Hatton National Bank launches first ever Oculus Rift brand experience via Saatchi & Saatchi

Saatchi & Saatchi Sri Lanka recently launched Sri Lanka’s first-ever Oculus Rift brand experience using virtual reality (VR) technology as part of the “New World Banking” campaign for Hatton National Bank (HNB), Sri Lanka’s premier private sector commercial bank.

As the need for convenience increases with technology reaching all parts of the island and different walks of life, so has the demand for ease of access. New World Banking is a comprehensive digital platform, enabled by the world’s most advanced technology that works across multiple smart devices and touchpoints, allowing customers to carry out banking activities through Kiosks, Smart ATMs and mobile devices. The New World Banking campaign aims to build awareness about HNB’s array of innovative digital electronic and mobile banking products as well as highlight the special features of these comprehensive cross-platform systems.

The New World Banking VR Experience brings the platform to life through next-generation virtual reality technology using the Oculus Rift – a head-mounted display that allows people to step into a virtual bank and interact with a 3D environment like never before. The technology creates an ultra-wide 3D stereoscopic field of view using high resolution imagery and uses low latency 360° head-tracking to seamlessly look around the virtual world as you would in real-life, creating a truly immersive experience. To enhance the experience, a Leap Motion 3D controller was also attached to the Oculus Rift to track real-time hand movements within the virtual environment.

Thimal Perera, Deputy General Manager – Retail and SME Banking at HNB explained: “The New World Banking VR Experience is an innovative way of demonstrating experiential marketing to the public. With New World Banking, HNB is aggressively adopting the latest technologies to deliver a superior experience to our customers, while positioning ourselves as the Bank of the Future through innovative smart device-led banking, providing choice and convenience for 24 hours, 7 days of the week and 365 days of the year.”

Speaking about the brand experience, Dushantha Ahangama, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Sri Lanka said, “The rapid development of technology has demanded that brands must constantly innovate to stay relevant in today’s consumer environment. To date, the Oculus Rift has only been adopted by a handful of brands and individuals around the world. It is only fitting that a trusted brand like HNB be the first in Sri Lanka to adopt VR technology, and alter the local digital marketing landscape as we know it.”