Smart street furniture offers much more to small (or even large) businesses than convenience and comfort. With the right design, layout and features, there are many advantages to investing in functional décor such as USB and Wi-Fi seating, digital signage and even eco bus stops.
But what are these, and how can they help a smaller venture become something more? From increasing foot traffic to encouraging social interaction, here are some of the best street furniture examples.
A Commitment to Green Policies
Smart street installations outside your business premises can demonstrate a commitment to any green policies set forth in the company’s mission. Bench lights can store solar energy during the day to light up at night when employees are socialising. Of course, this also goes for street lighting outside the building. However, you can also work with a reputable bus shelters supplier to install waiting spaces with eco-roofs where plants can thrive to reduce carbon emissions.
Smart Street Furniture Increases Foot Traffic
A well-designed space will encourage people to stay around rather than idly pass by without giving your business a second thought. These engaging “third places” can utilise technology that attracts and retains foot traffic for more exposure and funnelling towards the company:
- Shelters with USB charging and Wi-Fi spots attract tech-dependent customers.
- Increased bench time with smart features encourages people to connect more.
- You can also support green commuters with integrated scooter and eBike charging.
Foot traffic is critical for ongoing business, especially for smaller ventures. However, USB and Wi-Fi spots can help bring in more customers and encourage them to actually stick around.
Digital Advertising and Higher Visibility
Visibility is a major part of modern business marketing, as it helps expose the business to more people and potential customers. Traditionally, this has been the forté of ad managers across print media like magazines and broadcast media such as radio and TV. However, we are well beyond these today, and digital marketing is the preferred medium of modern companies, even extending to interactive digital signage that can be installed in and around your business.
Building High-Value Public Spaces
Innovation can go hand in hand with public wellness, and even extends to the amenities in and around your small business. An investment in interactive signage, digital kiosks and even contactless information points with QR codes elevates the space from a public perspective. Not only do these investments elevate the 21st-century brand image, but they also show that your company is committed to boosting overall community wellbeing through smart innovation.
Safety and Security with Smart Street Furniture
Crime is a growing problem in countries like the UK, where 50% of violent crime takes place in just 2% of streets. Most people think about personal safety when travelling, yet rarely consider safety when leaving their homes to go shopping; but your business can help with this issue.
Smart lighting dimmers
Smart lighting isn’t only great for the environment; it can also actively boost the personal safety of your customers and employees by switching on when motion sensors detect movement.
Emergency call buttons
Sometimes it isn’t possible to call for assistance when being attacked. Smart furniture like benches and bus stops can include emergency call buttons connected to local services.
Integrated security cameras
It’s easier than ever to include security cameras in a business these days, and Wi-Fi-connected devices can monitor the space beyond the shop floor or office for increased personal safety.
You may not think that the furniture you install at your business can play a key role in the welfare of customers, clients and employees. However, motion-activated lighting, emergency call buttons and security cameras will usually cause would-be criminals to think twice.
Data Gathering for Better Decisions
Smart devices, including street furniture such as benches, can collect all manner of data. As such, investments in some of these can help your company become data-rich, which can help drive better customer and business-focused decisions moving forward. For example, smart benches can collect the most active foot traffic times, which can then link to dynamic digital signage that displays enticing offers such as discounts to get more customers into the store.
Interactive Customer Engagement
Customers love interactivity today, even if it is just a QR code for today’s daily deals. However, you can go a step further and install kiosks with VR and AR features that can immerse customers in your services and products. For example, customers can experience what a car looks and feels like without even having to climb inside an expensive product. Of course, you can even gamify an experience with quizzes that reward digital coupons for discounts.
Social Interaction via Smart Street Furniture
Although online shopping is bigger than ever, most people prefer to shop in person. In fact, a recent survey of Gen-Z shoppers found that 75% enjoy physical shopping socially with others. As such, the smart furniture you include in your business can help enhance the experience:
- A designer can arrange USB-charger seating in a way that encourages socialisation.
- Comfortable outdoor spaces can also be used for employee breaks and/or meetings.
- Customers who enjoy the space will potentially return for the wholesome experience.
Many businesses disregard the power of social interaction when shopping. Well-designed spaces can encourage customers to stay inside a store and create an enjoyable experience.
Enhanced Accessibility and Wayfinding
Modern companies take mobility seriously, as not doing so can result in a bad reputation. There are many changes that need to be made to make your business accessible and inclusive, and smart furniture can help. For example, responsive devices can provide audible information for the visually impaired. Digital signage and information can also come with language options for foreign visitors, enhancing the overall memorable experience for a much wider audience.
Summary
Any of the above can improve the reputation of the business and result in genuine benefits. A commitment to green policies is one powerful way that smart street furniture can help a modern small business today. Of course, smart devices such as motion-controlled lighting can improve safety, and responsive furniture can provide audible information for enhanced accessibility.
Images courtesy of unsplash.com, pexels.com and Freepix.com
