The Quest for the Perfect ExerGame

I have thought for a while that “Vorsprung durch Tecknik” would make a good advertising slogan for ExerGaming. Trouble is that it has been established in popular culture by a well known European car manufacturer. Not only does it convey its meaning remarkeably efficiently, the act of uttering it is a very visceral and evocative experience.

I have just been conveyed to Singapore by Lufthansa including a connecting flight and stop over at Frankfurt airport. The whole journey was a testament to German efficiency including what seemed like my own personal security screening line, copious amounts of in-flight fluid including pre-prandial drinks, frequent tops-ups during the meal and even post-prandial liqueurs for those who wished them. The in-flight entertainment also included a rather eclectic jazz channel which helped smooth the ride along with the understated grey interior finish.

In contrast, having negotiated the vagaries of London’s Heathrow airport, my recent flight across the Atlantic to Boston (to attend the Games for Health conference) with Virgin Atlantic was quite different. On boarding the plane, the red decor with silver finishing made an altogether different impression. To me it had a more holistic, personal feel including 21st century eco-techno, two fingers to British Airways establishment and a bit of eighties retro-chic thrown in for good measure (due to the airline celebrating 25 years of operation) and which I found somewhat appealing.

It got me thinking about the contrasting “brand” styles and the slew of new consumer technology releases (including big-ticket ExerGames). Is technological progress all about enhancing functional efficiency, or has it now reached a such maturity that technology is becoming more of a tool to create experiences?

For me it is creating experiences is where things ought to be at, in that they will have the potential to change behavior. For example, should I happen to be heading to Boston in the near future, would I go for the steady and reliable Lufthansa option via Frankfurt, or would I take my chances with London Heathrow and opt for an altogether different experience? Choice: Efficiency or Experience?

Note: any mention of branded products or services should not be construed as any form of endorsement.