Our journey to the Maison & Objet show in Paris marked a significant milestone for TechStudio. As a convergence point for the foremost furnishing brands and industry influencers, the event provided us with a unique platform to delve into the latest trends and connect with key players in the interior design world. Our goal was clear: to engage with these industry leaders, absorb their insights, and explore potential collaborations.
It is important to note that the design show in Paris is one of a handful of global events each year that brings together designers and specifiers; decoration, design, furniture, accessories, textiles, tableware and more. The event typically showcases an excess of 3,000 international brands to over 70,000 interiors professionals
In-Depth Insights from Industry Leaders
Our series of discussions with leading furnishing brands at Maison & Objet opened a window into the current and future state of the industry. One striking revelation was the eagerness of these brands to explore digital engagement strategies. This wasn't just about adopting new technologies; it was about rethinking how to connect with their B2B customers in an increasingly digital world. Surprisingly, while many acknowledged the potential of digital tools, they were only scratching the surface of what AI could offer. The conversations often circled back to how broad ideas about how AI could revolutionize customer interactions, streamline design processes, and even predict emerging trends.
Another key insight was the intense competition within the industry. Brands were not just competing on the quality of their products but also on how they presented and marketed them online. The digital showcase has become as important as the physical one, if not more. This competitive fervor underscored a need for innovative solutions that could help brands stand out in a crowded digital marketplace.
Key Takeaway #1: brands & retailers are exploring more digital touchpoints for B2B customers in order to differentiate
The third significant insight revolved around the challenges of digital transformation. Many brands expressed concerns about the investment required to create scalable, engaging digital experiences. This included the high costs and technical challenges associated with producing high-quality digital imagery and interactive online configurations. There was a palpable sense of urgency to find solutions that were both effective and economically viable.
The Interior Designers' Perspective
In conversing with interior designers, we tapped into a shared pain point: the inefficiency of product sourcing. This was a multifaceted problem. On one hand, designers found themselves limited by familiar suppliers, leading to a lack of diversity in their design options. On the other hand, they faced the Herculean task of sifting through vast catalogues, trying to match products to specific project visions. This process was not only time-consuming but often led to missed opportunities to discover unique pieces that could elevate their designs.
Key takeaway #2 – end customers are seeking more personalisation and their visual needs are increasing
The designers expressed a desire for a more streamlined approach. They envisioned a tool that could help them quickly identify products that align with their creative vision, without the need to manually scour through catalogues or websites. The idea of a visual search tool was met with enthusiasm. Such a tool could transform a picture or a sketch into a gateway for finding matching or similar products from a wide range of suppliers. This could significantly shorten the sourcing timeline and enhance the creativity of their designs.
Bringing it Home
The conversations at Maison & Objet highlighted a burgeoning need within the design world: a more efficient and innovative approach to product discovery and customer engagement. This is where TechStudio steps in. We are the world’s first company focused on building customizable AI solutions specifically tailored to the needs of brands and retailers in the interiors world. TechStudio's approach is to ultimately facilitate change by offering tools and strategies that aid brands and retailers in navigating the digital landscape more competitively. Our long-term focus is on fostering a digital ecosystem between both online and offline worlds (i.e. interactive digital experiences in stores) where personalization, efficiency, and innovation are at the forefront.
Overall, the outcomes of this venture were extraordinarily fruitful – we not only gathered a wealth of insights but also initiated promising dialogues, setting the stage for ongoing partnerships with some of Europe's leading furnishing brands
If you would like to build with us in this space or simply would like to chat further reach out to: am@techstudio.ai