If you think marketing and advertising campaigns already consume too much of your daily life from TV, magazines, and the Internet, you might be interested to know that BMW has started experimenting with an even stronger way to make sure you remember their advertising message. They are using a new flash projection technique that brands the BMW logo onto viewers’ eyelids for a short time.
Their new advert was shown at a movie theater in Germany and managed to leave viewers with an image of the BMW logo on the back of their eyelids. Watch the video after the jump to see how this new advertising method was achieved.
How Flash Projection Works
The flash projection technique used by BMW involves a high-intensity light source that briefly flashes an image onto the retina of the viewer’s eye. This image then lingers on the back of the eyelids when the eyes are closed, creating a temporary afterimage. The technology behind this involves precise timing and intensity to ensure that the image is both noticeable and memorable without causing harm to the viewer’s eyes.
This method is not entirely new; it is based on the principle of afterimages, which has been studied extensively in the field of psychology. Afterimages occur when the eyes are exposed to a bright light or a vivid image, and then the image continues to appear even after looking away or closing the eyes. BMW has cleverly adapted this phenomenon for their advertising purposes.
Implications and Ethical Concerns
This new type of advertising raises several ethical concerns. The idea that a company can implant an image directly onto your retina, even temporarily, is unsettling for many. It brings up questions about consent and the extent to which advertisers should be allowed to intrude into our personal sensory experiences.
Moreover, the potential for misuse is significant. If this technology becomes widespread, it could be used to manipulate consumer behavior in ways that are not immediately apparent. For example, a flash projection could be used to create a subconscious association between a product and a positive emotion, making consumers more likely to purchase the product without fully understanding why.
There are also concerns about the long-term effects of such advertising techniques. While a single exposure might be harmless, repeated exposure could potentially lead to eye strain or other visual disturbances. Regulatory bodies may need to step in to establish guidelines and limits on the use of such technology to protect consumers.
This new type of advertising worries me as in a flash of light any company could now affect your perceived thoughts of a product and make you part with your hard-earned cash even easier. What are your thoughts? Should this type of advertising be used on consumers?
Via Geek
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
