When building the iPad Wall, we looked at many digital signage technologies from large plasmas, to rear projection. We settled on iPads because they are cheaper than most solutions, and also offer touch, camera, and sound capability within the device itself. Their modularity also makes them an attractive choice for maintenance, as they can easily be replaced.

To make the platform work, the iPads are connected to each other through a server that runs a control application called Mastermind, which sends out commands for the iPads to follow. Each iPad runs an application called Henchman that receives and executes commands, while also reporting events back to Mastermind. Together, the two software pieces are called The Evil Empire. Also, because Evil Empire allows for web-based access, it presents a remote control interface to change between applications.

While the iPad Wall technology was in development, PUMA approached us with an opportunity to work on a refresh of their retail stores, called Redworld. PUMA was looking to inject more brand personality into their store redesign, as well as create a focal point in stores for their technologically savvy target. The iPad Wall platform seemed a perfect way to get shoppers interacting with purpose-built brand experiences and each other. We developed a custom enclosure and experiences for the iPad Wall to create Joypad.

Joypad takes the iPad Wall Platform and houses it in a custom built enclosure that makes the iPads theft proof, delivers power, and is easily installable. To go along with the hardware we developed several software experiences that capitalize on the PUMA brand. We built several game applications based on common game patterns such as Beat Bolt based on Whack-a-Mole. We also built an interactive camera application that allows customers to film themselves with 32 cameras and plays recordings back in a variety of patterns. Each experience is built on The Evil Empire platform and encourages social interaction.

We look at the iPad Wall Platform as a starting point in our exploration of social interfaces. We plan to further develop the platform to allow for more interaction types beyond touch, and broader applications beyond the furniture of the Joypad. At its core, it provides a framework for coordinated interaction across multiple devices, and so the possibilities for its use are myriad. The iPad Wall Platform could be used in education for coordinated classroom activities. It can be used to light up a stadium a’ la’ Coldplay’s light up bracelets. It also can be used to deliver presentations (and we have) in a more dynamic way than PowerPoint.

We expect to further develop the platform for more clients. Currently, our PUMA client reports increased traffic in stores with Joypads installed.