#weworkslabs

Retail:

The world of retail is one industry that could definitely benefit from the type of virtual, engaging experience Kinect offers. Since Kinect is optimized for an interaction zone of 4-4.5 meters, its technology would be extremely useful in targeting/drawing the attention of nearby customers, streamlining their product search (by allowing them to quickly find items of interest, and try them on virtually), and increasing the overall “stickiness” of consumers’ shopping experience. Natural user interface technology also has great potential in optimizing inventory upkeep, offering a scanning system that could keep tabs on displayed/stocked items, and indicate to sales associates when items are running low.

Healthcare:

It may seem like a gamble to take an initially game-based product like Kinect and place it in the operating room. But natural user interface features have already been shown to optimize various facets of healthcare — from surgical procedures, to elderly care, to physical therapy. Especially in a hospital, where maintaining a sterile environment is crucial to the health and safety of patients, hands-free technology can find an unexpected, yet appropriate, home.

Education:

Natural user interface also holds major potential within schools. Filling a classroom with motion sensing input devices like Kinect would close the gap between students and educational material. It can virtually place learners within worlds that have only been described in the pages of textbooks. Easily useable for students K-12, the interactive learning environment this technology would create would keep students engaged regardless of age/learning level.

Of course, this technology is not without its imperfections. For example, it has limitations in human recognition regarding weight and height that still hinder its accessibility from being completely universal. There’s also heavy competition in the space — rivals like Leap Motion are exploring other technologies to deliver similar natural user interface experiences. Furthermore (specifically in the world of retail), sensory interaction with fabric is an experience that hands-free devices cannot replicate. As a passionate shopper, I agreed with a fellow audience member when she said that touch was a part of retail therapy that she didn’t want to lose. Sure, Kinect can help you find the sweater — but it can’t mimic the feel of new cashmere.