We’re thrilled to share that SLD was awarded second place for the “Most Innovative Business Solution of the Year” under the China Business Impact Awards, in recognition of our new prototype branch design project for Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank (CQRC)! The China Business Impact Awards are organized by CanCham Shanghai, supported by the Consulate General […]
SLD Recognized at The China Business Impact Awards Read More »
Since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, generative AI has been a popular topic of conversation. Microsoft’s Copilot, Google’s Gemini, and Claude followed, as ChatGPT ignited an AI race. What was once science fiction is now a reality, with AI assistants that can respond to almost any question. Since their introduction over a year
Is Retail Banking Ready For AI-Driven Advice? Read More »
For retail design, creating great customer experiences isn’t just about the store’s interior. How it looks from the outside is equally important. The way your retail location looks from the street or the shopping mall impacts your brand image. It’s like a giant advertising canvas. How you use this space is key to creating a
Retail Design: The Power of Exterior (Re)branding Read More »
https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SLD_CaseStudy_CQRC_Header_720.mp4 BRANCHING OUT INTO COMMUNITY A prototype design for banks that harmonizes financial service with local nature and culture. CLIENT Chongqing RuralCommercial Bank PROJECT New Prototype Branch Design RELATED SERVICE Retail DesignDigital Experiences https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SLD_CaseStudy_CQRC_ReceptionDigital.mp4 THINK To demonstrate its commitment to the local community, Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank (CQRC) needed a modern and approachable prototype design.
Bank branches are often perceived as transactional spaces, lacking in human touch. However, when thoughtfully designed, they possess the power to attract foot traffic and constitute a major part of a bank’s brand identity. In this blog, we’ll showcase five exceptional examples of thoughtful branch design, from Asia to Europe and North America. Each highlights
5 Great Examples of Bank Branch Design Read More »
The world of telecommunications has evolved at a rapid pace, especially within the last decade. With the recent introduction of 5G networks, telecom retailers have redesigned their stores to become experience centers with various IoT products, rather than only selling mobile phones. Brands like Verizon have been at the forefront of change, using evolving technologies
5 Great Examples Of Telecom Retail Design From Around The World Read More »
The world appears to have drastically changed in 2023. With conflicts erupting all over the world, inflation taking hold, and the unprecedented growth of commercially available AI, brands have had to manage and react to a wide range of issues. 2024 will be a year for brands to demonstrate their beliefs and their concern for
2024 SLD Trends Report Read More »
The financial industry is transforming rapidly. From multi-channel approaches to omnichannel experiences and the rise of AI-driven seamless banking, institutions are embracing changes at various stages. This transformation is being accelerated by Europe’s enthusiastic embrace of open banking, which will shortly be followed by open finance. Together, they offer customers greater control over their financial
Unlocking a World of Seamless Banking: Empower Customers at Every Step Read More »
https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SLD_CaseStudy_FLOW_Header_720.mp4 TRANSFORMation THAT FLOWS Uniting a cable and a wireless brand into a transformational experience store featuring an adaptive digital content system. CLIENT CWC PROJECT Flow Caribbean Retail Store Design RELATED SERVICE Retail DesignDigital Experiences THINK With the amalgamation of two brands into one, Flow was redesigned with an adaptive digital content system for a
Digital signage, when used effectively, can be a powerful weapon for capturing the hearts and minds of consumers during their shopping experience. Many merchants now use digital signage to promote bargains, content, and other offerings throughout their networks. The misuse of digital signage, on the other hand, can irritate customers, leading to complaints about obtrusive
What’s Annoying Customers With Digital Signage and How To Fix It Read More »
The terms “inclusion” and “inclusivity” have become a topic of growing importance in the retail world. With recent controversies stirred up by big brands such as Bud Light, Target, and The North Face, many retailers are wondering if it’s no longer safe to go inclusive in a landscape that seems to penalize those who do.
Inclusivity in Retail: What Brands Are Doing Well? Read More »
Concept stores are an innovative departure from conventional brick-and-mortar stores, offering carefully curated, immersive encounters with a brand. Investing in a store that features minimal or no products on-site seems bold and costly. Why should brands consider such an investment? While profitability might not be the immediate outcome, concept stores possess great marketing potential. Their
The Power of Concept Stores with Little or No Inventory Read More »
Self-checkouts should be working better than they do. Although consumers are warming up to them, theft related to a cashier-less experience is so extreme that some retailers are pulling them out. Others are amping up deterrence measures, but many of these practices are rubbing consumers the wrong way. Is there a better approach? In this
Theft versus Experience: A Behavioral Approach to Self-Checkouts Read More »
While Tesla is a contentious company in the automobile industry, there is no doubt that the Tesla brand has become one of the fastest-growing automobile companies in history. The relatively new company has revolutionized the industry in more ways than one over the last decade. One of the most significant has been a change in
In the age of technology, industries are rapidly changing to incorporate new and exciting technological developments. Retail is no exception, with the introduction of many new technologies over the years. With the development of Extended Reality devices, equipping retail spaces with extended reality (XR) experiences can serve as an additional touchpoint in a brand’s omnichannel
Leveraging Extended Reality (XR) in Retail Spaces Read More »
Digital, of all types, transformed how we live, work and shop. The next phase of the digital transformation will witness a shift from the omnichannel of the last decade to seamless experiences driven by the integration of dispersed technologies and platforms in an integrated and holistic AI-driven experience. Our study in 2021 post covid on
The Three Emerging States of Digital Transformation Read More »
How To Overcome Customer Attrition? From NPS scores to customer account depth and new customer acquisition, financial institutions track a plethora of metrics to gauge the health of their business. But what if these metrics are lagging predictors of future success, and financial institutions need to focus on what is truly important? As seen on
How to Reduce Customer Attrition in Banking: Insights and Strategies Read More »
Digital banking has become a priority for many central banks during the pandemic. As a result, many financial institutions have taken advantage of the opportunity to reduce their branch network. According to research, 2021 had one of the highest rates of bank closures, up 38% from the previous year. With banks making decisions to close
5 Mistakes Banks Are Making With Bank Branch Closures Read More »
According to our recent research on the circular economy, one of the biggest barriers to adopting more sustainable products and services is inconvenience. This shouldn’t come as a shock: making things easy for consumers is one of the pillars of good service. In a world where we can have almost anything delivered to our doorstep
Why Customer Convenience Is Critical To Circular Economy Participation Read More »
In 2022, in spite of inflation and the threat of a recession, consumers flocked to stores, restaurants, and other in-person experiences after several years of COVID-related barriers. Concerts were sold out, restaurants were booked weeks in advance, and wedding season was outright crazy – all while venues, stores, and kitchens were understaffed. Although consumers may
How Brands Are Delivering High-Touch Service Experiences In 2022 Read More »
