We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Allen International about their original and creative Digital Gateway design work. Allen International is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original digital gateway works.
Allen International ("AI") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work National Bank of Greece's i-bank Digital Gateway. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
AI : The concept’s primary goal is to attract and acquire new i-bank customers. To educate and train in the use of electronic banking channels: Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, Phone Banking, Auto Payment Systems. Therefore in line with this goal the overall inspiration that shaped the final design was the creation of a digital gateway, metaphorically and architecturally.
AI : To create a customer experience that would challenge local customers perceptions of the National Bank Of Greece. An environment that would utilise the latest digital communication technologies to engage the consumer. We were focussed on developing a space that would utilise a contrast of technology and natural materials to demonstrate the brands commitment to ecology and break from the purely hi-tech aesthetic that customers may expect from such a concept. Finally, to create an environment that will feel as different to traditional banking spaces as possible.
AI : NBG have built a further 2 i-bank branches in different locations across Greece and our hope is to work with them to expand the concept to further locations and formats in the future.
AI : Approximately 12 months.
AI : Our company allen international specialise in retail design and particular financial retail design. We have been fortunate to work with NBG on several projects in the past including their branch network. We were approached by the bank to develop this new format based upon our previous successful working partnership with them.
AI : The concept is solely for the use of the National Bank Of Greece.
AI : Our strong experience in retail store design and brand identity development led us to begin working with financial institutions over 15 years ago. We utilise strong retail principles to design total customer experiences for banking clients.
AI : The simplicity of the Apple store was an influence on the concept generally in terms on the degree of innovation we wanted to pursue for this project. It was also an influence as it captures the the overall ambience we wanted to create, a space that feels more like a community space than hard sell store.
AI : We designed a concept that we believe will appeal to both a young and old customer segments of different backgrounds but essentially to those whom would not generally consider using traditional NBG branches. Early signs since the space has been opened indicate the concept has this cross demographic appeal we targeted.
AI : It's concept, aesthetics and operation.
AI : The i-bank name was already registered and in use by NBG. We developed names for the various zones in the space via careful strategic development of their uses and the atmosphere we wanted to create within each. These zone names included the i-amphitheatre, i-lounge, ambassadors bar and entrance portal.
AI : During it's conceptual development: traditional Sketching, Vectorworks modelling software, Cinema 4D visualisation software, Adobe illustrator and photoshop for graphic development, Adobe after effects for the production of the on screen digital communications and C-nario for the broadcast of the digital contents across the screens. Audacity software for the mixing of the unique audio soundtrack we compiled to broadcast across the space.
AI : We believe the culmination of aesthetics, architectural features and technology for the delivery of banking services makes it a unique design and experience.
AI : Our internal team of designers as credited on the project details. Client side the Alternative Channel Division at NBG and their internal architects, technical division and marketing team. The talented external suppliers and construction companies whom all worked together made the concept a reality: -Technology provider & content management: Panou company, Web: www.panou.gr , local representative for the C-nario software. -Vertical Garden: supplier VitaVerde, www.vitaverde.gr. -Interior fit out main contractor -AcrylicArt, D. Markakos company, http://www.acrylicart.gr
AI : It is the key to guiding, showcasing and delivering the services the customer will obtain from the brand. It immerses, engages and leads the user through the space. A fundamental part of the concept without which their could be no design!
AI : Research undertaken by the National Bank Of Greece formed the basis of the design strategy we developed and final design delivered.
AI : Realising such a unique design that had never been piloted before provided a huge challenge particularly in the time scale of the project.
AI : By researching the awards available in the market that had the high caliber of design entries submitted we wanted to be associated with.
AI : That a design vision demands a fair degree of stubbornness, particularly in the present economic climate!
AI : No, just to thank you for the opportunity to enter the competition and showcase the work and talent our company has within! This has been a true team project and a great partnership between client and designers.
