Nescafe's new 'hello bench' brand activation brings people closer together, literally. Attendees at Salone del Mobile, an annual furniture fair in Milan, Italy, were quick to make connections with one another upon discovering Nescafe's unique stunt.
The bench is equipped with two sensors that are activated when participants sit on opposite sides. It shortens in length when two people sit on it, moving the people closer together, creating an instant ice breaker and forging a path for new connections.
The relationship between architecture and human connection is explored through this ad, as one discovers that their surroundings play a major role in how, or who they connect with. Often designed with solidarity in mind, tables, chairs, and other public resting points are frequently overlooked or ignored as potential meeting places for strangers to connect. Nescafe's 'hello bench' is a vivid reminder of the potential role urban design can play in encouraging human connection.
Friendship-Forming Bench Stunts
Nescafe's 'Hello Bench' Helps Strangers Break the Ice
Trend Themes
1. Interactive Furniture - As seen with Nescafe's 'hello bench', interactive furniture is a trend that encourages engagement and connection.
2. Social Architecture - The exploration of architecture's impact on human connection, as seen with the 'hello bench', is a growing trend in design and urban planning.
3. Brand Activations - The 'hello bench' is an example of successful brand activation in creating a memorable and engaging experience for potential customers.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture - The concept of interactive furniture, as demonstrated by Nescafe's 'hello bench', presents an opportunity for disruption and innovation in the furniture industry.
2. Urban Planning - Urban planners and architects can leverage the trend of social architecture to create public spaces that encourage community interaction and engagement.
3. Marketing and Advertising - By incorporating interactive elements into their brand activations, marketers have the opportunity to create more engaging and memorable experiences for their target audience.