This episode features James Murden, co-founder of AliveLab, who leveraged his experience in television shopping to launch an augmented reality (AR) product for children. It offers a unique perspective on bridging traditional retail strategies with innovative technology to create and sell a novel product.
Key takeaways
Former QVC presenters utilized their direct-to-consumer sales expertise from TV shopping to launch a new AR product for children.
AliveLab developed 'Mardles,' an augmented reality play product, demonstrating an early application of AR in consumer goods.
The co-founders' backgrounds in mobile and audio-visual technology, combined with direct sales, provided a strong foundation for launching an innovative product.
Strategic partnerships and leveraging existing sales channels (like TV shopping) can be crucial for new product introductions.
Identifying emerging technologies like augmented reality and finding niche applications (children's play products) can lead to unique market opportunities.
Themes
augmented realitydirect-to-consumere-commerce innovationproduct development
With his background in mobile and audio-visual technology and easy on-screen manner, James was a successful presenter for consumer electronics on television shopping channel QVC – which is where he met Sharon, now his business partner, who fronted interior design segments at the time. After Sharon came across augmented reality technology as applied in mobile decorating applications, the two decided to create a business in this area, using AR technology to create a play product for children, Mardles, and using their home shopping experience to sell it on television.
Frequently asked about this episode
What does this episode say about augmented reality?
Former QVC presenters utilized their direct-to-consumer sales expertise from TV shopping to launch a new AR product for children.
What does this episode say about direct-to-consumer?
AliveLab developed 'Mardles,' an augmented reality play product, demonstrating an early application of AR in consumer goods.
What does this episode say about e-commerce innovation?
The co-founders' backgrounds in mobile and audio-visual technology, combined with direct sales, provided a strong foundation for launching an innovative product.
What does this episode say about product development?
Strategic partnerships and leveraging existing sales channels (like TV shopping) can be crucial for new product introductions.
What does this episode say about augmented reality?
Identifying emerging technologies like augmented reality and finding niche applications (children's play products) can lead to unique market opportunities.
