‘Tis the season to buy gift cards, and this holiday season there is only one brand that I am aware of that is offering interactive (augmented reality) gift cards. The Home Depot created a microsite for the campaign, posted the instructional video on the site and on YouTube. The campaign even picked up a little traction on twitter.
Here’s how it works: Buy an interactive 3D gift card (they come as regular gift cards, or as eGift Cards through email). Turn your webcam on. Visit The Home Depot’s microsite. Launch the application by choosing the dollar amount listed on your gift card. Present the black and white tracker to your camera and start shakin’ to discover what kinds of wonderful items you can afford.
This campaign works wonderfully because there is no gimmick, the audience is guaranteed to make a purchase, and the helpful gift suggestions that are made can be added directly to your shopping cart online, facilitating the buying process. Great job!
Oh, and all of you last-minute shoppers are in the clear this year, as eGift Cards (featuring augmented reality) are now cool.
Tags: Augmented Reality
Fantastic and potentially a HUGE technology. Are you saying they can read the bar code over a webcam?
Hi Eric, This particular application reads the tracker on the front of the gift card and not the barcode. If you visit 3d.homedepot.com you will see you have the ability to select which dollar amount giftcard you own.
Also, if you’re interested in bar codes, check out Google Goggles!