"I have worked with Bolser as the Microsoft Interactive Studios project has grown from a proof of concept to a global retail solution serving 175 partners in 33 countries to a customer audience in the millions. They have been our primary UX, build and marketing partner and an invaluable source of strategic digital advice as the project grew exponentially. "
Joseph Reid
Senior Digital and Channel Marketing Manager
Microsoft
The challenge
Using technology to empower shoppers and drive sales
The modern retail environment is super competitive. In-store, as retailers face the challenge of having fewer colleagues on the shop floor, the ‘information gap’ for customers has widened. Online, user expectations for rich video content have risen dramatically. What once felt “premium” is now considered standard and interactivity and personalisation are becoming the norm. Retailers now face a clear choice – provide a self-serve, visually stimulating solution that sells the product or lose the sale.
Our challenge was to develop an omnichannel, cutting-edge technical solution for Microsoft that provided customers with the product information they needed to complete their purchase, while meeting the highest standards of content quality and delivery. It also had to enable user control of the video content, unlike in many 3rd party video experiences such as You Tube.
What we did
A world-first retail sales video platform
Our expert UX and development team designed and built the MiS platform from the ground up, beginning with a proof of concept that was rigorously tested in-store and online. Following its success, we secured funding from Microsoft to develop a fully functional application, ready for global rollout.
Now live in over 30 countries, the MiS platform provides high quality product demo videos that are controlled by the user, while integrated AI technology provides highly contextualized answers to customer queries. By scanning a QR code, customers can kickstart a full sales demo on their own phone, allowing them to leave the store with content that will help them complete the purchase in their own time.
What we did
Key platform features
Omnichannel UX design and CRO - Our UX team designed the platform to operate seamlessly on websites, demo devices, digital screens and mobile phones. With an intuitive customer journey the platform is optimised for conversion and sales.
The 99 video engine – the custom Microsoft Azure powered content management system stores up to 99 curated videos including product demos, deep dive specifications and ‘talking head’ content to appeal to every type of buyer. Retailers can also choose from 22 international languages.
Virtual AI assistant – acting as an expert guide our bespoke AI integration means customers can instantly find the information they need at point of sale, helping them to narrow down the choices and complete their purchase.
QR to mobile phone – customers can transition a video from an in-store screen to their mobile phone via a QR code, enabling easy social sharing and online website conversion at home – all tracked by analytics.
Seamless implementation for retailers – Retailers are fully supported by a dedicated Microsoft internal team. Implementation is simple - they are provided with a simple line of code to embed on their website which requires little to no technical skill and takes seconds to upload.
Accessibility and security – the platform is secure and externally audited to the highest Microsoft standards. All content exceeds WCAG2.2AA ratings, ensuring the platform remains inclusive and accessible to all.
The results
Global impact on Microsoft product sales
We designed and built a world-first platform that delivers measurable, transformational sales impact. Retailers now have a seamless content delivery platform, that enables customers to self-serve interactive Microsoft product demos at the point of purchase. By providing a personalised virtual assistant either at home or in store, we have moved the dial on influencing purchase behaviour.
- 30+ Countries and 22 languages supported
- 175 Global retail partners including Costco, Walmart, Best Buy, and Currys
- 1200 Global stores across North America, Europe and Asia
- 2000 Video screens showcasing the MiS content