John Grainger with samples of the Ascend Rugs range. Photo
from ODT files.
An augmented reality (AR) application for the iPad,
designed by the New Zealand Merino Company, will help
Christchurch company Ascend Rugs show its entire range of rugs
to a wider audience.
Ascend Rugs are hand-crafted, custom rugs featuring
contemporary designs and New Zealand wool, and have adorned
the floor of the late Elizabeth Taylor's bedroom and the
homes of Paris Hilton, Kanye West, Ernie Els and Magic
Johnson.
The application allowed any of the rugs from the collection
to be positioned in a room using a simple "marker" that was
printed on a sheet of paper and placed on the floor.
The free app was created with interior designers in mind, to
help them easily show clients a variety of options without
having to carry around cumbersome samples, which could be
difficult to visualise at full size.
"The AR technology allows you to experiment with every
possible combination of colour, size and placement in the
room.
"When you've found the perfect match, you can simply email
the picture direct from the app, to the client, yourself, or
to a sales agent to place an order.
"It is so easy and intuitive to use, and it's going to be a
great time-saver for both designers and their clients,"
Ascend Rugs chief executive John Grainger said.
The ZQ merino fibre used in the range was backed by an
accreditation programme.
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