Background & Challenge
The Diamond Works, a luxury diamond retailer in South Africa, wanted to offer tourists a captivating and memorable experience that went beyond traditional retail. They aimed to connect visitors not only with the beauty of their jewelry but also with the rich history of diamond mining in South Africa. The challenge was to create an immersive experience that could engage tour groups and make The Diamond Works a must-visit destination on the tourism map.
Sozo’s Solution
Sozo Labs developed two interactive solutions to bring this vision to life. First, we created a virtual reality experience that transported visitors back in time to the Kimberley Diamond Mine. Tourists could step into the shoes of a historical diamond miner, interact with period-appropriate objects, and learn about the heritage of diamond mining through the eyes of the people who lived it. This VR journey used Oculus Quest headsets and was designed to be intuitive so that tourists could explore at their own pace without constant staff assistance.
Second, we introduced an augmented reality mirror that allowed visitors to virtually “try on” the iconic Taylor-Burton diamond necklace. By simply posing in front of the AR mirror, tourists could see the famous necklace appear around their neck and snap a keepsake photo. We worked closely with The Diamond Works on the technical setup, advising on lighting and positioning to ensure the AR worked smoothly in a mirrored retail environment.
Impact & Results
Since launching two years ago, The Diamond Works has successfully used these immersive experiences to captivate tourists. The VR and AR installations have made The Diamond Works a standout destination for anyone interested in diamonds and their history. It’s not just a store visit; it’s become a cultural and educational highlight that sets them apart in the tourism industry.
