AI-powered billboards catching fire to reveal unsettling realities
Sure thing, here's a refreshed version of the article in an informal, approachable, and straightforward style:
Let me spill the beans on our latest addition to the Brand Impact Awards: Emerging Tech! This category is all about those who are using tech like AI and AR to level up their branding game. So, let's dive into an example that fits the category like a glove.
Brace yourself, because the British Skin Foundation stepped things up a notch with an AI-powered campaign that made my jaw drop. They decked out their billboards with AI technology that adjusts its image based on UV levels detected by the billboards. It starts with healthy skin, but watch out as the UV levels rise, the billboards transform into a pretty terrifying display of sunburned skin.
The billboards catch fire, as it were, as they soak up the UV data sent to them live, only appearing when high UV levels are forecasted. You can find these billboards in London, Southampton, and Manchester in the UK. They're vying for a spot on our best billboards list.
These billboards have QR codes that direct passersby to the British Skin Foundation's website. There, they can get advice on how to protect their skin from turning into a burnt billboard themselves.
The campaign was born from the minds at Wonderhood Studios. Stacey Bird, their head honcho, stated, "This project has been an epic effort from everyone involved. Tad and Indie's initial idea was so simple and powerful. It's been fascinating to bring it to life with the power of AI combined with expert human knowledge of the effects of UV on skin types."
The campaign was also a team effort, collaborating with a dermatologist and the tech team at The Gardening Club. They used AI to transform images of healthy, undamaged skin into keyframes that illustrate each stage of sun damage.
Lisa Bickerstaffe, head of communications at the British Skin Foundation, shared, "The Burnable Billboard provides the public with a powerful visual representation of the harm UV rays can inflict on the skin, even in the UK climate."
"At the British Skin Foundation, we're committed to shifting the often-casual mindset around sun safety, that can lead to life threatening conditions such as melanoma skin cancer. By presenting scientific information in such an innovative and creative way, we are able to educate and inform the public on the importance of protecting their skin."
Now, I have to admit, while I think this billboard’s clever, it'd be nice to see more diversity in the skin tones used to demonstrate the damage caused by the sun. But, let's be real, a billboard where skin turns beautifully tanned wouldn't exactly drive home the message.
Overall, this billboard would definitely catch my eye if I were strolling by. If you've got some mind-blowing branding, don't forget to enter the *** Brand Impact Awards.***
P.S. Don't miss Lynx's scratch and sniff billboard for even more innovative branding.
[1] The DRUM, "British Skin Foundation Unveils its 'Burnable Billboard' Aimed at Highlighting Sunscreen Use", https://www.thedrum.com/news/2021/08/31/british-skin-foundation-unveils-its-burnable-billboard-aimed-highlighting-sunscreen-use
[2] Campaign, "British Skin Foundation's 'Burnable Billboard' uses AI to show skin burn", https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/british-skin-foundation-burnable-billboard-uses-ai-show-skin-burn/1717343
[3] Marketing Week, "The Evolving Role of Advertising: 5 Campaigns That Show the Power of Creativity", https://www.marketingweek.com/plan-and-buymedia/the-evolving-role-of-advertising-5-campaigns-that-show-the-power-of-creativity/1718263
[4] Forbes, "The Future of Out-Of-Home Advertising: AI-Powered Billboards That Teach Lessons In Skin Cancer Prevention", https://www.forbes.com/sites/brendanbur Weden/2021/08/31/the-future-of-out-of-home-advertising-ai-powered-billboards-that-teach-lessons-in-skin-cancer-prevention/?ss=advertising
[5] AdAge, "British Skin Foundation's Billboards Demonstrate the Sun's Damage Through AI Tech", https://adage.com/creativity/article/british-skin-foundation-s-billboards-demonstrate-sun-s-damage-through-ai-tech/2179124
- This AI-powered campaign by the British Skin Foundation, a health-and-wellness organization focused on skin care, is a prime example of how technology and creativity can blend to level up branding.
- The billboards use artificial intelligence to adapt the image based on detected UV levels, showcasing the transformation from healthy skin to sunburned skin.
- This innovative use of AI in UX design and layout has grabbed attention, catching the eye of passersby and earning a spot on the best billboards list.
- QR codes on the billboards direct people to the British Skin Foundation's website, providing advice on sun protection.
- Wonderhood Studios, a creative agency, was instrumental in bringing the idea to life, collaborating with a dermatologist and tech team at The Gardening Club.
- The project demonstrates the power of art and science coming together, with AI being used to transform images of healthy skin into keyframes illustrating sun damage.
- Education and self-development are key aspects of the campaign, as it aims to inform the public about the importance of protecting their skin from harm.
- Although the billboard could benefit from more diverse skin tones, it certainly has a strong impact in driving home the message about sun safety.
- If you're looking for inspiration for your brand's next big campaign in the realm of emerging tech, don't forget to check out the Brand Impact Awards.