For the first time since the Apple retail stores opened in 2001, the company has debuted redesigned the acrylic product information stands adjacent to each product on display, and has also rearranged iPhone and iPod products to focus on applications available for them. The new info-blocks are wedge-shaped and smaller, but come with larger blocks that include more graphics. Meanwhile, the iPhone/iPod displays are now arranged into application categories, including games, pleasure and travel, with associated information stands. From Day One of the Apple stores, information about each product was printed on cards, and slipped inside vertical acrylic stands next to each product. The information was entirely text, and the vertical orientation of the stands made viewing difficult–you either had to bend down to get a straight-on view or pick up the stand to read. The new acrylics are in a new horizontal format, and lie nearly flat on the table, making reading the text much easier. The larger acrylic allows for more graphics and information to be displayed. The table reorganization taps into the huge success of the app store for iPhones/iPods. Apple has created category-based areas on the display tables, and the iPhones/iPods are loaded with apps from each category. The arrangement allows visitors to focus on their specific applicationof interest, rather than be overwhelmed by the 20,000 applications now available. Check photos after the break.
The iPhone and iPod display tables have been arranged into application categories, and the new acrylic stand info cards reinforce the categories by displaying sample apps. Smaller acrylics provide product specification and price info.
There are two sets of wedge-shaped acrylics on the iPhone/iPod tables--smaller ones have specific product information, and larger ones focus on the available applications by category. Notice that there are no headphones or earbuds connected to any of the iPods or iPhones.
Here is the acrylic for an iPod touch, with the basic information that was formally displayed by a vertical acrylic stand. Notice how much more visible and readable the information is in this eye-level view. The printed card slips into a cut at the top of the acrylic block.
The acrylics for sidewall display counters have also been updated, with smaller, product-specific pieces, and these larger, application-specific pieces.
