Zonal Connect City
The Client
For over four decades, Zonal has been at the forefront of hospitality technology in the UK, priding itself on unparalleled customer support. Its inception in 1979 marked the introduction of the market’s first electronic point-of-sale (ePoS) system, revolutionising the industry.
Today, Zonal is the UK’s leading hospitality technology provider, supporting over 16,000 businesses, ranging from local independents to major chains like JD Wetherspoon and Pizza Express. Its comprehensive suite of integrated technology solutions, from cutting-edge ePoS systems to advanced customer engagement tools, empowers operators to enhance their service, streamline operations and maximise profitability.
The Project
We’ve previously worked with Zonal to create a bespoke exhibition stand for two of the hospitality industry’s biggest trade shows. After the success of that project, it asked us to develop a suite of immersive digital environments that walk potential customers through interactive product demonstrations in virtual hotel, restaurant and pub/bar settings.
Showcasing its innovative products and solutions to the hospitality sector online and at expos and trade shows is a big part of Zonal’s marketing strategy. It wanted a more immersive way of demonstrating to website visitors its solutions, how they work and their benefits.
It also attends several events a year and wanted to provide the same engaging, interactive digital experience to visitors to its exhibition stands.
The Solution
Our solution was to create a series of interactive virtual 360° environments, based on real-life settings, enabling users to see Zonal’s solutions at first hand. Called Connect City, each environment places the user at the heart of a virtual pub, hotel or restaurant, where they can explore various touchpoints to experience Zonal’s technology in action.
As they navigate each setting, they come across hotspots which, when clicked, reveal more information about each solution, how it works and how it benefits customers. Users can also click through to different areas of each setting – such as reception, kitchen, bedroom and lounge – to explore each aspect of Zonal’s technology and how it can be implemented.
The Connect City environments feature on the relevant pages on Zonal’s corporate website. They can also be loaded onto touchscreen displays and handheld tablets, allowing Zonal’s team to give interactive technology demonstrations to potential customers at events and sales meetings.
The Impact
Connect City signifies a transformative approach in Zonal’s engagement with the hospitality sector, underscoring its dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions.
By simulating real-world applications of its technology within a virtual environment, we’ve helped Zonal to bridge the gap between conceptual understanding and practical utility.
Potential clients can now interact with Zonal’s products in a dynamic and intuitive manner, gaining insights into how its solutions can streamline their operations.
Our digital solution also provides Zonal with a distinctive edge at industry events and in online presentations, allowing for a more compelling and persuasive demonstration of its technologies.
It has strengthened Zonal’s position as a leader in hospitality technology, opening new avenues for customer engagement and business growth.
Testimonial
“Thank you for turning our vision into reality by bringing Zonal’s Connected City to life.
“The team’s ability to convert our brief into an immersive experience exceeded our expectations and it truly sets us apart in the hospitality technology sector.
“Collaborating with Chris, Paul and Joe was an absolute pleasure; their professionalism, responsiveness and always-on communication made this project seamless from start to finish.”
Abbie Hanks
Head of Demand Generation, Zonal