Whenever some cool, new technology hits the market, everyone suddenly wants a piece of it. And if you haven’t heard of Augmented Reality… you’re about to.

Augmented Reality makes it possible to bridge digital content with live experience something anyone interested in brand experiences should be very keen to get their head around. Basically, augmented reality puts a digital creation into a real life setting. You may view this through your computer screen or, most recently, your phone. Loads of brands have dabbled with Augmented Reality in some way (see examples here) but one of the most practical and useful applications is the iphone “Nearest Tube” app. As posted above this application actually turns one of life’s everyday experiences (if you live in London, that is) into an exciting adventure.

Perhaps the most inspiring example of Augmented Reality so far is the way IBM created the Seer application for Wimbeldon 2009. Not only does it help you navigate your way around Wimbeldon through your phone, it provides you with real-time information on everything that’s going on, in and around the grounds. Now that’s mind-boggling. Imagine the possibilities with technology like that… Check out IBM’s Seer Android for Wimbeldon 2009

Have you ever experienced one of those magic moments in which, in the middle of chaos, somebody actually ‘sees’ you? It’s like an unspoken exchange in which you feel understood, received and acknowledged in one glorious micro-second—and it comes as a huge relief.

That’s how much we crave connection, and that’s exactly what designer and artist Keetra Dean Dixon has pulled off with her ‘Tiny Public Plaques’ installation. ‘Tiny Public Plaques’ are just that—small, engaging little messages that pop up in the most unusual places. Dixon’s intention with the installation is about “instilling wonder in the daily routine, encouraging an attentive community and bringing surprise and delight to those that find them” (Source: fromkeetra.com) She involves the viewer as an active participant and that has a huge impact. Here at PLAY, we love TPP because they are beautifully unexpected, uplifting, and totally experiential. With a few well-placed words and a good understanding of what’s going on for her viewers in that moment and environment, Dixon is able to reach right through the clutter to the very heart of people, and send them a message that feels good. We like that.

How do you get a simple, heartfelt message across in the middle of a super-competitive world-class sporting event? Just ask Nike. As part of their sponsorship of Lance Armstrong and their LIVESTRONG campaign for the 2009 Tour de France, Nike worked with mobile software design agency Deep Local and Standard Robot to come up with something very, very cool: Chalkbot. We love it because it’s powerful, it’s immediate, it’s clever… and it’s a chalk-printing robot. (Fantastic.)

Supporters in the US and France were encouraged to text inspirational messages for cyclists, that were then printed in yellow chalk on the roads of the Tour de France. They could also send in messages of hope and courage for people living with cancer. The whole campaign just feels good and has been executed brilliantly.

Those who sent messages were then given the GPS coordinates of where their message would be chalked. In terms of engaging people with the race, with the brand, and with the bigger picture of fighting cancer, we find this to be very inspiring stuff. Chalkbot rocks!