YEAR 2018
TYPE INDIVIDUAL

Canon Pop-up Retail Design

A branded interactive pop-up featuring Canon’s product ecosystem

Client/Brand Research

(research done in collaboration with Erin Ryan)
A thorough investigation of Canon’s brand was done in order to create key insights for use in the pop-up design. We researched Canon’s history, brand identity, and consumer perspectives, as well as current physical brand applications.

Canon’s Brand Image

Canon is a highly reputable brand with a long legacy of creating cameras and other imaging products. In addition to cameras and lenses, Canon has a large product line-up of printers, software, and accessories, setting themselves apart from major competitors such as Nikon or Sony, targeting both professionals and everyday consumers.

Because of its long history and quality products, Canon is seen as a leader in the marketplace. As a brand, Canon has a wide audience and does not necessarily cater to a specific audience. During our research, we found out that one of Canon’s key audiences is creatives—people who use imaging products in their everyday workflows for creative purposes, but who do not necessarily identify themselves as photographers or as Canon’s main audience.

We also identified one of Canon’s key strengths—its wide-ranging ecosystem and product integration. Canon uses technologies so that its products can work together seamlessly; for example, a camera can wirelessly beam an image to a printer.

Problem Space

Even though Canon has a variety of different valuable audiences, we found that Canon doesn’t have any targeted marketing or experiences towards creative professionals. Because creative professionals tend to be drawn towards a brand image, I identified this audience as an opportunity to design for, in order to solidify Canon as a forward, creative-driven brand.

I took some time to investigate exactly how I wanted to showcase product in the pop-up. I realized that an experience would be more engaging than a simple retail space with product. In addition, research showed that many consumers do a large amount of research before an expensive technological purchase,

Design Phase

Initial Form Development

I was initially inspired by the idea of vignettes, both as a photograph object and as a way of organizing ideas. The idea of using vignettes inspired modularity, where the pop-up could be broken up into different sections. For a form, I was drawn to the simple rectangular frame of a photographic vignette.

Final Form Idea

I was ultimately inspired by a classic photo booth. I could create a modular space out of multiple “booths,” and a photo booth conveys the idea of an active space for photography and creative output.

Each “vignette” or activity occupies a booth, a collection of which ultimately becomes the pop-up experience.

Form Sketches

Final Exterior Form Design

Interior Interaction Design

In deciding how to approach designing the interactions inside one of the booths, I looked for inspiration on how artists and designers were using cameras in interesting ways. I was intrigued by how some graphic designers use photographic techniques to create interesting compositions and posters.

I synthesized these techniques with Canon’s ecosystem of products to design an experience where graphic designers and artists can feel empowered to create visual compositions with Canon cameras and accessories.

I created an interactive environment using three of Canon’s product ecosystems: cameras, accessories, and printers.

A collection of objects is presented on a surface, where guests can arrange them into a composition, take a photo with a Canon wireless remote, and beam images to the printer, highlighting three separate Canon product families and their seamless use together.

Mock-Ups and Motion Design