Innovation Lab Accelerates New Thinking

Established as a space for continual learning and discovery, ViewLab brings together cutting-edge technologies and devices — from mobile iBeam robots and colorful proximity beacons to interactive HP Sprout computers and large-format multitouch kiosks — in one place where ViewPoint can focus on cross-disciplinary research, testing and innovation.

“We didn’t set out to create ViewLab. It came about organically as we worked to solve our clients’ challenges,” said ViewPoint Director Philip Chila. "We routinely experiment with the latest technology, both out of curiosity and as a way to bring about new opportunities that could enhance our business. Our lab is a place to explore possibilities, think critically, and solve hard problems.”

An employee winds spools of lime-green plastic filament into the array of 3D printers spread throughout the company's ViewLab innovation lab before launching a series of tests. 

Though innovation labs are nothing new — they’re used in practically every industry from telecom to fintech — their popularity has been on the decline of late because the labs often fail to fulfil their promise.

“Innovation labs are everywhere, from Dell to Paypal,” Chila said. “But, to make a real contribution to the sponsoring company, an innovation has to be more than a PR stunt or a playground. Rather, it needs a clearly defined purpose that supports specific business goals. And projects must align with the organization’s strategy.”

That’s definitely the case with ViewLab. “We’re all about finding new, creative, tech-based solutions to our customers’ marketing challenges,” Chila said. “ViewLab offers us a place to work through our thought process, where we can quickly test new ideas and move on if they don’t pan out. To truly innovate, you need a safe environment to fail and that’s what ViewLab offers.”

Innovation also requires commitment — time, money and people dedicated to thinking up and fleshing out new ideas without putting the company’s core business at risk. ViewLab is a place where ViewPoint thinks big.

Want to learn more about innovation at ViewPoint? Give us a call at 800.704.6819.