Suffolk Construction

Transforming a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony into an Interactive Experience

For the inauguration of Suffolk Construction's new headquarters in Boston, we aimed to elevate the traditional ribbon-cutting event by creating an interactive experience that directly engaged the audience, turning them from passive observers into active participants.

Audience-Controlled Digital Scissors

The central concept was simple yet innovative: using audience applause to "charge" a pair of digital scissors displayed on three synced Microsoft Surface Hubs. The louder the applause, the more energy the scissors gained. Once the applause reached its peak, the scissors cut the ribbon, officially opening the facility. This approach made the audience integral to the moment, giving them control over the ceremony's key action.

Synchronized Technology and Real-Time Interaction

To bring this idea to life, we developed a system that synchronized the three Surface Hubs, ensuring they worked in harmony to display the ribbon and scissors animation in real-time. The animation, created in Adobe Flash, was programmed to respond to the audience’s applause, creating a seamless connection between the event and its digital elements.

Capturing the Moment

In addition to the live interaction, we recorded the audience’s applause and converted it into a waveform graphic. This graphic was then turned into a commemorative certificate, presented to the CEO and dignitaries, symbolizing the energy and collective spirit of the occasion.

A Memorable and Engaging Inauguration

By blending technology, audience participation, and creativity, we transformed a traditional event into a memorable experience, reflecting Suffolk Construction’s innovative spirit and leaving a lasting impression on attendees.