Introducing Base_test, our new platform full of tech tests
Base_test is an exciting free and open platform that allows team members from our five international studios to showcase the myriad ways in which they are experimenting with digital tools and new technologies. Anyone can visit the site, which will be frequently updated with new “tests”, to see what the Base team has been working on from a technology perspective. As the name suggests, we’re not showing finished results, but simply trying things out and sharing them with the world—both on the website, and via Instagram at @base_design.
To find out more about the shiny new site, we spoke to its creators, Thomas, Mirek and Andrey, who shared their ideas and plans...
What is Base_test exactly?
Thomas Byttebier: It’s a new website that collects R&D, experiments and basically all kinds of visual and technological tests from all five Base studios. We’re at test.basedesign.com and also on Insta as @base__test.
Why did you decide to create this platform, and make it public?
Andrey Starkov: We make each Base project unique, explore new technologies, and develop innovative solutions; this process is essential to digital development. And I believe that the exploration process should be visible. Making Base_test public therefore is vital to show the horizon of opportunity and the team's commitment to using bold and new technologies and solutions.
TB: It’s really an idea that grew organically. When working for clients, all Base teams research and experiment. We prototype, test new tech, connect APIs, try out new hardware, 3D tools...
While there’s sometimes very exciting and cutting-edge things in these experiments, most of it never gets to see the light of day. Maybe the team figured it’s not worth digging deeper. Maybe it ultimately didn’t fit the client brief or the design track the team had in mind. Maybe it’s just strategically a bad idea after all…
At some point however we felt it was a pity to lose these tests and so we decided to create this new platform allowing us to share them publicly. We figured some of them could inspire peers, clients and basically anyone.
We also wanted to show everyone that we’re excited to use digital in new ways. And that we have a lot of knowledge in-house. We’re not just a studio that delivers top-notch visual brand identities. We want to do all sorts of interactive brand activations, using tech in smart and strategic ways.
So part of me is also hoping potential clients will stumble upon Base_test, see something exciting and ask us to explore the idea further because they see a fit for their brand.
What do you define as a "test"?
Mirek Nisenbaum: Any experiment that is done by a team for real projects or as part of R&D processes. The platform is open for all Base team members so that anyone can post their experiments. It can be a visual solution, a new tool or technology, a third-party service, or even just a text implementation of an idea. Regardless of the type, each experiment can inspire, be valuable, and help the team develop digital capabilities. And the most daring ideas often find their embodiment in real projects.
Which areas of tech/digital are covered? Which of these are the most exciting to you?
AS: We experiment with AR, AI, 3d solutions, motion, digital design, and other areas where we see an innovative solution.
The revolutionary development of AI and its implementation on the web and other digital mediums look like one of the most exciting and mesmerizing areas for experiments.
TB: Artificial Intelligence is so mind-blowing. It’s definitely one of the evolutions in tech that make me excited as it’s becoming very accessible. Now it’s up to us to use it in smart new ways for our clients.
How does Base_test tie into Base Design's wider vision for technology and digital?
AS: Base_test being a collaborative platform for all team members, collects exciting findings and experiments from people with various work specifics and backgrounds. Experiments shouldn't always be successful, but this variety of standing points and experiences provides a vital spark for inspiration and development. They expand the horizons of opportunities in digital, and Base_test allows us to collect and structure the accumulated inspiring visual techniques and engineering solutions.
TB: Digital is everywhere all the time. It’s an essential part of our lives and we’ve come to a point where many of us don’t even realize it anymore. It feels natural most of the time. But at the same time it’s evolving so rapidly. Just look at the past two years and what happened in Web3, NFTs and crypto, the metaverse, TikTok, Gaming, AI… it’s crazy. It’s clear that if we want to continue to bring relevant ideas to our clients, we have to be at the forefront. We have to understand new media by actively being there and experimenting with them.
Base_test is giving us the space to test things, and show it to the world. It’s more rewarding and motivating than testing things that no one outside the team will ever see.
How has the company's digital output grown and developed since the Digital studio officially launched?
AS: Our Digital studio, working with other Base studios worldwide, collects and accumulates experience from various projects, allowing us to offer the best solutions and tools for our clients.
The close collaboration between our designers and engineers provides essential feedback, giving design teams a better understanding of the possibilities of digital, and providing the development team a creative boost and a vector for research.
We do more experiments and research as part of the work to choose the most suitable and, at the same time, innovative approaches for the further practical implementation.
The participation of the Digital studio in early stages of the project, engineering approach, and technical expertise expands the horizons of opportunities for the successful development of the brand concept.
For the Digital studio, Base_test is an essential resource for accumulating and sharing interesting findings that inspire and point the way for implementing new technologies and solutions practically.
Edited by Dan Howarth.
