nikoJan 7 2010 5:33 PM
how can that possibly be a safe way to carry or transport eggs. talk about package fail.
AlanJan 8 2010 8:31 AM
Great article, I love the nostalgic tone, but personally,I pine for human contact. \"The joy of not having to deal with another human\"? I often feel the need to put down the mouse, take off the headphones, go into the city and be patronised by a market trader.
I am a bit biased against vending machines though, we had two at school chocked full of sweets and I blame them for the 6 fillings I\'m now carrying.BrendanJan 8 2010 9:55 AM
Usually, I prefer interacting with a human being. Maybe it\'s just cause I like people, or perhaps it\'s because I like someone treating me like a champ cause I\'m about to drop a pretty penny on something shiny.
David Butler is the VP of Design at Coca-Cola, and he\'s come up with the Coca-Cola Freestyle, which just might be the baddest vending machine yet.
http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-07/coca-cola-freestyle-most-advanced-soda-fountain-everDmitry SokolovJan 12 2010 3:40 PM
An interesting trend emerging in the vending machine market (driven by the digital signage space) is uVending. uVending machines confront the user with a with large digital displays displaying content (or sometimes contents) of the vending machine, encouraging interactivity.
Here is an example of such by Samsung:
http://www.samsunglfd.com/solution/feature.do?cateCode=0200000&modelCd=uVendingHarry StyrisFeb 3 2010 6:50 AM
There is a new technology yet to come: narrow beam loudspeakers that can be embedded in vending machines. If one adds a tracking system, such a system becomes auditory stalking. Sound is a great way to capture headspace because it is on 24/7.Public spaces such as supermarkets and airports sell the soundscape to advertisers, who know that you cannot shut off their messages if you are physically present, except of course to wear earbuds and create functional deafness. Designing the soundscape, which includes aural architecture, may well be rediscovered by those who seek to monetize it.