Hyundai is giving iPhone users a chance to test drive the Veloster hatchback on an interactive billboard in Times Square. Consumers can connect to Hyundai’s Wifi network to register with the “Hyundai Race” and download the app on their iPhone. This game uses the iPhone’s built-in accelerometer to to steer the vehicle so users only need to tilt their phone to the left or right when you hold it like a steering wheel. Contestants are able to compare their final score against other drivers after the race when the results are posted. This is great example of how Digital-Out-Of-Home(DOOH), when executed as Interactive-Out-Of Home(IOOH) can stop people in their tracks and command their attention. The activation clearly demonstrates how to effectively cut through the ad clutter that is Times Square by offering an engaging experience for consumers where they can control the inter-action.

The highly targeted locations selected gave consumers a eye full just as they walked into liquor stores making sure the brand was recalled at POP (Point of Purchase).

This is certainly not a full campaign that could replace traditional advertising but it is one more touch point and street level marketing element that adds to the total brand recognition on and off premise to add to the companies advertising mix.

Movie Marketing is doign it, too.

Website are using it to advertise off-line.

Even Microsoft is using the guerilla marketing tactic to promo the new Windows Mobile Phone.

Merging the High Tech with Low Tech QR Codes are event making their way to the street.

Street Stencil can be applied with permanent paint, however city municipalities don’t like this very much and often seek out the companies using permanent application techniques such as paint.  Therefore, most companies opt for a water soluble chalk solution that disappears with rain or washing.  Another green advertising solution is called Clean or Green Stencil where the stencil is used with a high pressure water system to apply the art into the street grime.  Using no paint or chalk the design is left clean by removing the dirt on the street. It shows how nasty our street our but is a safe way to deliver the message with out vandalism.

But where did this tactic come from?  ARTISTS!!! GRAFFITI! HIP HOP CULTURE!  In the past this was only used by the art community and revolutionaries for some very creative and thought provoking executions.  Here are some non-corporate examples.

Please add other street stencil examples you see and feel free to comment. In a future post, I will explore other types of street art that has now become main stream in the advertising community. 

Every year Macy’s out does it’s self with elaborate window displays for the holiday season. This year is no exception! With an interactive window that allows bystanders to create their own holiday ornament. Touch screen windows enable you to use your imagination to create the perfect ornament.

Even in the rain tons of shoppers stood outside too see, what Macy’s has come up with this year. “I live in Pennsylvania, every year I come too the city to do my Christmas shopping. I always make sure I come to Macy’s to see the window and it’s definitely better than it’s ever been. And the kids LOVE it.”This year Macy’s wanted to give its customers a chance to be apart of something. It was such a BIG deal that even in the rain, you had to stand on line. Just to get a chance to make your ornament.

You also get to text Macy’s and get a copy of you ornament sent to your phone. You can even choice the shape, size and color, for each ornament. No design is going to be the same; with the many choices you can make.  From Christmas trees, to the Empire State Building, snow flakes and even holiday doves. Macy’s has definitely  gone above and beyond this year.

The experience was one that will be talked about for ages. Everyone can relate to playing Super Mario as a kid, pretending to actually be apart of the game, so to finally get a chance, was AMAZING! To top it all off, seeing a performance by the Nintendo characters and getting FREE Mushroom Pizza, was delicious.

Seeing a tweet as a Billboard in Times Square is one of the coolest things.

Getting to experience a Mario 3D Land board, including life size warp pipes, trampoline coin jumps and a flag pole final, there’s no way you won’t feel apart of the game.  Just as the 3D effects will. How exciting would that be, playing along in the game, with all your friends.

When going to the Vitamin Water Zero Summer Series I found just that, a photobooth. Only instead of the tight spaces and cramming in order to get everyone into the picture, I was pleased to find that the booth part was gone. Instead it was open and you could fit in as many friends as you want by simply stepping back a little more.

But that wasn’t even the cool part. This web enabled, portable, digitalsignage, photo upload/ digital print, social media activator not only gives you a free keepsake with your pictures on it once they are taken but the pictures are automatically sent to your facebook wall! All you have to do is type in your email and BAM the pictures can be seen on facebook of you at the awesome Gansevoort Hotel having a great time with your friends. Jealous? Well every one of your friends will be! What a great idea for an experiential advertising promotion!