SHIFT LINK is an interface that links real and meta-verse/ internet with through different interfaces. For their launch, The Shift was in charge of the website design and overall branding. Based on their characteristic of linking two different worlds together, the image of linking and merging was very important in this project.

There are 3 main features of SHIFT LINK. The first, Building flexible interfaces connecting the real and virtual worlds, by supporting various equipment, XR devices, and the Metaverse. The second, More free-form designs for digital content utilizing digital signage and NFTs can be created through generative design systems. The third, Systems will be built to allow to easy remote connections and updates to platforms, by developing with the latest web standard technology and game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine 5.

Visual Identity

SHIFT LINK’s identity is deeply rooted in connecting two different dimensions together: the real and the virtual. That led us to develop a visual identity that visually merges two different streams together. The website design started by creating a SHIFT LINK simulator which is made using WebGL. The simulator shows a two-stream of colored particles joining and flowing together. Thanks to WebGL, the animation can be seen on any device using html.

The layout design is intended to be minimalistic contrary to the animation background. Using only one typeface, color for the text, and just a single page made the website to be very modern. However, the use of animation for the text appearance and line motions gave more depth and liveness to the design. The icon is designed based on the spiral motion of the background animation and is made minimally. The shape distinctly reminds the traditional chain icons that express the company’s goal to link things together.

Media Facade Simulator

SHIFT LINK developed Media Facade Simulator a system for simulating digital signage that works on the web browser. SHIFT LINK system which connects real and virtual experiences is used. Video contents are broadcast freely onto buildings in a virtual version of Shibuya, which users can view from any perspective, as well as change and make edits to video contents. Additionally, ambient sounds recorded onsite have been integrated to create a sound system in which the sounds change depending on the location of the view point, making it possible to get the simulator experience even closer to the real space. Users do not need to install any applications or plug-ins and can use the simulator on any of the main web standard browsers such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari, and even on the iPad and iPhone mobile versions of Safari.

Simulations can be done easily from equipment such as a computer or device on hand, freeing users from various limitations of time, place, and people that often limit the process of pre-visualization of real spaces. This will connect to a significant increase in productivity for creative work. Additionally, a common problem that occurs in video production, of sharing and agreeing beforehand on the visuals of the projections in respect to the actual location, also significantly improves with the use of the simulator.

Future Vision