Inspiration: five examples of digital transformation outside the sector

Discover what is possible through these inspiring practical examples.

1. The Fabricant

Reaching the audience of the future with sustainable and digital-only fashion

Digital-only fashion house The Fabricant (opens in new tab) demonstrates how the fashion sector can be more sustainable. At the same time, they also appeal to the audience of the future: Gen Z. The generation that defines what modern culture actually is. Fashion is part of this. How can the fashion industry remain relevant to this audience, whose (digital) identity is constantly changing? Without contributing to the massive waste that unfortunately accompanies this industry. The Fabricant sets the example.

The Fabricant was the first to launch a digital platform where visitors can try on digital clothing with their own created avatar, a representation of a person in the virtual world. Their vision: to replace the physical experience of buying clothes and offer visitors unlimited self-expression. But also to provide fashion brands and designers with a new, sustainable, and creative way to enter the digital market. This will lead to less mass production, while margins for designers and fashion houses remain the same.

After launching the platform, The Fabricant is now also making significant strides in the field of NFTs. NFT members can design, sell, or wear fashion collections on the platform. They also have access to exclusive co-creation events, free digital clothing, workshops, and special digital fashion experiences. In short, The Fabricant is busy building the ultimate metaverse wardrobe and is adapting to the needs of their audience of the future: sustainable and digital.

What is an NFT?

An NFT is a 'Non-Fungible Token,' a unique series of characters or numbers that show ownership of a digital object. You can think of it as a kind of 'digital ownership certificate' used for digital artworks, for example. NFTs are recorded in a blockchain, a new type of 'public' database where (approved) transactions are stored.

2. Unveil

Making art photography accessible worldwide

Unveil (opens in new tab) is a Dutch start-up and the first global platform for art photography that uses NFTs. The platform was founded by art photographer Alexander Sporre, blockchain expert Titus de Jong, and digital designer Julian Mollema. Their goal: to make the international art market accessible, especially for new talent.

On Unveil, art photographers can showcase their work and share their stories. They can also sell their work in a safe, simple, and transparent way through the use of blockchain technology and NFTs. The platform is a testament to a beautiful multidisciplinary collaboration between various experts—from art photography and digital design to blockchain technology. A collaboration that ensures greater reach and impact.

3. KPN, Maya VR, and the Rijksmuseum

Connecting with VR: combating loneliness among the elderly

KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds, digital healthcare company Maya VR, and the Rijksmuseum joined forces to combat loneliness among the elderly. They organized a virtual trip to the Rijksmuseum for about 3,000 nursing home residents. In small groups, the residents received an individual tour from an art history student using a VR headset. Afterwards, they could enjoy chatting together.

Virtual Reality offers the elderly a way to go on a day trip and stimulates social contacts, all from their own homes. This allows them to experience things that would otherwise not be possible.

4. Plastic Soup Foundation

Creating impact with Artificial Intelligence (AI): raising awareness about microplastic pollution

The Plastic Soup Foundation is an organization focused on raising awareness about the relationship between plastic and health. Together with Pinch, an app developer, they created the app 'Beat the Microbead (opens in new tab)'. In an interactive and accessible way, users are made aware of the amount of microplastics in cosmetics.

The app uses text recognition, an AI technology: with the app on your mobile, you scan the ingredient list of your product. The app then uses a traffic light system to indicate whether your product contains microplastics. Red for 'yes,' orange for 'probably yes, but not enough is known yet,' and green for 'no.' Moreover, every time you scan a product, you contribute to the database of the Plastic Soup Foundation. They use this data to convince governments of the risks associated with the use of these microplastics. In short, a project that creates significant impact and awareness with the help of digital technology.

5. Froggipedia

Bringing biology lessons to life interactively with Augmented Reality (AR)

Froggipedia (opens in new tab) is an app where students can explore the life cycle and anatomy of a frog in a playful and interactive way, without any dissection. Point your iPad camera (the app is not yet available for Android) at a table, and a lifelike frog appears on the screen. Students can view the animal from all angles, studying organs, skeletons, and more.

By using AR, you can actively engage students in the lesson. It adds an extra dimension to education, making lessons not only more enjoyable but also more understandable and efficient. You could call this way of teaching the education of tomorrow, for your audience of the future.