Creativity assignment 02
- 1. A Crash Course on Creativity Assignme nt #2 Please note: some parts of this work are slightly #NSFW, don't read this if you think you might feel offended.
- 2. Are You Paying Attention? Chances are... you aren't! And me neither! So let's go to at least six different stores. Observe girls. Er... make observations. And watch for opportunities... All stores are located in Dijon, France.
- 3. First one an Italian specialties store "Le Roi des Pâtes"
- 4. I asked permission to stay, observe, take some pictures. Answer : NO! Did the owner realize this wonderful presentation could be seen worldwide by at least 35k people?! So... how to stay without being considered an intruder? I bought something that takes some time to be prepared and observed carefully around me while waiting! Since I don't have any photo... you'll have to use your imagination. :p
- 5. Green-White-Red storefront. It's a small, well lit, crowded store, full of delicious Italian food. The store looks quite old (but clean). You feel like you're in your Grandma's(nice memories) kitchen
- 6. Foodstuffs are everywhere, colorful, diverse and various. Vision plays an important role here. Profusion is the main rule, it's difficult to focus on something specific And to find what you came for, if you've never been there before.
- 7. Five to six person to serve clients -- in such a small store! The queue can be quite long, though! So you may have to wait quite a long time, despite the efficient staff. Plus cash registers are at both ends of the store: As the store is long and narrow, it sometimes create "knots in the queue"! And the staff has to cross this queue to serve clients with some fresh products.
- 8. The store should definitely keep its warm atmosphere. But it deserve some fitting out for easier movements in the store. Like, maybe, an opening for the clients to get their phone-ordered products, Or a U-shaped stall for the staff members to move more freely.
- 9. Time to move to my favorite another store: "Retrogames" As you'd expect, this is a video games store, for both recent and good old games! Here I was able to take some pics, as the owner is a cool and nice guy.
- 10. So here's the store! Oh, sorry, this kind of picture is so 2010. Let's do this with some cool-looking hipster-style pictures! (yeah, I look like a dork now, but an in-fashion one) (actually, I felt uneasy about using my bulky camera in most stores... so I only used my smartphone)
- 11. The store is quite small, but you have a feeling of space as the merchandise is sparse. Vintage collections of games and consoles, Great choice of product, good prices Well, not that sparse go ! ;) Fun ny lo Plus dedicated gaming and demo space! Everything we gamers like.
- 12. Young, funny and friendly: this could be the store's signature! Everyone comes for one thing: games, mostly used ones (and consoles, mostly vintage ones). You usually don't have to wait, as the owner is really dedicated to helping you if you need anything.
- 13. It's quite difficult to bring out those products, as the packages are all similar. Thus, atmosphere should make a difference. The store is well lit (large bay window, neon tubes) but looks quite empty, even cold, Despite a warm welcome From both owner... and clients!
- 14. I'd say the atmosphere could be improved with better space organization. Gaming is collective: the dedicated gaming room is an excellent idea. Gaming is a personal experience: space and lighting could be divided to create more intimate corners and draw clients' attention on specific stuff. Using this kind of panels ?
- 15. Let's go to another store: The "Librairie Grangier" OK. I feel really lucky today. Let's try again. Silence! Motor! Aaaaand action!
- 16. Another great store! The "Librairie de l'Université" (a.k.a. "Lib de l'U"). Which has nothing to do with the University of Burgundy, by the way...
- 17. This one is obviously dedicated to books, books, and... more books. It's a much bigger store, with three floors (and a fourth one with a stationery department, which I won't cover today).
- 18. Space is divided into thematic areas. For example, the art / design / photography one is great: Large bay window, comfortable armchairs and the books lie on tables A nice place where you can touch and read most books And spend a nice while before buying your favorite one... Oh, nice! I... Erm, sorry.
- 19. Other spaces follow a similar rule, but are less comfortable. Tons of books on shelves, no armchairs, good lighting. Wood everywhere, many nooks and corners... Which is nice, but becomes a nightmare when the place is crowded, As many people stand reading in aisles while others try to make their way through the store.
- 20. I'd say most departments in this place could be rearranged like the art and design department. It would improve the atmosphere -- the only thing online bookstores can't provide.
- 21. Also, cash registers can be found all over the place... and long queues too! They could be relocated only to the store's entries (opening into two streets). Staff members don't wear distinctive enough badges. Maybe unicorns uniforms would make them more visible when the store's crowded.
- 22. The biggest one: The "Galeries Lafayette" Here you can buy clothes and shoes, leather goods, cosmetic products, jewelry, tableware, etc. This stores chain was founded in 1895, so it's pretty well known in France. Let's enter a bigger store -- six large floors!
- 23. Each floor is square-shaped and features many different brands. Each brand has its own dedicated space. I think there are maybe 100+ brands here... OK you get it. As the store is huge and presents many brands, this organization of space tries to bring a consistent experience. It feels quite disturbing though -- too much really means too much.
- 24. The place is noisy and crowded with goods. Bright lights, strong colors, many complicated aisles, music, many clients... It really lacks some free space -- to move easily and to try some items. As a client, I don't want to stay here for a long time, but YMMV...
- 25. It seems to be hard to find a salesperson, as many of them move constantly while others can't leave their department. Cash registers aren't really visible too. Maybe it would be simpler with those hotel bells ;) I think this place is too big to be covered in a short time, I should go in another smaller one...
- 26. As if I were a child... The "FNAC Eveil" store Another chain, that sells games and toys (for children, in case you wonder). A much smaller place, obviously very carefully thought out. (I only say this because I have less to tell about it!).
- 27. This is a place designed for both children and their parents. Many goods, bright lights, vivid colors, carpets on the floor. A colorful display window, simple shapes like stars, squares and circles. It still feels like you're in a standard store, but a nice one.
- 28. Children are encouraged to touch and try most of the toys (well, at least children who can read) When you crouch down in the store, you still have many things at hand. And parents have all they need at eye level: games categories, ages, types... and prices!
- 29. Staff members are cheerful and polite, know the products and are helpful. It's easy to find them (the store is quite small, they initiate contact, they wear uniforms). They are all women, it looks like they all have children, which is important in this kind of store.
- 30. Last thing. Something I always notice in almost every store. The ceilings. In most stores, the ceiling is, well, unfinished. I think they could at least build false ceilings and use them e.g. for nicer lighting.
- 31. And maybe we could find some other uses. Like colored lines to help clients know the way to the department they're looking for, in a large store. Or just some giant photographs of the sky...
- 32. And... oooh, what is that beautiful place? My extra-favorite one! It's definitely worth a deep look and hours of observations. But... what would I look like, standing in a corner, taking notes, staring at clients and taking pictures? Ew! (PS: seriously, I'm just out of time, so no number 6 ;) )
- 33. The End Thanks for skipping all slides watching this presentation! Made with LibreOffice and Roidizer. Font: Avería Serif, by Dan Sayers (no hipster was hurt more than twice during this assignment)