Week 4 - Technology and Cruise Ship Experience
Blog Post 1
There are a variety of technologies that are currently under prototyping or soon to be implemented onto cruise ships. The following technologies were specifically investigated because they have the potential for the highest level of attraction and enhancement of the overall cruise ship experience.
Sea Walk
What better way to provide an unobstructed, breathtaking view of the ocean than with a transparent sea walk? This sea walk has been engineered to cantilever over 128 feet above the ocean, allowing for a 360 view of the surroundings! More importantly this innovation can become a stage
for nigh time entertainment, anything from concerts to movies and breathtaking sunsets. Currently customers only use the conventional top deck for sunbathing or other activities during daylight but with this clever technology the top deck can be a source of attraction 24/7.
Virtual Concert
With the immense size of these cruise ships and the number of passengers, entertainment areas need to be large enough to accommodate everyone, but the quality of the live performances are lost as you move further back. With virtual concerts, customers can experience the most stimulating footage, transmitted through a 16-camera shoot, across a series of screens providing a multisensory experience.
Virtual Balcony
Not all rooms on the cruise ship have that breathtaking balcony view. With the virtual balcony you can be having the same experience as those who paid the extra cash. Real time views of the ocean are available through 80 inch screen and even have real time sound, better yet you can chose your view! Also under research is the Two70, which transforms floor to ceiling windows into a digital show.
Bionic Bar
The only place where you will see a robot bartender is at sea. This innovative idea creates a unique and exciting experience for the guests. Guests can order any drink and watch the robots meticulously and efficiently make their drink. This technology isn’t flawless; some robot bartenders have malfunctioned tipping glasses over or spilling. In the future, when these glitches are worked out, the role of robots will play a much bigger role potentially being used for room service or cleaning!
RFID Technology
This technology is crucial in reducing ‘friction’ in guest experience. RFIC technology can be used in everything from checking in, to tracking luggage, to making bookings and even room keys. RFID technology will be key in the future, as cruise ships will increase in the number of passengers and safety will become a greater concern. This technology will play an important role in guest convenience, services and safety.
Blog Post 2
RFID Technology
This technology can be useful to all the proto-personas created. With this technology check-in, luggage tracking, bookings, room service etc. is made much easier! For Joe: The Family Man, this can be of more importance as he would be able to track down this children, and be as ease knowing where they are at all times. With the wristband technology, Joe would not need to worry about keys, reducing his stress levels. Additionally he would be able to safely make payments and check his account, reducing the time he would need to spend accessing Internet connection to check his balance or carrying a credit card around.
Robotic Arms
For all guests this is a very unique experience, and all proto-personas would enjoy the experience of watching the robots at work. Miss Diva, would especially enjoy the lively experience of the robotic arm as it will attract other young people from the cruise ship and allow her to interact and have an enjoyable time. This experience will also give her an exciting topic to post on social media to share with her friends, because this technology will only be seen on cruise ships it will definitely be something worth sharing. The use of robots for cleaning rooms or room service will allow the guests to experience efficient service, and will allow them to be at ease with personal belongings in their rooms.
Virtual Balcony
For guests who are on a tight budget, such as the proto-personas Fred and Bard:The Newlyweds, virtual technology will allow them to get the most out of their cruise ship experience. The newlyweds will have the opportunity to experience the scenic view from all over the cruise ship within their own rooms.
Blog Post 3
A robot mixes a drink and passes it to Tom. The robot scans his RFID bracelet, automatically charging him. An older man sits next to Tom with a confused look.
The man comments, "I can barely use my apple; now I have to order drinks from a robot."
Tom chuckles, "Well with these robots you can create a custom drink quickly and efficiently, and besides you don't have to tip."
"I guess so, its just--" the robotic arm swings around knocking Tom's drink over in the process. "Aha, I knew these things were no good."
Tom replies, "It's a new technology, nothing will be perfect immediately but with time the technology will progress and soon be something all will enjoy."
The old man shrugs, he pays for his drink and leaves. Tom orders a new drink from the robot.