To promote the partnership between the disruptive challenger bank and the country's favourite baker, we built a mock cash machine to give out delicious sausage rolls and a bunch of Gregg's-for-life prizes.
It's heartwarming to see how much joy you can bring simply by dispensing a pastry to people through a fake wall... Hearing people giggling every few seconds is a nice balm for the soul given the current social and economic climate.
The Challenge
Create an engaging, reliable activation that could handle thousands of customers while delivering a memorable brand experience for both Monzo and Greggs. The system needed to be:
- Reliable enough to handle continuous operation with heavy foot traffic
- Intuitive for users unfamiliar with the activation
- Secure enough to manage high-value prizes fairly
- Fun and photo-worthy to generate social media buzz
The Skills Needed for the Project
UX and Design
Design of the customer interface in combination with the admin control system. Creating an intuitive flow that would work for thousands of hungry individuals while maintaining brand consistency for both Monzo and Greggs.
Software Build
Development of the entire coordinated system: main user interface and multiple "back-office" interfaces. Perhaps not bank grade secure code but the system had to handle thousands of hangry individuals jonesing for pastry.
Fabrication
Construction of the ATM unit including a custom sausage roll delivery mechanism. We tried to find that off-the-shelf but weirdly the options were limited.
Live Events Management
Coordination and execution in a high-pressure live environment with real-time problem solving and crowd management.
The Solution
We designed and built a fully functional mock ATM that delivered more than cash – it dispensed hot sausage rolls and entries for exclusive prizes including "Greggs for Life" cards.
The system featured:
- Custom-built hardware with a bespoke pastry delivery mechanism
- Intuitive touchscreen interface with Monzo and Greggs branding
- Backend admin system for prize management and system monitoring
- Robust software architecture designed for continuous operation
- Real-time analytics and crowd flow management
The installation operated flawlessly throughout the activation, creating long queues of excited customers and generating massive social media engagement.
Results
Micro did excellent work and a total pleasure to work with on a very fun project. A roaring success for the client.
Beth Roberts, Production Director, Inca Productions
Key Takeaways
Live Event Technology Must Be Bulletproof
When thousands of feet and grubby mitts flood all over your work, there can be no false starts. We design and build tech that stands up in the harsh reality of live events.
User Experience in High-Pressure Environments
With queues forming and social pressure mounting, interfaces need to be instantly intuitive. We designed for simplicity without sacrificing functionality.
Custom Fabrication Meets Software
The integration of custom hardware (sausage roll delivery) with robust software systems created a unique challenge that required both engineering disciplines working in harmony.
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