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.
Friday, 26 April 2013
Friday, 19 April 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Bespoke bubble tubes used for retail display in London
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| Bubble tubes used as a podium for product launch |
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.
Friday, 25 January 2013
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.
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?”
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 |
“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?”
Monday, 3 December 2012
News: Apollo Creative in line for national award
Apollo Ensemble allows children with physical or learning difficulties to transform their body movements into sound, light, images and video and can be used for music-making, in sensory environments or for interactive story-telling.
Invented by Apollo Creative, based on Manse Lane in Knaresborough, the equipment has been shortlisted as a finalist in the ICT Special Educational Needs Solutions category of the British Educational Training & Technology Awards (Bett).
“The beauty of Apollo Ensemble is that it can be adapted for any user, no matter how limited their range of movement. It can be configured so that even the twitch of a finger can have significant audio or visual results,” explained creative director Mark Hildred.
“For schools working with children with a wide range of disabilities this is a real benefit. The system is portable too, so it can be taken wherever it’s needed.”
Apollo Creative has worked with establishments such as The Dales School at Morton-on-Swale, North Yorkshire, and KidsOut, a national charity which helps disadvantaged children.
Mr Hildred hopes the Bett Award nomination will help take Apollo Ensemble out to an even wider audience.
“Ensemble is really versatile – it can be integrated into classroom learning for group use or geared to an individual, which is why schools find it so useful,” he said. “We’re delighted the selection panel has recognised its advantage and have our fingers crossed for the final judging.”
The Bett Awards ceremony takes place on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel in London.
The Bett Awards are considered to be the most prestigious in the education sector, and are committed to celebrating a distinctive and diverse digital education resources market that meets the needs of the education system.
Event director with organisers i2i Events Group, Debbie French, said: “It is the quality of these products and services that helps to maintain the UK’s position as the leader in the use of technology in education.
“The specific nature of each individual child’s learning requirements means judging the products and services entered into the Bett Awards is possibly the most challenging of any award programme. This year we have been astounded by the levels of innovation in the judged products.”
Director of the British Educational Suppliers Association and chairman of the judging panel, Caroline Wright, added: “Despite schools now realising they do have strong available budgets, teachers are becoming more shrewd in assessing the aptness of products for their specific needs.
“Products therefore need to be of the highest standard to ensure that, aside from the initial purchase price, the total cost of ownership is low. This is what the judges have identified; products that offer the highest quality and are fit for purpose.
“These Bett Award finalists are certainly companies that schools can safely consider to be amongst the best available.”
Monday, 12 November 2012
The music plays on...
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| A slightly emptier control rack |
The room incorporated a lighting rig with various lighting effects; fixed sockets for wired sensors and switches; an effects unit and microphone; speakers; a PC with Apollo Ensemble; a large touch-screen monitor; black-out curtains; and a whole range of musical instruments.
Although the room equipment is now in storage, the Gordon Parry Centre's activities will continue.
- Music Therapy will be held at HEART, the Headingley community centre, until further notice.
- All three after school clubs will be rehoused at different venues, to be announced soon.
- Instruments from the instrument library will still be available by request.
- Bespoke projects will still be available to run in schools or other venues.
 |
| Equipment awaiting shipping |
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
News: Technology helps student to tune in
A student’s investigation into the effects of interactive sound displays has been given a helping hand from technology supplied by a Knaresborough company.
Marie Tueje used equipment provided by Apollo Creative as part of her final project for her MA in sound design at the University of York, looking into how people interact with displays in museums.
Marie created an interactive bench which emitted sound effects and clips depending on how many people were sitting on it.
“The project was called Immovable Transition, so the idea was that users would take a journey without moving,” she said.
“We had recorded soundscapes of trains, engines, announcements and things like that.
“We also used some voiceover recording snippets – broken up and disrupted texts that would come in every so often. They were drawn from users’ experiences.”
The equipment Marie used was Apollo Ensemble, a piece of technology which is more frequently used in schools to help children with special needs to interact with their environment. It can pick up on a range of different movements allowing the children to create light, sound, video and other effects.
In this case, the technology was installed on a bench at the National Railway Museum in York, where trigger pads on the seat meant visitors could interact with the sounds. Marie said it particularly appealed to older people who needed a rest during their trip to the museum, but who could stay with their families as they played on the bench, rather than being left behind.
Initially, Marie had not planned to carry out any practical work. When her tutor suggested she should, Apollo stepped in to make sure Marie could get the results she needed to complete her work.
“I got real feedback on my ideas and it was really interesting in terms of user experience and how that influences their relationship to what they were hearing,” she said.
“Just being able to take something that was theoretical and realise it in a practical setting and test it and get feedback was really useful.”
Apollo’s creative director Mark Hildred said: “Ensemble has been used in museums before, but it was great to be involved in a research project this time.
“When Marie got in touch to ask if we could help her, I was keen to do whatever I could to bring her theories to life and I’m pleased it has paid off.”
To see Marie’s work in action, visit http://vimeo.com/49753540.
Marie Tueje used equipment provided by Apollo Creative as part of her final project for her MA in sound design at the University of York, looking into how people interact with displays in museums.
 |
Young
visitors get to grips with Apollo Ensemble, creating
“soundscapes” by sitting on a bench at the National Railway Museum in York |
“The project was called Immovable Transition, so the idea was that users would take a journey without moving,” she said.
“We had recorded soundscapes of trains, engines, announcements and things like that.
“We also used some voiceover recording snippets – broken up and disrupted texts that would come in every so often. They were drawn from users’ experiences.”
The equipment Marie used was Apollo Ensemble, a piece of technology which is more frequently used in schools to help children with special needs to interact with their environment. It can pick up on a range of different movements allowing the children to create light, sound, video and other effects.
In this case, the technology was installed on a bench at the National Railway Museum in York, where trigger pads on the seat meant visitors could interact with the sounds. Marie said it particularly appealed to older people who needed a rest during their trip to the museum, but who could stay with their families as they played on the bench, rather than being left behind.
Initially, Marie had not planned to carry out any practical work. When her tutor suggested she should, Apollo stepped in to make sure Marie could get the results she needed to complete her work.
“I got real feedback on my ideas and it was really interesting in terms of user experience and how that influences their relationship to what they were hearing,” she said.
“Just being able to take something that was theoretical and realise it in a practical setting and test it and get feedback was really useful.”
Apollo’s creative director Mark Hildred said: “Ensemble has been used in museums before, but it was great to be involved in a research project this time.
“When Marie got in touch to ask if we could help her, I was keen to do whatever I could to bring her theories to life and I’m pleased it has paid off.”
To see Marie’s work in action, visit http://vimeo.com/49753540.
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