eBay unveils future of shopping as gadget orders items based on moments of inspiration
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The world’s first subconscious shopping experience was unveiled this week in London giving a glimpse of how shopping could look in the future.
Electroencephalogram headsets were worn by guests at a revolutionary new concept space to unlock micro-moments of inspiration.
The art-fuelled space combined visual cues found in displayed artworks with items from the eBay marketplace which produce a similar psychological response.
Personalised shopping carts were then presented to shoppers at the end based on their unique experience.
(Image: Doug Peters)
Rob Hattrell, Vice President of eBay UK, said: “Shopping has always been intensely personal.
“It’s an expression of what makes you, you.
“This year, we want to put inspiration back into shopping and encourage people to find what they love.
“We want to be there for consumers when inspiration strikes and offer a more personalised shopping experience.
“Through The Art of Shopping we’re exploring this in a fun, engaging way but the integration of Interests at the end of the year gives a glimpse into how we see the future of shopping on eBay.”
(Image: Doug Peters)
Later this year, eBay will unveil a new homepage experience built on artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide shoppers with an unsurpassed level of personalisation.
eBay Interests will deliver a tailored browsing experience; based on real shopping behaviour, serving up inventory and content tailored to shopper’s personal style, interests and activities or passions.
Aiming to combat beige shopping behaviour, The Art of Shopping space used artful shopping inspiration to challenge guests to step outside their comfort zone, into the ‘inspiration zone’ and let their subconscious do the shopping.
(Image: Doug Peters)
Last week the online marketplace released neuroscience based shopping research comparing the mindstates of shop-y-cats (who follow the crowd, buying the same items as others) vs. inspired shoppers (intent on finding more personal, colourful and unique items).
The study showed that 84 per cent of inspired shoppers experienced a prolonged high at check-out, comparable to the high felt by a Formula 1 driver finishing a circuit.
Comparatively, 82 per cent of shop-y-cats became fatigued by the pressure to fit in.
(Image: Doug Peters)
The study also identified the ideal mind-state in which our brains are most open to inspiration.
Like an athlete preparing to compete or admiring a work of art, this zone is achievable when we remain present, focus and calm, when browsing.
In partnership with UK-based brain technology company MyndPlay, EEG technology will instantly unlock micro-moments of inspiration experienced by guests during their journey.
(Image: Doug Peters)
A specially-designed algorithm - developed by behavioural psychologists – connects space with a vibrant array of items from the eBay marketplace, which each produce a similar neurological response.
The Art of Shopping presented by eBay opened this week at 2 Fitzroy Place, Mortimer St, London W1W