13 / Concept study
A tangible configuration studio
Handle the materials. Change the room. Make a shared design decision, even from different places.
What it makes possible
Agree a material and layout configuration with a client in another location.
The physical setting
A full-size room fragment has interchangeable wall panels, furniture components, adjustable lighting and a tactile sample console. Clients can see and handle the real options.
The digital behaviour
Recognised samples and component positions update a shared spatial model. Remote participants can compare variants, direct a host to change the physical room and return to the same recorded choices.
What people do
Place a material sample, swap a panel and compare the atmosphere under different light. Discuss what changes with a designer and someone joining remotely.
Where it could help
Property pre-sales, interior customisation, workplace design and bespoke retail. Turn an exploratory conversation into a configuration brief with choices and unresolved questions.
The defining moment
A remote client proposes a finish while an on-site designer swaps a full-size wall panel and the shared model updates beside the samples.
How the encounter could unfold
Start with a room
Enter a working fragment of the proposed space. A host explains which parts can change and what each choice could affect.
Put a choice in place
Handle materials and place a sample in the console. The shared model changes as the host fits a corresponding physical panel.
Compare it together
Try another finish, arrangement or light setting. Remote participants see the same variant and can ask to revisit an earlier choice.
Leave with a direction
Review the selected configuration with the designer. Record what is agreed, what needs pricing and which questions require further design.
What people leave with
A recorded configuration to discuss, price and develop, with the reasons for the choices and remaining questions attached.
What a prototype should establish
Observe where people compare confidently and where they ask for another view or sample. Ask remote participants to explain the selected configuration back. Use those gaps to improve the kit, camera views and option descriptions.
What makes it convincing
Use real available materials and show their limits. The digital model and physical room need to represent the same choice, without implying that every combination can be supplied.