Interactive light, sound, and sensory room

It's not often that we write about individual jobs but a recent installation in London seemed worthy.

When we were contacted back in June, Preston Manor Lower School were looking for a "high tech projector system" for their growing number of autistic children. The room had to remain as a part-time functioning classroom so the soft play padding that you'd usually find in a sensory room couldn't be included, and any pieces of equipment had to be as unobtrusive as possible. This meant that the traditional bubble tube was swapped with a bubble wall, and coloured spotlights replaced with LED strips to provide a colourful wash over the walls.

With only two days to provide a quotation, we promoted a system based on the strength of our Ensemble interactive sensory room controller. It was the combination of wireless sensors and Xbox controllers that caught the eye of the school, and the design of the space was best described as a cross between an interactive light and sound room, and a multi sensory room.

When visiting later in the year I took a few photos for our records, but we were able to use them to mock up what the room would look like. It turned out nicer than a 3D CAD drawing as it's easier for everyone to visualise, including the clutter!

Visualisation of the Preston Manor School interactive light, sound, and sensory room.

While plans had to change due to the location of the newly installed projector, the overall effect was just as we'd hoped. By moving the LED lighting to face upwards the entire room now changes colour, rather than just the walls.

The finished interactive light, sound, and sensory room

As many cables as possible were kept in the existing trunking, and special faceplates were installed to handle the connections from the computer. The result is a very neat finish, one that can easily fulfil both uses of the classroom, and one that we're proud of.

Apollo Creative products for retail display

While our standard products are designed for multi sensory rooms to enhance the lives of those using them, the same ideas can be transferred to retail display and exhibitions. The two areas have a surprising amount of overlap, for example both are trying to encourage a response from those that they come across, and so with a few modifications our products can be ideal for retail.

Products can be suspended in our bubble tubes, stickers can display a company or product logo, and colour schemes can be made to match.

Get in touch with your requirements and we'll work together to help promote your brand.

Multi sensory packages on a budget from Apollo Creative

Not only is money tight at the moment, but space can be also. Add those two together and the prospect of a multi sensory room can feel a very long way away indeed.

It's for this reason that we've got a number of sensory packages. Simple bits of equipment which when added together can give the multi sensory feel. Some are also designed to be movable so if suddenly your circumstances change, the equipment can adapt with you.

If you've only got a spare corner, one of the best ways to make the most of it is by using mirrors. Mirrors make any space feel bigger, and also enhance the effect of coloured lighting. Anyone can put together our Mirrored Bubble Tube Corner making it easy for you to do yourself, another cost saver.

No matter how big or small your space might be, there's always something that you can do with it. Get in touch with us to find out how we can help.

Ensemble drives the Young Enterprise Awards

Yesterday I went to the North Yorkshire Young Enterprise Awards in Harrogate. Just like 12 months ago I was in charge of lights, sounds, and videos, and controlled everything from a single Xbox controller.

This time, not only was there sound and light welcoming each team to the stage, but a 90-second introduction video with synchronised lighting.

There were some really professional presentations with some great products, and one of the companies even dressed in a chicken costume to attract attention!

Another great day, can't wait for next year.

News: London calls for Apollo Creative team

A set of bespoke bubble tubes designed and built at a Knaresborough technology park have been on display in one of the world’s most famous department stores.

They were created by the team of just three specialists at Apollo Creative, based on Manse Lane in Knaresborough, for the launch of a new Clarins product at Selfridges on Oxford Street in London.

Ben Johnson, product specialist at Apollo, said: “The bubble tubes are generally for sensory rooms, but we have also worked with shops and exhibition installations in the past.

“It was great to be invited to work with a prestigious brand like Clarins, especially in such an iconic department store.”

Apollo Creative was approached by design4retail on behalf of Clarins at the end of 2012, when the project was being planned. The design of the display area meant the bubble tubes needed to be twice as large as the standard design made by Apollo Creative and the related equipment, such as the lighting and the air pump, also had to be adapted to work properly with a larger installation.

“By the time the order came through, we only had about ten days to get everything ready to go,” said Ben. “Luckily, they had given us some of the fittings from the display so we could see how the tubes and all the related equipment could go together and make sure everything was perfect before it was sent down to London.”

The Clarins display has just been taken down after being in place for seven weeks, which Ben said was an unusually long time for a promotional installation. He hopes the work being on show in such a high-profile position for a long period will lead to similar projects in the future for the small but ambitious team at Apollo Creative.

Bespoke bubble tubes used for retail display in London

Bubble tubes used as a podium for product launch

Earlier this year, retail design specialists design4retail approached Apollo Creative hoping to incorporate extra wide bubble tubes for a retail display in Selfridges, London. The 400mm diameter bubble tubes were over twice as large as standard bubble tubes so certain modifications were needed, such as brighter LEDs and a more powerful air pump.

We worked closely with their design team, providing drawings and modifying the bubble tubes to accommodate the wishes of their client. The bubble tubes were used as a display podium, and a sticker was placed around the outside of the tube to fit the branding of the products.

News: Yorkshire firm aims to up its game

If you enjoy playing video games you’ll already be familiar with the satisfaction to be had from a slick move which defeats your enemy, wins you a race or scores a spectacular goal.

But imagine if that same controller or game pad had the power to change the environment around you – lighting, sound, image and video.

A small firm Yorkshire-based firm already has and, as a result, people with severe learning or physical disabilities have been able to enjoy control over their environment or the pleasure of playing music - simply by applying pressure on the buttons on a games console controller.

Frode playing the Xbox Controller

The familiar wireless Xbox controller is incorporated into Apollo Creative’s Ensemble technology which also employs other sensors, switches and pressure pads to trigger sounds or images linked to a theme of the user’s choosing.

“It could be outer space or the rainforest; a musical performance or interactive storytelling session; it really does depend on the images or sounds available as a resource,” said Apollo’s creative director Mark Hildred. “One of the advantages of the Ensemble software is that it’s adaptable and easy to change.”

Often young people with physical disabilities can be put-off by the specialist equipment which can appear to be too childish or emphasise their differences. However, the games controller comes with an inbuilt 'cool' factor, plus the fact that it’s often already familiar.

“We’ve seen youngsters master simple tunes with the controller – and derive a great deal of pleasure from it,” said Mr Hildred.

“I recently encountered a young man who had a very severe physical disability and only really had control over his head movement. With careful positioning of the controller he was able to play the joystick using his chin. In fact he was the best player we met that day, easily out performing the more able bodied performers.”

The Ensemble package has already helped the company reach the final of the ICT Special Educational Needs Solutions category at the British Educational Training & Technology (Bett) Awards in London at the end of the month (Jan 30 – Feb 1), and Mr Hildred has confirmed 2013 could see Apollo widening its appeal in the broader education sector.

“We primarily supply Ensemble equipment to the special needs market, but have a number of situations where it's used in mainstream settings including a pilot project to introduce nursery children to music,” said Mr Hildred.

“We’re hoping the Bett Show and awards in London gives us a platform to promote the concept. The audience will be representing education providers from around the globe so it’s a massive opportunity for us – and we need to make sure we grab it with both hands.

“If you’re serious about learning a musical instrument, then there’s no substitute for the real thing - but let’s say your objective is just to pique the interest of a class of children or to teach them the rudiments of music.

“Wouldn’t it be great if you could hand them something they’re probably already familiar with and associate with fun?”