From the rise of home-based cafes to the soft launches of new businesses, many have been drastically affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this season of change, brands had to be innovative in adapting their operations and strategies to fit into this new norm. With some of these changes being here to stay, there is no doubt that businesses will be significantly impacted in the long run. However, what comes next after Covid-19? What will businesses of the future look like? Here are the top three trends companies should take note of in a post-Covid world. 

Go digital, but make it quick

(DBS Moolahpoly Interactive Microsite, developed by Trinax)

For one, Covid-19 has rapidly accelerated the rate of digitalisation. A McKinsey survey found that the adoption of digital technologies have sped up by several years in just a few months. With movement restrictions and social distancing measures, various businesses were forced to adapt their operations by doing digital. From live streaming events to the curation of stay-at-home survival guides, businesses have tried many ways to stay connected to their customers in a pandemic. Beyond businesses, consumers were not spared from these changes. Work-from-home arrangements saw employees scramble to get used to virtual platforms for meetings and discussions. Home-based learning arrangements led children to explore learning and engaging with their teachers and peers in a new virtual space. With our greater reliance on technology, many have turned to digital platforms for a variety of purposes and have grown used to it. In a post-covid world, businesses will have to provide smooth digital services to a generation of consumers who are now much more comfortable with the use of technology and online platforms.  

Omni-channel strategies still triumph 

While digital strategies have grown in importance through the pandemic, an omni-channel framework is still needed to reach customers in an engaging way. Referring to the seamless integration between digital and physical platforms, omni-channel strategies are key to providing customers with a unified user journey across various channels and touch-points. To serve the changing needs of consumers that arose due to the pandemic, it is important for businesses to build robust omni-channel strategies to reach their users effectively. 

(Avenue South Residence AR Mobile Application, developed by Trinax)

At Trinax, omni-channel experiences are central to the products and services we create. With the use of virtual reality and augmented reality features, WebXR experiences seek to enhance the user experience. For instance, Trinax worked with luxury condominium Avenue South Residence to build an Augmented Reality mobile application to elevate their customer experience. Visitors to the showflat simply had to scan the QR codes located on the miniature replica of the residence with their mobile device to learn more about the facilities. Upon doing so, users could gain access to pop-ups containing layout, descriptions and images related to the scanned structure. By bridging the physical and digital touch-point experience, WebXR offers customers an immersive way to learn about or experience new products.

Adaptability is key 

(From Top Left: Aquatic Trove Digital Playground, The Clementi Mall Speed Sorting Game, Suntec City F1 Racing Microsite Game and Gamified Instagram Filter, developed by Trinax) 

Lastly, adaptability is key for brands to thrive in this new norm. Businesses need to adapt to the constant changes brought about by events or measures to stay relevant to their customers. Similarly, we had to adjust our strategies here at Trinax in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the past, it was possible for users to be having fun at a shopping mall swiping virtual red packets as fast as they could on an interactive kiosk while basking in the Chinese New Year festivities. With the cancellation of physical events and lower footfall at public places, we had to rethink our initial strategy of using physical interactive experiences to connect with the public. Furthermore, we had to reconsider the way users interacted with our products and services. Given the hygiene concerns arising from the pandemic, it was important to create services that involved minimal physical contact to reduce virus transmissions. 

Virtual and Hybrid Events are here to stay

(BASF Interactive Virtual Showroom, developed by Trinax) 

With so many new considerations to take note of, Trinax started to adapt our projects accordingly. To ensure a seamless transition from physical to online events, we collaborated with several businesses to create virtual and hybrid events. Without facing physical constraints related to space and time, such events have the potential to reach a wider audience than before. Features such as a 360 degree view of actual showrooms, live conferences, video walkthroughs and gamified touchpoints aim to simulate the in-person environment for the user in a virtual space. Furthermore, with the chance to actively participate in the virtual event with live chats and polls, users were thoroughly engaged in this immersive digital experience. Upon recognising the benefits of utilising such forms of technology, many companies may still choose to leverage on such platforms even after the pandemic. 

Redefining Customer Experience 

(Prudential WorkPLAYce Interactive Microsite, developed by Trinax)

Besides virtual and hybrid events, Trinax also focused on rolling out marketing games that could be easily experienced from the comfort of our homes. With an increased reliance on our mobile devices due to the pandemic, Trinax recognised that it was crucial for brands to reach out to customers in digital spaces. With the creation of interactive microsites and multiplayer games, users could compete with other players in exciting games to win attractive prizes. 

Businesses of the Future 

While our world has been significantly changed by the Covid-19 pandemic, we can still prepare ourselves for this new environment. With ample preparation and trend forecasting, businesses can successfully adapt to these new changes. To ride these new trends, Trinax is ready to partner with you to create an immersive digital experience built with an omni-channel framework to meet the changing needs of your customers. Power the future of interactive experiences with Trinax and stay in touch with us for collaboration opportunities.