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RFID Tags For The Rich
Greedo writes "While reading this piece about designing 'experiences' in the Globe and Mail, I came across this interesting tidbit: If you're a frequent Prada shopper (and who on /. isn't?), the loyalty card in your wallet or purse contains a RFID tag that announces your arrival in the store. When you encounter a saleswoman, her handheld computer brings up your tastes, buying history, vital statistics and personalized suggestions from in-stock and coming inventory; the handhelds also place orders and book change rooms. Every item for sale bears an RFID tag. The RFID tags are courtesy of IDEO, and their website has a nice write-up of all the RFID-powered stuff at Prada, including the changeroom! I'm guessing this isn't coming to Wal*Mart's changerooms when they implement RFID. (Another write-up can be found here.)"
Their fragile egos will convince them that the staff are fawning with faux familiarty because they're just so wonderful and not because a computer says they're loaded and stupid.
Given the target demographic -- people who shop for status, rather than function -- this is a pretty clever idea. People who shop Prada probably do it for the ego-stroking they get from the sales staff as much as they do from the ego-stroking they get from their peers when they show off their new toy.
A few thoughts. I know this will be hard to get across to the general Slashdot population, but designer brands bring STYLE and QUALITY that's not found at the Gap. Certainly they cost alot of extra money, and not all of that money goes into those two things, but a lot of it does.
Secondly, I ask you this: Which is more retarded, $500 shoes or a $500 computer case with neon lights and Plexiglass windows?
As a follow up question, which one is more likely to get you laid?