Nedbank pioneers first-in-South African billboard technology

Nedbank has amplified its campaign to encourage people to be more ‘savvy’ with their money through the innovative use of a water billboard in the forecourt at Sandton City, Johannesburg, which displays messages in water droplets as they fall.

The billboard technology, which has never been seen before in South Africa, displays text, logos, images and patterns in cascading water droplets that are expelled on demand.

Vanessa Singh, Head of Marketing for Retail and Business Banking at Nedbank, says the use of the technology is yet another demonstration of Nedbank’s innovative use of latest technologies to deliver its message to clients to encourage them to save. “Consumers in Sandton City are encouraged to tell us what their #RainyDay savings are for and these messages will then be displayed on the water billboard with their name.”

The computer system and software synchronises electromagnetic valves expelling single water drops on demand which result in a freely definable bit-map muster. Consumers who visit the billboard can simply send an SMS to a specific number, which is processed through the system and displayed in the water droplets as they cascade down the billboard.

“People love to see their names in lights and this innovative technology enables us to reach out to our customers in a brand new and savvy manner. This truly is a new form of client interaction that speaks directly to South Africans in an engaging way,” says Singh.

The billboard, which is 4m wide and roughly 16m height, is manufactured in Germany by Aquascript, a UK and German joint venture formed in 2007.

In line with Nedbank’s vision of being the green and caring bank, all water used in the display is recycled. The water flows through a pump and is filtrated before being pumped back into the system.

The technology, which is remote controlled, can be controlled through the Internet / LAN connectivity and can be installed as a temporary or permanent installation both indoors and outside.

Adam Weber, Executive Creative Director at advertising agency Joe Public, says the concept of using a water billboard was suggested to Nedbank, as the ground-breaking technology mirrors the bank’s own efforts to pioneer fresh ways of dealing with clients. “Nedbank is leading the way in delivering innovative solutions to its customers, including its award winning mobile apps. This technology perfectly complements this innovative approach by putting the client first.”

“It is crucial that we all do our fair share to encourage more South Africans to save. We know that the level of savings in our country is poor; at Nedbank we are committed to finding new and innovative ways to reach out to our customers that will engage and inspire them to recognise the importance of saving for a rainy day,” says Anton de Wet, Managing Executive: Client Engagement at Nedbank.