sMove

At first glance it is often impossible to see the sophisticated technology of a cleverly designed access control system – and that is a good thing. One of the stated objectives when developing sMove was to give it a friendly and welcoming appearance. Harmonising that aim with inclusive usability, elevated security requirements and flexible compatibility with various recognition technologies took a great deal of patience, as well as intensive iteration and testing phases. Ultimately, the access system needs to function just as smoothly in a ski resort as it does outside a concert arena, while also offering accessibility for individuals with luggage or wheelchairs. The sMove designers achieved a surprisingly aesthetic product that offers flexible scalability for different locations thanks to its modular design. The centrepiece of the access system is the signal-yellow WAVE barrier element, which has been cleverly designed to combine low weight with maximum stability. When closed, the WAVE element forms an X-shape and serves as a gentle physical and visual barrier. It is also possible to use one element alone for narrower entrances. The Red Dot jurors were captivated by the solution’s elegance: “sMove is a great alternative to the conventional turnstile control systems we know from ski slopes. Its innovative mechanism offers a surprisingly high level of user convenience without any impairment.” Operators additionally have a free choice of recognition technology – classic barcode scanner, short-range and long-range RFID, NFC, Bluetooth and facial recognition. Advanced radar sensors can also be used for the detection of people and objects. Incorporating this multitude of technical features into a compact design was another challenge that the product developers impressively overcame. Over the past few months, numerous customers and users have experienced the smooth operation of sMove and a core aspect of the product design: aesthetic form follows perfect function.