SINGAPORE / ACCESSWIRE / April 17, 2024 / BLKJ Havas today announced the launch of Project iContact, a first-of-its-kind trial aimed at assisting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to make eye contact by reducing the discomfort that may be experienced when they try to do so.
The trial, which consists of an open-source software, uses facial recognition and augmented reality (AR) technologies, coupled with the unparalleled speed and ultra-low latency of U Mobile's 5G network, to dynamically project hyper-realistic soothing images onto the lens of smart AR glasses in real-time when the individual tries to make eye contact with others. Project iContact aims to enable the wearer to be at greater ease when making eye contact during social interactions, fostering a more inclusive environment.
To conduct the Project iContact trial, BLKJ Havas looked for like-minded partners, like U Mobile as the connectivity enabler. They also collaborated with NXT Interactive, a leader in immersive technological experiences, and were guided by insights from various organisations as well as from professionals like Denise Loh, a DIR Floortime Practitioner specialising in evidence-based therapy as guided intervention for children with ASD from the Singapore Brain Development Centre.
"Making eye contact can be particularly challenging for people with autism due to sensory sensitivities, social nuances, and communication difficulties," Denise comments. "Projects like iContact, which focuses on fostering understanding and creating comfortable environments rather than insisting on eye contact, play a vital role in fostering inclusivity. They empower individuals with autism to participate more confidently in social interactions."
"We're absolutely thrilled about teaming up with U Mobile to make this happen! It's all part of our ongoing mission to create meaningful differences for individuals with special needs, especially during this World Autism Month," Rowena Bhagchandani, CEO and Co-founder of BLKJ Havas. "We're extending an open invitation to autism institutions to come on board and help us keep pushing the boundaries together."
"At U Mobile, we believe in the power of 5G and technology to empower everyone to realise their unbeatable potential. We're honoured to have been given the opportunity to support BLKJ Havas on Project iContact and we hope this trial will bring positive impact to those using the innovative Smart AR glasses which are powered by our 5G network," said Bernard Lee, Head of Brand & Marketing Services at U Mobile.
The first few Project iContact prototypes were presented to Special Olympics Malaysia and they will be distributing and sharing the prototypes between their athletes. Although the trial is still in its early stages of adoption and exploration, preliminary observations have showcased an improvement in the wearer's attention span. Watch Project iContact film for more information. FB launch Youtube Link
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About BLKJ Havas
BLKJ Havas is a creative company that engineers marketing moments for brands in culture, entertainment and media. Powered by the global network of Vivendi including Universal Music Group, Gameloft and Havas Media, it prides itself as the un-advertising agency that is made in Singapore, crafted for the world.
Now more than five years in business, the agency is amongst the most awarded and successful in the region. Its strong regional and local client roster includes Reckitt, JLL, JBL, Amazon, Great Eastern, Land Transport Authority of Singapore, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Singapore Tourism Board, Ministry of Education Singapore, IMDA and more. For more, check out: blkjhavas.agency
BLKJ Havas is a creative company that engineers marketing moments for brands in culture, entertainment and media. Powered by the global network of Vivendi including the Universal Music Group, Gameloft and Havas Media, we pride ourselves as the unadvertising agency. Because people hate advertising and we love people. Recently, BLKJ Havas received the award of top 10 in APAC, and #1 in Singapore, as reported by Spikes Asia.
About Havas
Havas is one of the world's largest global communications groups. Founded in 1835 in Paris, the Group employs 20,000 people in more than 100 countries and operates through its three business units covering all communication activities. Havas Group's mission is to make a meaningful difference to brands, businesses and people. To better anticipate client needs, Havas has adopted a fully integrated model through its 60+ Havas Villages around the world. In these Villages, creative, media and healthcare & wellness teams work together, ensuring agility and a seamless experience for clients. We are committed to building a diverse culture where everybody feels they belong, can be themselves, thrive and grow. Havas Group integrated Vivendi in December 2017. Further information about Havas Group is available on the company's website: havasgroup.com
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SOURCE: BLKJ Havas