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PROMPTING PRODUCTS INTO EXISTENCE

Generative AI

Generative AI is still very much in the news. Whilst oversaturated glossy cartoon-like images of crocodiles with wings and Popes in puffer jackets are, unfortunately, flooding platforms such as Facebook, leaving unwitting Boomers in their wake, there are some truly impressive creations being prompted on Midjourney’s Discord server.

The pace of change is unrelenting, however. We started seeing Gen AI videos almost two years ago. And although early creations frequently involved seven-limbed dogs and face-melting versions of humans playing tennis with five bendy legs, the technology was and is incredibly impressive. If not for its immediate use then for its potential.

Those Gen AI models have improved considerably since. Recently content made with the new Runway Act One model has surfaced, turning live-action recordings into full-blown animations, with synced audio.

Highly impressive and immersive as this is, it remains in two dimensions. Visible through a screen. Perhaps the technology could become an interactive screen in a store window, where passers by morph into characters from a film studio/Netflix/Amazon Prime/Disney release, or a shareable video that can be projected onto a wall. But as much fun as it will be to play with this technology, it can only have minimal crossover with how people experience the physical world.

What if AI could be used to generate physical objects? 

Arcade Studio is a startup asking this question. Launching in September 2024, the company is as an intermediary between ‘dreamers’ and ‘makers’. With its “turn your thoughts into things” tagline, the idea is to simply prompt a text box with a product idea such as ‘a necklace in the shape of a ginger and white cat’ and images of the imagined product appear. 

But rather than remaining in 2D, these images are available to turn into and buy as 3D products. Through Generative Product Creation (Gen PC) Users can simply click ‘edit and buy’, adjust the size, material, or generate alternative versions. Arcade has pre-qualified that items falling within certain constraints can be produced and shipped by a network of makers. Intriguingly, it’s possible for ‘dreamers’ to allow others to buy their creations and earn a commission on sales. It would be logical to also use Generative AI to create a product video to post on socials, and to target potential buyers. When AI Agents are introduced, it’s pretty much an end-to-end system.

It must be said that at this beta stage, the service is limited to a few products (necklaces, rings, charms bracelets), however, its potential is huge. The service, admirably, connects people with ‘skilled independent craftspeople’ and states “we believe AI can never replace artisan craftsmanship—but it can make your work even more magical”.

Imagine this with a wider array of makers. Perhaps you want to create a bespoke phone case in the shape of a pint of Guinness, perhaps you want to create a bottle opener in the shape of a pig, or some over-ear headphones that resemble dragon wings. The ability to use Generative AI to quickly produce personalised products could be a huge development, both for consumers and brands. And consumers are hungry for it. Fuelled by nostalgia and by the desire to develop their IRL identities, young people are customising their phones – which are about as non-descript as is possible, adapting accessories such as earphones, and going all in on branded merchandise.

Usually branded merchandise is bound by minimum orders. Open-sourcing a brand playbook for consumers to spin up their own product versions would get around this issue. Nike ID (later Nike By You) has enabled customers to customise shoes since 1999, and more recently Reebok incorporated Generative AI into Instagram DMs to enable users to customise shoes.

One interesting way this could develop is with entertainment brands. We’ve all seen the crazy, unhinged monster drawings kids come up with. But until now, those drawings end up attached with a magnet to a fridge door – at best. With the use of Gen AI parents could take a photo of their kids drawing, and use a tool like Arcade Studio to produce a plushy toy that looks exactly like their drawing. Surely that would be better than any other present the kid got on Christmas Day?

TikTok has recently begun connecting manufacturers with creators in order to help them make goods to sell. This will enable creators to leverage their creativity and audience, leading to bigger payouts, following the likes of Mr Beast and Emma Chamberlain, KSI and Logan Paul.

As Netflix explores in its brand new documentary “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy”, unarguably the world doesn’t need to be producing more crap. Many products end up in landfill and the environmental impact is horrendous. Optimistically, it seems that if there is an uptick in the amount of stuff produced using this technology, then perhaps we’ll also be creating less stuff we don’t want, and more stuff we do.

INTRODUCING THE AI MIXOLOGIST

Boost Your Brand’s Engagement this Festive Season

In the age of Gen Z’s ‘hosting era,’ at-home gatherings are shaping social culture like never before. If your brand is looking to make a meaningful connection with this new wave of social hosts, we have the perfect solution—meet the AI Mixologist.

What is the AI Mixologist?

Our innovative AI chatbot, tailored for Instagram DMs, allows your brand to engage with followers in a fun, interactive, and totally on-trend way. Using AI, the Mixologist creates custom cocktails based on ingredients your audience already has at home, paired with a curated Spotify playlist for the ultimate festive vibe.

How It Works:

Hashtag Activation: Your followers simply send #HostingEra (or your own custom hashtag) to your Instagram DMs.
Ingredient Input: They can upload a photo or type a list of ingredients they have on hand.
Instant Recipe: The AI Mixologist responds instantly with a unique cocktail recipe crafted just for them, making them the star of their own party.

Why It Matters:

Not only does this drive meaningful engagement, but Instagram’s algorithm rewards DM interactions, helping boost the visibility of your future posts. Your brand could become a memorable part of their holiday hosting experience.

Success in Action

Brands like Oatly have already harnessed the power of similar AI solutions to enhance customer interaction. Now, it’s your turn to leverage this exciting tool and solve customer pain points in a creative, shareable way.

Let’s work together to bring your brand into the ‘hosting era.’ Get in touch with us today to create a festive and unforgettable experience for your audience.

Get in Touch to Learn More!