HNB launches Sri Lanka’s first Oculus Rift virtual reality brand experience

Wednesday, 4 March 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Hatton National Bank (HNB), Sri Lanka’s premier private sector commercial bank recently launched Sri Lanka’s first-ever Oculus Rift brand experience using virtual reality (VR) technology as part of their ‘New World Banking’ marketing campaign. As the need for convenience increases with technology reaching all parts of the island and different walks of life, so has the demand for ease of access. New World Banking is a comprehensive digital platform, enabled by the world’s most advanced technology that works across multiple smart devices and touch points, allowing customers to carry out banking activities through Kiosks, Smart ATMs and mobile devices. The New World Banking campaign aims to build awareness about HNB’s array of innovative digital electronic and mobile banking products as well as highlight the special features of these comprehensive cross-platform systems. The New World Banking VR Experience brings the platform to life through next-generation virtual reality technology using the Oculus Rift – a head-mounted display that allows people to step into a virtual bank and interact with a 3D environment like never before. The technology creates an ultra-wide 3D stereoscopic field of view using high resolution imagery and uses low latency 360° head-tracking to seamlessly look around the virtual world as you would in real-life, creating a truly immersive experience. To enhance the experience, a Leap Motion 3D controller was also attached to the Oculus Rift to track real-time hand movements within the virtual environment. HNB Deputy General Manager – Retail and SME Banking Thimal Perera explained, “The New World Banking VR Experience is an innovative way of demonstrating experiential marketing to the public. With New World Banking, HNB is aggressively adopting the latest technologies to deliver a superior experience to our customers, while positioning ourselves as the Bank of the Future through innovative smart device-led banking, providing choice and convenience for 24 hours, 7 days of the week and 365 days of the year.” HNB commissioned international advertising agency, Saatchi & Saatchi Sri Lanka to carry out the marketing campaign in partnership with Shift Solutions, who developed the VR experience. Speaking about the brand experience, Saatchi & Saatchi Sri Lanka CEO Dushantha Ahangama said, “The rapid development of technology has demanded that brands must constantly innovate to stay relevant in today’s consumer environment. To date, the Oculus Rift has only been adopted by a handful of brands and individuals around the world. It is only fitting that a trusted brand like HNB be the first in Sri Lanka to adopt VR technology, and alter the local digital marketing landscape as we know it.” Sri Lankans can experience HNB’s New World Banking VR activation at HNB Jaffna on 4 March and HNB Towers on 9 March. For more information on HNB New World Banking, visit http://hnb.net/new-world-banking/.