PLANAR EP-SERIES PROVIDES AN ENGAGING INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a scientific, educational and cultural resource center dedicated to improving the public's understanding of science and technology. OMSI makes science exciting and relevant through exhibits, programs and experiences that are presented in an entertaining and participatory fashion.
The museum, through Fashionbuddha Studio, a design firm in Portland, turned to Planar Systems for a display platform to showcase the work of 12 innovative Oregonians in an exhibit called Brainstorm. Fashionbuddha and OMSI selected Planar's EP-Series LCD displays with fully integrated optical touch technology based on a number of factors, says Robert Lewis, director of Fashionbuddha. "First, the Planar EP-Series is an innovative large-format display technology with a proven track record of use in high-traffic areas. Second, it does a beautiful job of offering precise dual-touch technology in a slim profile."
Installed in the museum's main lobby, the Brainstorm exhibit features two 46" Planar EPSeries Touch displays built into side-by-side kiosks that can easily be used by multiple people at the same time. Planar's touch technology allows a museum guest to easily select and explore – in familiar, smart-phone fashion - depictions of any of the 12 featured innovations. "With this and other capabilities, we knew the Planar EP-Series Touch displays would generate interest in the Brainstorm exhibit content and really engage visitors," Lewis adds.
"Since Brainstorm is all about innovation, the Planar EP-Series Touch displays were simply the logical solution," says Rachel Mills, OMSI's director of digital media. "They are well engineered and beautifully designed, thus allowing us to put on the museum floor, the compelling user experience that we envisioned for this exhibit."
OMSI attracts more than one million visitors annually, so the display chosen for the Brainstorm exhibit needed to accommodate high traffic, extensive hands-on usage and lengthy periods of operation. The Planar EPSeries Touch met the durability test with full metal casing and glass that protects the screen while reducing glare. Rated for 24x7 reliability, the display supports extended operation while the LED backlighting provides lower power consumption.
Fashionbuddha's Robert Lewis says the Planar EP-Series is an important solution for his company. "It's really a game-changer for us because of the opportunities it opens up. Alternative solutions come with exceptions and additional considerations that make them less desirable for touch-based applications like the OMSI Brainstorm exhibit."
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
