with us at the Prism Workplaces facility-wide open house to take in the work of talented artists, designers, and creatives. We are grateful to be a part of this community as we continue to expand our organizations into new possibilities. The open house will be held on Friday, November 3, 2017 from 5:30pm to 11:30pm at Prism Workplaces 999 Vallejo Street, Denver Colorado. Alt Ethos is located through entrance 2 at space #30.
A sneak peek photo from moving weekend.
Meet the team and see a showcase of our work. Please click “Going” on the Facebook event page. We are delighted to share our new space with our sister nonprofit organization, Denver Arts + Technology Advancement (DATA).
I have listed some recent highlights of activity below:
Check out the new office!
Say hello to our new Project Manager, Amy Lynn Herman!
Creative Startups Accelerator. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Alt Ethos creates engaging environments that transform physical spaces into shared interactive experiences that meld various forms of creative technology into compelling stories. This creates moments that disrupt, engage, and inspire.
Alt Ethos: Experiential Design Studio creates disruption at Denver Startup Week by melding various forms of light, sound, interactivity and creative technology into memorable interactive experiences. Alt Ethos will showcase four exhibitions and participate in one panel discussion during the sixth annual Denver Startup Week. Alt Ethos has come a long way since last year’s Denver Startup Week. Events will take place September 25 – 29 at various locations in Denver, Colorado.
The Commons on Champa has been the home of Alt Ethos since its inception. The support of this public hub for entrepreneurship serves as a platform for Alt Ethos to give back to the community during Denver Startup Week (DSW) where The Commons serves at Basecamp. Alt Ethos will showcase three exhibitions; “Gateway”, an interactive LED Hallway; “Social Wall”, where members of a community get their photo taken to create a mosaic of self-portraits to form a larger symbol logo of DSW; and “LED Clouds” illuminating the event space with ethereal lights. The Commons on Champa is located at 1245 Champa Street.
Pon Pon is the late night hangout of Denver Startup Week. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, nights, 9pm to 1:30am, during Denver Startup Week and is located at 2528 Walnut Street. Free beer, wine & wells with DSW wristband with DJs and dancing. Alt Ethos fills the ceiling with a balloon surface sculpture and audio interactive visualization mapping in the gallery to entice late night socialites to fill their heads with wonderment.
Win a cloud! Come drop your business card into the fishbowl in the events space at The Commons and be entered in a drawing to win your very own LED Cloud.
Alt Ethos’ Paul Elsberg shares his expertise as a regional representative for Hackster.io for the panel entitled, “From Idea To Production”. Come and hear from the experts at Hackster.io and the Hardware Studio – a joint initiative from Kickstarter, Avnet and Dragon Innovation. Learn about the essentials of creating a compelling story that launches your idea into the marketplace while preparing yourself to scale! The panel is sponsored by AVNET and will be held at the Alliance Center in Denver from 2-5PM on Tuesday, September 26.
Alt Ethos is seeking contractors for hire and will be at this year’s DSW Job Fair and Showcase. Come visit the Alt Ethos booth to find out more about positions in creative technology. The Job Faire will take place on Wednesday, September 27th, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, at the McNichols Building in Civic Center Park at 144 W Colfax Ave.
At last year’s events, Alt Ethos was listed as “Companies to Watch from Denver Startup Week” from Denverite and participate in DSW with a presentation entitled, “The New Dispensation: Virtual Reality” presenting a VR experience. They also introduced the Denver audience to “the Cube” a 6’ tangible interactive projection cube. The cube has since shown up at events around Denver such as 5280 Magazine’s Top of the Town. Since last year, Alt Ethos has proven themselves as a viable local company working with museums, local businesses, and public institutions.
Zac with the new Alt Ethos t-shirt and a sneak peak at the Social Wall.
Please join the celebration and education of Denver Startup Week, September 25 – 29 at various locations in Denver, Colorado. Help Alt Ethos celebrate their successes by visiting the disruptive experiential design on display at The Commons on Champa and Pon Pon.
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Alt Ethos is an experiential design studio specializing in creative technology. We are a group of dedicated creators, designers, and engineers creating innovative projects for the modern world. We meld various forms of light, sound, interactivity and creative technology into memorable interactive experiences. We create a variety of custom creative technology solutions with an emphasis on storytelling, hands-on participatory learning, and user experience design to amplify interactions with various media in the physical space.
Alt Ethos donates a portion of its revenues to its sister organization, Denver Arts + Technology Advancement (DATA), a nonprofit organization striving to create a vanguard community center for public engagement, cultivating and strengthening local community by putting research, education, creation, and exhibition together under the same roof.
Our team has recently been able to join in some of the most prestigious and enlightening events which have opened our eyes to new ways of thinking and helped to create a stronger connection with the creative tech community.
Founded in 1996, the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) is a transdisciplinary center for research, creation, production, training and dissemination dedicated to developing and conserving digital culture. North America’s first Living Lab, the SAT specializes in immersive environments, the use of high-speed networks and experience design.
With the aim to create tangible, all-encompassing audiovisual experiences, the Satosphere is the first permanent immersive theatre devoted to artistic development. The dome, which puts the audience at the center of the works, forms a 360-degree spherical projection screen that can accommodate up to 350 spectators.
This year focused on explorations of total body immersion inside of digital spaces, experiencing technology on direct sensory levels. A few examples: Atau Tanaka, Professor of Media Computing at Goldsmiths University gave a talk on The Body as Musical Instrument, illuminating his method of translating gestural interaction to audio signals. For those curious, Atau’s performance at TEDxPantheonSorbonne may be found here.
Currents New Media Festival
On June 10th our team traveled to Santa Fe to experience Currents New Media 2017. Currents brings multidisciplinary artists from across the planet to exhibit VR/AR/MR creations blending experimental and psychological expression through immersive, interactive technology.
Currents began as a project in 2002 intended to bring together video and New Media artists who at the time had few places to exhibit. Since then the festival has grown in the number of artists and mediums – Now featuring Virtual Reality, projection mapping, robotics, sensor integration and beyond.
For 15 consecutive years Mariannah Amster and Frank Ragano have curated this event under their nonprofit Parallel Studios. Such an event is only possible with a diverse network of multitalented artists from across the globe, creating a radical melting pot of new concepts.
GlobalMindED
On June 23rd, Matt Maes – CIO participated in the GlobalMindED Tech Track “Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality: Opportunities in Education” alongside Julien Lynge of Arch Virtual and the DaVinci Institute and Sandi Mays of the Zayo Group.
The GlobalMindED movement is about access, equity and opportunity for First Generation to College and underserved populations, those who work with them and those who want to hire a diverse talent pipeline. At our annual conference, we convene thought leaders from all backgrounds and industries to support educational innovators who are setting a new standard for inclusive leadership.
The opening reception began at 9:00am led by Futurist and Executive Director of the DaVinci Institute, Thomas Frey who explained the cataclysmic economic shift which will be brought on by driverless vehicles. Automobile accident rates will plummet. The need for driver’s insurance will become obsolete. Intersections will operate only as a junction rather than a stopping point as cars move harmoniously past each other.
The second panel, Personalized Learning: Students at the Center was led by Dr Bena Kallick, program director of Eduplanet 21 featuring Superintendent Jeff Dillon of Wilder School District, Teacher Jody Ordoñez of Vista High School and Principal Dr. Bertie Simmons of E.L. Furr High School. This discussion revealed the merits of student led programs and the technologies which make this new methodology possible. The new generation of learners are increasingly curious and are growing to depend less and less on the role of an authoritative leader to pass on knowledge. Our technology has grown hand in hand with us to the point where lesson plans may be gained from sources such as Wolfram Alpha, Khan Academy, Youtube and so on.
The Tech Track began to fill up at 11:10am as many from the previous panel in Court C remained and others filed inside. Lynge, Mays and Maes (not related) then hosted a discussion rich in topics ranging from basic to interestingly advanced. We first began with introductions and each of our most recent projects and moved into intriguing topics such as the social dynamics of VR, whether AR or VR is more effective in the classroom and VR conferencing.
Eyeo Festival
Most recently Paul Elsberg – CSE attended the Eyeo Festival held from June 26th-29th.
Since its inception in 2011, the team behind the Eyeo Festival has been inspired by the notion that this decade presents an exceptionally exciting time to be interested in art, interaction, and information. The way we experience all three is changing. The way all three interact and overlap is quickly evolving. Easier access to powerful tools and technologies continues to increase. What data is, where it comes from, and how we utilize it, looks different than ever before.
On Thursday, July 27th 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the Commons on Champa’s Innovation Lounge Elsberg will be leading second installment of Denver Arts + Technology Advancement Hacksters – Hackster.io Fusion 360 Demo and Eyeo Festival In Review – Presented by Hackster.io, Autodesk and Alt Ethos! We will be going over how to approach using Autodesk Fusion 360’s modeling capabilities to design object enclosures. We will also be covering insights from the international Eyeo Festival, a conference featuring professional creative technologists at the forefront of the industry. You may RSVP for the event here:
We are very pleased to bring back lots of amazing insights from Eyeo Festival, an international conference for professionals at the epicenter of creative technology. You can check out the speakers and more information at the festival websitehttp://eyeofestival.com/.
Matt Maes is a Denver animator focused on immersive and interactive technology. He is Chief Influence Officer ofAlt Ethos, Ltd and is also an executive member of the nonprofit organization Denver Arts and Technology Advancement (D.A.T.A.)
Alt Ethos and the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery invite you to the grand opening of Soundscape, a real-time audio/visual experience. Step into this immersive exhibit where physical presence creates music and live visuals. The opening coincides with FCMoD’s David Bowie LaserDome event. Tickets for the LaserDome can be purchased here. The opening event is free and open to the public with hor d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages provided alongside a cash bar. The opening will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 7pm to 10:30pm at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.
As you walk through the Music and Sound Lab a mysteriously glowing room catches your eye. Out of curiosity you step inside and soon discover that your position inside the room is creating music in real time. The intimate scale of the room widens below you as you walk suspended in space. The wall pulsates over your coordinates on the floor. As the moments pass, others join in creating an ensemble of organic sound.
This exhibition was conceived through the collaboration of Alt Ethos Experiential Design studio and staff at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Alt Ethos custom designed this interactive exhibition to create a meaningful experience for patrons to learn, reflect, and have fun through hands-on explorations. Visitors control a multichannel sound system and projection-mapped visuals through physical movement.
The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery (FCMoD) is a history and science museum filled with interactive exhibits and fascinating artifacts which tell the stories of Northern Colorado. The museum creates meaningful opportunities to connect body movement to sound through hands-on and collections-based explorations in science and culture.
Alt Ethos is an experiential design studio that synthesizes digital and physical environments into unexpected realities. Alt Ethos are artists, designers, and engineers creating innovative projects for the modern world. They meld various forms of light, sound, and creative technology into shared interactive experiences.
Please join us for the opening of Soundscape, an instrumental environment exhibition. This unique exhibition changes the ways in which we view music and exploration in museums. The opening will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery at 408 Mason Court, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Matt Maes is a Denver animator focused on immersive and interactive technology. He is Chief Influence Officer ofAlt Ethos, Ltd and is also an executive member of the nonprofit organization Denver Arts and Technology Advancement (D.A.T.A.)
We have a number of exciting updates to share; We’ve begun on site installation of our new Fort Collins experience, our CEO Ethan Bach and CSO Paul Elsberg have submitted two exciting topics for this year’s Denver Startup Week and Elsberg will be leading an ongoing Hackster.IO workshop. Let’s go into detail on each.
Fort Collin Museum of Discovery
We left off last in excited conceptualization of how this project would take place. Since then the test version of our Fort Collins installation has taken wings; We’re now ready to reveal the beta version of our newest creation: An interactive audio/visual exhibit which allows visitors to create music simply by walking into the space.
We achieve this with 4 Epson projectors, 6 Behringer speakers and 2 Kinect sensors mounted to the ceiling, 1 SkyLake 6700 Quad Core and 1 Lenovo ThinkCenter M715Q AMD Pro computer. The audio/visual elements are generated through a system utilizing TouchDesigner, Processing and Max/MSP. Processing both passes data to TouchDesigner 1. Through OSC and Max/MSP and 2. Video to Spout, an inter application video program.
Learning a new instrument can be difficult for a number of people. The aim of this exhibit is to provide an easier approach to musical creation, lowering the barrier to entry for visitors to participate.
Based on our surveys we’ve observed a mix of behaviors among visitors of the space. Age, gender, family and group size, exhibit, etc. play a part in determining preference towards individual or group interaction, and desired amount of time spent interacting.
Our vision is to bring diverse groups of people together who may never meet, all within a whole new context of creativity. Our goal is to make it as easy and pleasurable for those familiar with music to enjoy it in a new way and create an easier approach for newcomers. Housed within the audio exhibits, we aim to provide a unique gathering point for visitors to interact with each other in a brand new way.
As you step inside the space waves of color glide across the floor, mirrored by traces of light dancing across the wall, beckoning you to enter. A red dot appears below your feet as you realize that your position is being tracked from above. Beats and tones are generated, waves feathering past you and into the distance. The wall ebbs and shifts to your movement on the floor. Speakers covers you with a song that is made of your movement. As more begin to follow inside, the space reacts as you create music in synchronization.
On Monday, May 22nd we began the on site installation at the museum. The first day entailed physical preparation of the space, placement of projectors and Kinects, and computer calibration. Today we plan to install the Behringer speakers all to create a truly immersive and interactive experience. We’re aiming for a soft public launch on June 9th.
We also announce Paul Elsberg as an instructor of a continuous Hackster.io Meetup sponsored by DATA and Alt Ethos. Hackster is an online community dedicated to learning hardware. By this they mean building analog systems which connect human action to digital reaction. In their own words:
Hackster helps people everywhere learn how to design, create and program Internet-connected hardware. By bringing together our network of close to 200,000 engineers, makers and hackers, 90 technology partners, and 100 Hackster Live ambassadors, we hope to support the creation of technologies that impact meaningful issues, such as a healthy environment, wildlife preservation, and our own welfare.
We are excited to play a part in giving new tools to future creators. You can sign up for Elsberg’s workshop here: https://www.meetup.com/hacksterdenver/
Both our CEO, Ethan Bach and CSE, Paul Elsberg have submitted talks for Denver Startup Week. Both are seeking votes for the opportunity to present these talks. Denver Startup Week is an open week celebrating and enhancing entrepreneurship beginning September 25th which we are proud to be a part of for our second year.
Building A New Paradigm with Collaborative Business Models
Creating a self-driving supportive organization that fosters leadership and personal evolution to achieve the highest success for the company is one of the drivers behind Bach’s joint venture organizations. Backed by over thirty years of experience in personal transformation, mentorship, and leadership, Bach sets out to create a new kind of company culture where the focus is as much on vision and inspiration as professional development and deliverables. Bach offers real-life strategies and solutions followed by an open dialogue driven by unanswered questions around creating a new paradigm in business. Vote for Bach’s talk here: https://www.denverstartupweek.org/panel-picker/3298-building-a-new-paradigm-with-collaborative-business-models
Designing with Art and Technology for Local Communities!
What if artful expressions of technology could strengthen our sense of community, bringing us together in local areas rather than fragmenting us further into our digital lives? To captivate with creative technology requires an understanding of the vision, context, users, and interactions that connect communities to spaces. At the forefront of emergent media, a panel of explorers will discuss how experiential design is essential to their creative process as a means to navigate an ever growing landscape of technological possibilities. Vote for Elsberg’s talk here: https://www.denverstartupweek.org/panel-picker/3264-designing-with-art-and-technology-for-local-communities
Matt Maes is a Denver animator focused on immersive and interactive technology. He is Chief Influence Officer ofAlt Ethos, Ltd and is also an executive member of the nonprofit organization Denver Arts and Technology Advancement (D.A.T.A.)
Companies are quickly realizing that the most effective way to reach a broader audience is to approach them with a creative, 3-Dimensional experience. Give people an opportunity designed to suspend attention, live out their desires and sensibilities in the most immediate sense: Right before them. Whether this brightens their day or in some cases changes their life, it will leave an imprint.
Experiential Marketing is further amplified by the use of social media. Experiences grab audiences attention, social media allows them to spread the moment among their own circles. An experience is shared in the moment – Social media sharing effectively extends and measures these experiences in likes and shares.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this approach is in it’s genuineness. You may find that it’s much harder to scroll past an experience than an ad; Trust me, I’ve tried both. As humans we’ve molded our creations as extensions of ourselves. Experiential Design extends our reach one step further, inviting groups to interact with design and most importantly have fun.
Give people something which involves their participation. Let them draw, press a button, swipe a card, play a game, in short – express themselves, and they’ll be inclined to share with friends. The challenge isn’t in getting people to interact. We naturally want to interact. How often are we given the opportunity?
As companies evolve so should their images. Reinvention is necessary to stay fresh. Showing another dimension spikes intrigue and can bring people who may normally never meet together in one place.
Now you may be wondering “If Experiential Design is so great why isn’t everyone applying it?” which is an excellent question. My answer is twofold:
Experiential campaigns characteristically range in cost, complexity, creativeness and duration. Quality Experiential Marketing studios will consider budget, scope, customers and message all thoroughly planning along side in transparency. The key ingredient is creativity.
Experiential Design lives in our everyday environments though we may not recognize it as such. This is largely because the term is fairly new and as not widely associated with a specific title. Our attention is commonly more focused on the gesture itself than penning it with a specific term. Now consider these recent studies:
“Customer Experience is the Future of Design. Adopting practices that elevate the customer experience will undoubtedly produce a return on investment and provide a steady foundation for your brand.” – UX Magazine, 2016.
“Experiential Design increases brand awareness by 81% and increases a deeper customer involvement by 57%”. – “Brand Survey Report”, Event Marketer, 2015.
“Experiential Design activates chemicals in the brain: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins; These increase happiness, productivity, and customer loyalty.”“The Neurochemicals of Happiness” Psychology Today and Technology Advice, 2014.
To learn more, here are a few of our favorite posts on Experiential Design:
Matt Maes is a Denver animator focused on immersive and interactive technology. He is Chief Influence Officer ofAlt Ethos, Ltd and is also an executive member of the nonprofit organization Denver Arts and Technology Advancement (D.A.T.A.)
On April 19th, 5:00-8pm at the Commons on Champa we celebrate the culmination of one year as a company and unveiling of our interactive LED wall. All who have supported us are welcome to partake in celebration.
Our journey has been as educational as it has been fulfilling. Working with the Commons has resulted in numerous valuable connections both with entrepreneurs and city officials seeking to connect with each other. The history behind this installation begins with then underutilized ceiling scale LED screens.
Upon the beginning of our work at the Commons, formulation of our business plan and love of optimizing existing spaces with interactive technology guided our decision to bring this to life. Through coordination with Jesse Shuler we have successfully activated the screens.
In order to achieve this it was necessary to run the Kinect to the server room controlling the visuals. After intensive calibration the display is able to react to your movements in real-time.
Our work began with the goal of creating an experience binding passersby together through immersive, organic architecture. We make new connections daily throughout these halls. Our energy is directed towards that which ultimately excites us to create and intertwine our stories.
At a glance the screens sit opposite each other, silent and dark leading up to the Event Space. Floating crescents of light dance across the black panels, inviting you to cross the threshold. Once in view of the Kinect V2 sensors position information transfers with a series of servers on a feedback loop, responding to your movement. Patterns of living, colored geometry bloom on either side, trailing and shifting along with you. You’ll find yourself drawn in to linger and experiment. Imagine architecture which communicates with you. When two or more are present the shapes form in relation to the group.
Our vision is to connect people and elevate spaces to another level through the act of playful interaction. This piece is only the first step towards binding sensory engagement to practical application.
Our perceptions are formed through instantaneous sensory processing. I’d like to take a moment to talk about social play. As humans the act of playful creativity forms our experience. Group play has been shown to increase mental and physical adaptivity and strengthen social bonds, ultimately enhancing the hours of our lives. Here Jane Gonigal, a game designer speaks at TED about the importance of expression through the act of play.
We’re proud to have accomplished this installation which not only invites you in but most importantly invites you to play. We invite you to express yourself and connect with others on a deeper level. Next up we plan to activate the projection area on the right of the Event Space.
So come join us, express yourself.
We also have a special announcement: Congratulations to our CEO Ethan Bach and COO Eric Davis who recently graduated from SBDC’s Leading Edge business accelerator program. Our business plan has been selected to be entered into a state competition and be evaluated by Wells Fargo. We are thoroughly proud of their dedication and excited for another sign of great potential.
Matt Maes is a Denver animator focused on immersive and interactive technology. He is Chief Influence Officer ofAlt Ethos, Ltd and is also an executive member of the nonprofit organization Denver Arts and Technology Advancement (D.A.T.A.)
It is with great pride that we announce our most recent work with an organization with which we’ve shared a close bond and rich history: The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery or FCMoD as it’s most commonly known is a partnership merged between the Fort Collins Museum and Science Discovery Center in 2008 for the purpose of inspiring scientific education through creative, engaging educational experiences, all under one roof.
The museum’s layout tells their focus on creating experiences which balance education with interactive audio play in an open format through various applications and specialties. Walk through the front doors, past the lobby and you’ll witness an interior aid out with strategically placed installations meant to evoke interactive sound based experiences between groups of all ages. The museum maintains a reputation for its exhibits which encourage self-learning, requiring little to no prior instruction.
The museum brings in many families with children who naturally gravitate towards the most fun exhibits such as the Reactable and Build Your Own Horn. We later asked how many mouth pieces get washed every day at the Build Your Own Horn exhibit: Over 300. We’re gonna try and avoid that for ours.
Walk past the Build Your Own Horn exhibit and you may pass right by a dark unassuming semicircle room lined with a couch facing a tv which felt like a small lounge. Think about that: An underused, empty lounge with everyone else outside playing at the exhibits.
Our job is to create an experience which marries sound and motion in a way which makes approaching a musical instrument as smooth a process as possible, a visual ensemble which binds humans to the act of play upon entering the room. In our case the most sensible approach is to position Kinect sensors and projection overhead, ensuring no damage to the equipment or disruption of the intended experience. Given the most common users are children these exhibits see a great amount of use and misuse. With this in mind we’ve planned to create an experience which anyone can enjoy without a great risk of damage to either our equipment or museum visitors.
We arrived at 9:30 armed with a Ben Q and Optoma projector with the intent of measuring the space and testing throw distance from above. We wanted to gain a scope of our projector capabilities before the meeting. A matter of minutes into testing and we see a child walk inside wide-eyed at our feed video. Ben kindly shooed him out and we laughingly told the story later.
At 10:00 on March 31st our team had the pleasure of sitting down with Ben Gondrez – Digital Dome Manager, Ben Griswold – Exhibit Manager, Nick Duarte – Music Curator and Brent Carmack – Associate Director, the main players in our discussion of the function, parameters, application and overall purpose of this installation.
Climb the stairs next to the front door and you’ll reach the Otterbox Digital Dome Theatre, Ben Gondrez’ domain. The Digital Dome showcases international animations on an immersive format, a practice which has accelerated in recent years in place of strictly educational displays.
In a music oriented town such as Fort Collins Nick Duarte is the most knowledgeable of music theory and most passionate about the witnessing the joy moments which comes over those in a trance of musical play.
In the Discovery meeting Ben Griswold illuminated how the combination of the history and the science museums into one entity defines a lot of their legacy and ideology as a hybrid institution, one that can see history from the lens of science and science through the lens of history. This man’s vision is true north in the purpose of FCMoD’s exhibits.
Brent Carmack has overseen projects which characterize the museum as a landmark of Fort Collins such as the FC150, a project which called for submissions of what makes Fort Collins, Fort Collins. His attention to the “what if” questions spoke of his extensive experience with the museum.
Today was our first impression of each party meeting as a group. We set the tone with a few improv exercises to immerse ourselves into a childlike mindset. In the first game one person moves any way they choose and the rest of the group makes onomatopoeias matching with their movements. The second was a game of charades; One person acts out an audio term to the best of their ability and the group guesses the term. This proved to be quite a fitting approach to begin discussing an installation designed to inspire a discussion which ultimately ended up crossing the globe in terms of how human beings interact with sound.
The tone was immediately set as we dove into why this creation is important:
Music can be created in many more ways than traditional instruments, broadening our understanding of the ways that sound can be created as a metaphor for uncovering new possibilities in how to navigate through the sonic environments that are essential to our experience of the world.
The next question is “How can we make this possible?” We began discussion of scope and parameters including technical capabilities. Through overhead Kinect sensors and projection we’re able to capture data from above which can be interpreted in multiple ways: Based on our survey of the space, stakeholders and museum patrons we provided three concepts catering to specific effects on the user, providing sketches illustrating each from different perspectives:
Ripples: Colored ripples represent different expressions of instrumentation allowing users to create compositions. The ability to change the placement and sonic qualities of ripple generators and record your intersections, thus creating loops fosters both individuals and groups to create a wide range of musical forms.
Hopscotch: The room is broken into segments representing musical instruments. You step in and based on your position trigger pitch and frequency. If you stand still long enough lily pads of color light up your position and paths you can jump to. For example: If you’re in the drum section you can hop to the kick drum or snare, building a song as you go.
Mirrors : Mirror uses the same elements as either “Hopscotch” or “Ripples” to create sound with movement. There are three distinct differences: 1. Each patron is represented through a digital abstraction / object to give reference to their spatial movement in the room. 2. The patterns are only represented in the digital space. and 3. The mirrored virtual back wall is a virtual landscape/design that bends, reshapes, and distorts with the music and movement.
Amidst snacks we poured over the three concepts, imagining each detail in formation of our approach. By the end of the day all parties left in rabid anticipation to see this project come to life.
Before leaving we returned to the empty room for final measurements. As we were wrapping up our measurements we heard a small child who had wandered inside say “There’s nothing in here”. He turned as his mother guided him away as we smiled and remarked that that reaction is about to change very quickly.
Matt Maes is a Denver animator focused on immersive and interactive technology. He is Chief Influence Officer of Alt Ethos, Ltdand is also an executive member of the nonprofit organization Denver Arts and Technology Advancement (D.A.T.A.)
Since the inception of our company in April 2016 our mission is and has been to use interactive technology to bring people together. We’re dedicated to advancing awareness of interactivity to the public. Since then we’ve gained a massive amount of support from Denver city government and industry leaders. In order for us to achieve this we’ve made a key focus of becoming part of the creative tech community both in Denver and outside, gathering as much knowledge and insight as we can to boost our abilities and ultimately enhance Denver.
In January Paul Elsberg – CSE Chief Sales Engineer / Creative Developer attended New Orleans’ INST-INT conference, an annual gathering of interactive technological exhibitions showcasing practical creative applications drawing together diverse groups of people; In other words, right in our wheelhouse.
INSTINT EXPLORES THE ART OF INTERACTIVITY FOR OBJECTS, ENVIRONMENTS AND EXPERIENCES.
INST-INTis a one of a kind, world renowned annual conference which draws in eclectic A-list interactivity pros and attendees with exhibits of Installation & Interactive Art, Experience Design, Responsive Environments & Objects, Interactive Exhibits & Displays, Creative Coding, DIY Making & Hacking, Architecture & Technology, Sensors & Wearables.
Matt Maes – CIO Chief Influence Officer / 3D Generalist previously participated in MIT’s “Reality, Virtually, Hackathon!” which according to Network World’s Steven Patterson set a record for the largest VR/AR hackathon.
He later continued his game development experience in the Global Game Jam hackathon, an open competition organized across the globe with a focus on bringing gamers together to create work which engages them to act as part of a team. Maes has also been extended the opportunity to speak on the VR/AR panel at GlobalMindED conference in June. GlobalMindED is a nonprofit organization focused on increasing the success rate of first generation college students, connecting graduates and employers.
On April 19th at the Commons on Champa we’ll be presenting Our Vision for Denver and celebrating our One-Year Anniversary as a company. Our CEO Ethan Bach will be speaking on our vision for the future of Denver as an international hub for innovative experiences with media in the physical realm.
We’ve lived, worked in and experienced Denver for years and now our plan is to use this technology in collaboration with government and industry leaders to establish Denver as a mecca for creative, connected experiences. Bach has experienced a fascinating journey within immersive media, art, activism and ultimately bringing his knowledge and experience as CEO of Alt Ethos.
After the presentation we’ll be celebrating our one-year anniversary with drinks, hor d’ouvres and the unveiling of our interactive LED wall located at the end of the hallway leading to the Event Space. Our installation utilizes Kinect sensors to synchronize with your movement patterns, mirroring a variety of positional effects on opposite LED screens in real-time.
Our purpose behind this installation and our work at large is to design intimate experiences within groups of people. Our sense of reality is determined by how we process our senses. Engagement in an active and playful vs passive experience brings us to a higher state of awareness which we normally wouldn’t experience in our day to day lives – An experience which suspends you for a moment, embracing all and saying “This is about you. You are included and important.”
In our research we’ve stumbled upon some staggering and encouraging facts which shine a light in the direction of our purpose:
Customer Experience is the future of design. Adopting practices that elevate the customer experience will undoubtedly produce a return on investment and provide a steady foundation for your brand.
-UX Magazine, 2016
Experiential Design activates chemicals in the brain: Dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins; These increase happiness, productivity, and customer loyalty.
-The Neurochemicals of Happiness, Psychology Today and Technology Advice
Experiential Design increases brand awareness by 81% and increases a deeper customer involvement by 57%
-Brand Survey, Report Event Marketer, 2015
Millennials spend $3.3 billion annually in Colorado. $2.2 billion annually in Denver alone.
-The Millennial Influence in Denver, Development Research Partners and Census.gov, 2016
The Commons on Champa
Over the past two years our company has had the privilege of working out of the Commons on Champa, downtown Denver’s small business entrepreneurial hub. For all of the recent positive signs our current success wouldn’t be possible without their support.
The Commons on Champa represents a partnership between the Downtown Denver Partnership, Colorado Technology Association and the city of Denver. The Commons parallels the openness given by its name in its practices by providing resources and workshops to holding high tier events, stapling its name as Denver’s most openly centralized habitation space for Denver’s future entrepreneurial leaders. We’ve taken in a great amount of insight and support from mentors and other key influencers into what it means to connect progressive minds together. We’d like to shine a spotlight on their work and share words from the man who runs daily operations, Jesse Shuler.
Jesse Shuler – Building Coordinator manages the Commons day-to-day operations with a keen mind and a light heart. Jacqui Dietrich – Program Manager lends her entrepreneurial insight into functions which staple the Commons as an environment which fosters small business growth. Together they’ve allowed a solid place for us to excel, developing a close relationship with us along the way.
We recently had the opportunity of interviewing Shuler for an in depth talk on the Commons’ amazing set of resources which he describes as “A public private partnership which became Denver’s first public campus for entrepreneurship. When we opened our doors we wanted to create a campus which is gonna supply entrepreneurs with all the kinds of tools they’re gonna need – A place where anyone is welcome. We really wanted to lower the barrier with access to great resources like mentorship, the US Patent and Trademark Office, the Small Business Administration, or amazing space which has great technology, a great community and just feels right to work in.”
The Commons was established and aims to “Act as a blueprint that anybody can use. The mission is wholeheartedly to authentically create a hub which showcases Denver’s commitment to the entrepreneurial community.” – Spot on statements on a remarkable space.
Shuler also had encouraging words for our company and his insight into interactive technology: “The market is demanding new and progressive ways of connecting with people. What I’ve seen is that the standard marketing techniques are pretty tapped out. The market demands for something to change and be more progressive and Experiential Design does that because it connects to people on a more human level – it taps into your senses, your emotions and your sense of time and space. Experiential Design tends to resonate with people a lot quicker. It spikes out of the status quo. Experiential Design takes you out of what is the day to day and the normal and gets you thinking a lot bigger, more creatively, and it creates a lot more platform for opportunity to expand your brand.”
We asked for his insight on what blend of skills best dictates success in our industry and for entrepreneurs as a whole: “A skill that is very important is to pay attention to what the market is demanding. Take your skill set, your knowledge, your expertise and supply what the market needs. If you’re able to be flexible and pivot and think big I think that’s a huge need especially for folks in Experiential Design.
He also had some warm words on our history together: “It’s been really fun to get to know the Alt Ethos team. I’ve loved the experience of taking what technologies we have on our own campus and overlaying it with the Alt Ethos ideas and seeing what happens from it. It’s been really fun to think creatively and think big on how we can explore the technology.”
Thank you Jesse and all at the Commons. Here’s to many successful times ahead.
Matt Maes is a Denver animator focused on immersive and interactive technology. He is Chief Influence Officer ofAlt Ethos, Ltd and is also an executive member of the nonprofit organization Denver Arts and Technology Advancement (D.A.T.A.)
MIT Media Lab, seated inside MIT’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts will host it’s Reality, Virtually, Hackathon! Matt Maes, Chief Opportunities Officer at Alt Ethos, has been accepted to attend workshops and participate in the MIT hackathon as a designer. Matt received his Bachelor of Arts from the Art Institute of Colorado. He has since developed for Alt Ethos’ Comic Con VR demo and has spoken on the ethical responsibilities, opportunities and consequences of Virtual Reality at Denver Startup Week. MIT Hackathon takes place October 7 through October 10 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
On Friday, October 7th Matt will participate in workshops covering Virtual Reality platforms and Unity development, specifically including mobile design. Friday 10pm through Sunday, Hackathon participants broken into competitive groups to develop the most effective, relevant creations.
“The Reality, Virtually Hackathon will apply the skills of designers, developers,graphic artists and sound/video engineers learned building the most popular apps in the field of gaming and entertainment to vertical markets such as medical, education, advertising, architecture, engineering and construction. We will have an OpenGL and Vulkan native programming track to emphasize mobile AR/VR.” –http://www.realityvirtuallyhack.com/roles/
The closing ceremony will begin on Monday at 1:00-1:30, when the winners will be announced.
Hundreds of notable artists, designers and engineers where selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. Selected participants are among the national developer community and institutions are expected to partake in the event powered by MIT’s encyclopedic breadth of technical knowledge. VR-MIT has a vested interest in becoming the hotspot of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality knowledge and development by connecting community, expertise and support for entrepreneurs in the Virtual Reality industry.
Matt’s training is in Media Arts and Animation from the Art Institute of Colorado. Matt’s focus on 3d design brings incredible talent to the Alt Ethos team. On September 15th 2016, Matt Maes and Michael Sperandeo, Chief Creative Officer, presented a talk entitled “The New Dispensation: Virtual Reality”, speaking on the past, present and future of Virtual Reality’s role in society at the Commons on Champa as part of Denver Startup Week.
The Virtual Reality market is only growing into the future at the professional and consumer level. MIT’s commitment to becoming at the forefront of this technology speaks not only to the institution’s priorities but also Virtual Reality’s growing influence and potential. A 2016 report from Markets and Markets states that Virtual Reality’s total market growth is expected to jump from $1.37B-33.9B from 2015-2022. It is rapidly expanding to cover every major vertical industry. full report.
As a participant of the MIT Hackathon, Matt intends to seek further knowledge of Virtual Reality development and general knowledge to broaden Alt Ethos’ understanding of this pivotal technology. He will be reporting live through social media which can be found on twitter, facebook, and instagram. A blog post will follow his return with a full report on his experience.
The Reality, Virtually Hackathon! Will be an exciting opportunity to collaborate and build on MIT and Alt Ethos’ endeavor to expand development of Virtual Reality. As artists, designers and engineers, Alt Ethos is committed to expanding the use, functionality and awareness of immersive and interactive technology. Matt looks forward to working with the brightest minds in VR/AR entertainment, medical and education to push the boundaries of what this technology makes possible and how we can use it to improve people’s lives. Here’s to an enlightening journey and collective realization of the future.
At the beginning of June, I went to Montreal for the first time. I was invited to spend the week at the IX Symposium, immersed in a culture of techno-nerds, 360°-geeks and audiophiles. Just my type of people.
The IX Symposium is a conference of sorts, discussing and blurring line between technology and art, hosted in a place called the Society for Art and Technology (known and referred to in this article as the SAT). According to the SAT’s website, it is;
“A gathering place for diverse intelligence, curiosity, knowledge and talent, … a live[ing] creative laboratory whose unconventional experiences bring together the tangible and the unexpected.”sat.qc.ca
Located on the third floor of the SAT and pertinent to this article is what is known as the Satosphere, a fully immersive 80 foot digital dome. I’ll let them explain;
“Within its 4,400m2 premises one can find the Satosphere, a permanent modular dome, dedicated to the development and presentation of 360° immersive experiences. With a diameter of 18 meters and height of 13 meters, filled with 157 speakers, this unique equipment complements the studios and workshops housed inside the SAT.”sat.qc.ca
What follows is my experience. Spoiler alert – it was amazing.
Quick facts about the Symposium itself:
A five day event, focused this year on the audio aspect of creating immersive content.
An assortment of hands-on workshops, lectures, and panels in the day, followed by screenings of curated art pieces, demos, and performances at night.
Anytime throughout the day, one could stop in at the VR Lounge, a space dedicated to displaying newly released virtual reality content on an array of different devices.
This blog will cover three themes: The culture, the art, and the technology.
PART I: THE CULTURE
The first thing I noticed when I stepped off the Metro in downtown Montreal was … graffiti. A beautiful mural, carefully composed to cover a three story wall with skillful imagery. I would come to know that wall very well. That, and the probably near one-hundred other equally beautiful and equally composed other murals that pop out of nowhere in Montreal.
If you look closely, the art around Montreal will tell you of a city that is engaged, open-minded, and truly centered around its art, in all its forms. There are multiple museums, more public displays than I could care count, and even a dedicated complex underneath the streets of the city (named Place Des Arts) that was seemingly built because there wasn’t enough room above ground for all of the art.
Henry David Thoreau wrote that “this world is but a canvas to our imagination.” If that’s true, the citizens of Montreal have a vivid, deep and colorful and twisted imagination.
One of the most imaginative things about Montreal is the Society for Art and Technology. For the last 20 years The SAT and the devout people who call it home have been researching, experimenting with, and generally exploring the deepest waters of digital art.
I sat down with the President and Founder of the SAT, Monique Savoie, as well as Luc Courchesne, artist and Co-Director of Research at the SAT, to talk to them about the history, culture, and ideals behind the facility.
By happenstance, it seems that the Society for Art and Technology was created out of a whim. More than twenty years ago, after attending ISEA, the International Symposium of Electronic Arts – which is hosted in different cities around the globe – Monique and Luc arrived back in Montreal with a desire to create a permanent home for the kind of thinking going on at that conference. So, the prehistory of the SAT came about in 1995, when they hosted the ISEA ‘95 Montreal, and crammed more than 1,000 people and 140 interactive installations together for a week of discussion and exhibition. When they pulled the plug after the conference ended, they decided to keep the energy from it going, and morphed into the Society for Art and Technology.
The culture that flourished around it is and was one with a foundation of open sharing, collectivism, exploration of new mediums, and a purposeful collision of the worlds of art & technology.
One thing I learned about Monique Savoie is that nothing stands in her way. Rumor has it she is going to be the first mayor of the first virtual city. I guess technically she’d be a virtual mayor.
PART II: THE ART
The tricky thing about immersive and virtual reality media is that if you aren’t actually experiencing it, it is almost impossible to visualize. In this next section however, I will try my best.
Imagine if you will, what the great abstract artists of history – Pablo Picasso, M.C. Escher, Salvador Dali – would have had dreams about. Walking around in one such dream would be similar walking around in the art pieces presented in the Satosphere at the IX Symposium.
And literally, you can walk around in them. The 60 ft diameter dome known as the Satosphere, even when full to capacity of people, leaves plenty of room to move, and even when they roll out floor seating for more artistic and introspective pieces, people still explore. In my observation, it’s a great social experiment; encouraging people to interact within and experience an altered state of reality, and in fear of sounding overly cliché, shift their perspectives way outside the box.
Alt Ethos is a leader in Destination Design and has participated in several projects in collaboration with downtown development authorities, arts and culture groups, and city tourism agencies to provide designs that help drive foot traffic to strategic locations. These projects encourage interaction, collaboration, and play; creating unexpected joy and bringing together communities.
Alt Ethos’s CEO, Ethan Bach will speak on technology, museums, and the future. He has a long history with NMAM and it’s partners. Bach served at the Institute of American Indian Arts for over ten years with his most recent role as the Digital Dome Director where he led 360 research and education at the Digital Dome @ IAIA. Bach also provided media consulting and services for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs during his time living in Santa Fe. 
Groups like the Project for Public Spaces have valuable information on the best ways to move forward with engaging community spaces in this time of transition. In our recent
Why Museums Need Interactive Exhibits
If you are an artist or fan in the Colorado Metro region, please join us at MORPHOS Digital Dome Programs including workshops, an artist in residency, and art show. For more information, please visit our sister nonprofit organization Denver Arts and Technology Advancement (
The world is changing quickly as millennials and other generations alike hold increasing interest in experiences and Instagram over the purchase of material items. In 2016, Denver had the highest net annual migration of millennials of any metropolitan area in the United States (
A few months ago I attended a talk at the Commons on B-Corp Certification to explore the option for 
Our favorite highlights:
to many other facets of social interaction. 
The marriage of technology and art comes more easily to the members of Alt Ethos than it does to most. That’s their biggest obstacle at the moment— convincing people that technological art can be just as reliable as the computers we keep in our pockets every day. What puts them on the path to success is their desire to provide education to those who are skeptical or wary, as well as their eye-catching and engaging installations. Just in the first month of this year, Alt Ethos provided unique experiences at two separate parties— the Meow Wolf artist mixer and Moxie’s Dark Fairytale event. Next month they will represent Colorado at a small business showcase in Washington D.C. and as soon as they return they’ll be working (through DATA) on their annual international artist-in-residency program for digital dome projection.
images and light onto an exterior mural. The mural artist will work with Alt Ethos to envision a collaborative design in the hopes that Alt Ethos’ projections may illuminate the mural in an enriching manner as well as light it up at night when mural art is not appreciated as much. “We want this to be a one-of-a-kind experience for people,” Layman commented, “and the challenge of making it permanent is part of the joy of doing it.”
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