At the 2009 Razorfish Client Summit, the Emerging Experiences group announced the availability of the Razorfish Touch Framework. This framework allows for rapid development of rich and engaging touch-based experiences. These experiences can be deployed across a variety of hardware platforms allowing for re-use of code and content.

We have been using the framework on a number of confidential client projects and internal prototypes since early 2009. For the client summit, we were given the opportunity to create a touch experience, we named “Razorfashion,” using the framework and targeted the experience towards the fashion industry. This application is an easily customizable and deployable fashion retail solution which also serves to demonstrate the capabilities of the framework to the public. Be sure to check out the video of the Razorfashion experience. Check back soon for videos and posts about our other cross-platform, multi-touch experiences.

The Razorfish Touch Framework runs on Windows XP and Vista – there is no need to wait for the availability of native multi-touch support in Windows 7. The framework is built on Microsoft Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) and provides a core set of touch-enabled controls to jump-start touch-based application development. The complexities of interfacing with specific touch hardware platforms is handled by the framework, allowing the designers and developers to focus on creating rich, engaging next-generation touch experiences.

The following platforms are currently supported:

• Microsoft Surface
• NextWindow
• N-trig
• Single-touch (Elo, single-touch capacitive, mouse & HID-based hardware)
• TUIO-based custom multi-touch hardware (touch wall, table top)
• Multi-point “touchless” platforms

The cross-platform support of the framework is an industry first. Stay tuned for future videos and posts showing the framework in action.

model photo credit: *katanaz-stock

We just passed the one year anniversary of the launch of the AT&T Surface Experience – the first public deployment of Microsoft Surface. To celebrate the anniversary, we are posting some behind-the-scenes pictures of the launch.

The teams on launch night consisted of representatives from AT&T, Microsoft and Razorfish. The launch night activities included unpacking and setup of the Surface devices, construction of the fixtures, installation of the Surface application and the deployment of the Surface application content from the centralized content management system. Despite some network glitches and last-minute content changes, the launch was a huge success. Each location opened their doors the following morning to a wave of customers and media.

AT&T Surface Launch Pictures