Two of Samsung Philippines’ innovative projects with Digify Inc., a techno-creative R&D lab and a subsidiary of GMA New Media, Inc., gained recognition from the prestigious Philippine Quill Awards, mounted annually by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines.
The Award of Merit under the Special Events category was given to BenCab in Two Movements, an interactive art exhibit at the Yuchengco Museum that ran from October 2015 to mid-January 2016. Digify was tasked to help in the ideation and execution of the exhibit as part of the celebration of National Artist Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera’s 50th anniversary as a luminary in the visual arts. The exhibit highlighted BenCab’s handpicked works that captured the dance movements of London-based Chinese dancer San Lee and Polish dancer and choreographer Paulina Wycichowska.
Digify developed several components to the exhibit. Android-based curatorial apps provided curatorial information about BenCab’s chosen artworks. The apps were integrated to Google’s text-to-speech feature and Augmented Reality powered by Digify. A Tablet Wall, a set-up of 10 Samsung tablets on a wall, featured studies of Wycichowska’s dance all sketched by BenCab. A tap on the image shown on the tablet triggered a dance movement for about five seconds, with each image having its unique set of movements. A Tribute Wall enabled guests to select an artwork, use editing tools to color using Samsung’s S-pen SDK, and write a personalized message that guests could submit for display on the digital TV to become part of the gallery. Lastly, a Dance With Me app using an Xbox Kinect allowed users to calibrate their position and movement and gain control of the 3D animation of Wycichowska on the Smart TV screen, which responded to the user’s actual movement.
The Plazas of Manila interactive exhibit received an Award of Merit under the Corporate Social Responsibility category. The exhibit was part of Samsung’s “Culture Connect” initiative, done in collaboration with renowned landscape architect Paulo Alcazaren, the Yuchengco Museum and Digify. The exhibit, which ran from Aug. 27 to Sept. 28 highlighted the historical and cultural significance of plazas in Manila with the use of Augmented Reality on Samsung’s latest digital tablet and Smart TV technology.
Samsung tapped Digify as the development and design partner for the projects in recognition of the latter’s expertise in augmented reality and sensor technologies. Digify deployed proprietary technologies for said projects that integrated mobile devices and television to deliver a unique, innovative and immersive experience.
Both projects were part of Samsung’s thrust to promote Philippine heritage and culture, and revolutionize the museum-going experience through the use of cutting-edge technology.