For the technologically-driven SK-II Future X Smart Stores, Rare Volume designed and produced a series of interactive portrait installations for six locations throughout Asia and the United States. The experience pairs high-resolution cameras with custom analysis and graphics software, generating realtime responses to visitors’ emotions for the global beauty brand’s innovative retail, pop-up, and event network.
Associate Creative Director
Integrating motion tracking and expression analysis algorithms, Rare Volume developed a multimillion -particle dynamic fluid simulation which mimics facial movements and gestures. As a customer’s facial expression changes, the visual and sonic palettes respond in realtime.
As part of the process we looked into which colors are both on-brand and reflect each emotion. As well as different behaviors per emotion, such as particle size, shape, amount, speed and duration.
SK-II, HUGE
Frame Awards—Innovation Award
The FWA—FWA of the Month Nominee
The FWA—FWA of the Day
Behance—Exhibition & Signage
Communication Arts—SK-II Installation
CommArts Magazine—Design Annual | 61
The Drum—disrupted the beauty industry with emerging technology
BuzzFeed Japan—Cutting-edge skin care experience
WE AND THE COLOR—SK-II Future X Smart Stores: Interactive Portrait Installations
ELLE—Expression is art
Wired Japan—redesign the relationship between people and skincare
Getty Images—SK-II Future X Smart Store At CES 2019
Vogue Japan—skin care shopping experience where “I am the main player”
Rare Volume
Creative Director—Jonathan Kim
Associate Creative Director—Alvin Groen
Design & Motion—Yun Chen, Hayato Yamane, Alvin Groen, Joyce N. Ho, Jonathan Kim, Min Hyung Chun