Case Study

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Interactive Gift Card Recommender

Interactive Gift Card Recommender

Interactive Gift Card Recommender

Interactive Gift Card Recommender

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Overview

Project Objective
Our client aimed to transform the traditional gift card selection process into an emotionally engaging and personalized in-store experience. The goal was to help customers select the perfect gift through a light-touch, interactive journey while subtly capturing preference data for future marketing engagement.

Our Solution: A Smart, Story-Led Gift Journey
We created a touchscreen-based interactive experience that guided customers through a playful, guided journey to find the right gift card — based on the personality, preferences, and relationship of the recipient.
This experience was installed on-site and designed to feel human, intuitive, and meaningful — encouraging thoughtful purchases while staying on-brand with the client’s values.

Overview

Our client sought a new way to enhance the customer dining journey using AI—one that could personalize food recommendations not just by dietary restrictions or cuisine, but by how people feel. The goal was to reduce menu overwhelm, create a memorable experience, and encourage emotional connection with the brand.

Our Solution: A Conversational AI That Feeds Your Mood
We developed a mood-based conversational recommender system: an intuitive AI chatbot that engages customers in a friendly, lightweight conversation and returns meal suggestions tailored to their mood, energy level, and preferences.
Accessible via touchscreen kiosks or mobile apps, this experience bridges emotional intelligence with culinary delight.


How It Works

Upon launching the app or kiosk, the user is greeted by a chatbot that leads with empathy. Instead of asking what the user wants to eat, it begins with how they feel.

Conversation Flow

  • “How are you feeling right now?”
    (Happy / Sad / Anxious / Low Energy)

  • “What’s your energy level like today?”
    (Low / Medium / High)

  • “Do you have any dietary restrictions or allergies?”

  • “Craving anything in particular?”

The AI interprets user input using NLP sentiment analysis and applies mood-to-meal mapping to recommend food options that satisfy both emotional and physical needs.

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Experience Flow Overview

  1. Welcome Screen
    Customers are invited to “Start Your Gift Journey” on a large touchscreen interface, setting the tone for an engaging discovery experience.

  2. Who’s the Gift For?
    Quick persona selection:

    • Partner

    • Friend

    • Family Member

    • Colleague

  3. Price Range Selector
    Customers choose a spending bracket to narrow down recommendations:

    • $25–$50

    • $51–$100

    • $101–$200

  4. Personality Quiz
    A light, friendly quiz to understand the recipient’s vibe:

    • Style: Adventurous, Minimalist, Cultured, Eco-conscious

    • Interests: Food & Wine, Self-care, Tech, Sustainability

    • Celebration Style: Big Gathering, Solo Retreat, Experience-Focused

  5. AI-Powered Suggestion
    Using real-time inputs and past trend logic, the system recommends a gift card aligned with the recipient’s personality and the selected budget.

  6. Optional Add-Ons

    • “Surprise Me” Mode for indecisive shoppers

    • Seasonal themes like Valentine’s, Earth Day, or Holiday editions

  7. Final Recommendation Screen
    A visually styled screen summarizes:

    • Recipient persona

    • Gift card theme and value

    • Optional message
      Includes a QR code or reference code for cashier processing.

  8. Optional Data Capture
    A light, friendly form:

    • Name

    • Email (for digital receipt or promotions)

    • Consent checkbox for future updates

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Deployment Environment
Installed as a plug-and-play unit within a retail store, the experience was built for short-term event activation.

Inclusions:

  • 55” touchscreen display

  • High-performance laptop for content delivery

  • Setup support and ground staff

  • Kiosk logistics assistance

Technology Stack

  • Frontend: Custom-built React-based kiosk app

  • AI Engine: Rules-based gift logic with option for AI fine-tuning over time

  • Backend: Google Firebase for data handling, user session, and QR generation

  • Analytics: Built-in dashboard for gift trends, quiz responses, and opt-in stats

Compliance & Data Protection

  • Light, opt-in only data capture (Name and Email)

  • Secure backend handling of session data

  • GDPR and PDPA compliant storage

  • Optional marketing entry (e.g., “Win a $50 card” sweepstake)

The Impact
The interactive experience successfully turned a static gift card wall into a delightful journey of discovery. Customers felt guided and inspired, making the act of gifting more personal, fun, and thoughtful.

Key Outcomes:

  • Increased engagement time in-store

  • Better gift satisfaction among customers

  • Lead generation through soft opt-in prompts

  • Differentiation through a branded tech-first retail touchpoint

Conclusion
This project showcased how conversational personalization and guided UI can elevate even the simplest in-store decisions. With this interactive recommender, we helped make gifting a joyful, thoughtful experience — while enabling our client to connect with customers in a meaningful and data-smart way.

Visit Us

Visit our office at Mohamed Sultan Road and take a closer look at our innovative experience solutions transforming industries.

Contact Us

Feel free to reach us at

info@nxtinteractive.com

Visit Us

Visit our office at Mohamed Sultan Road and take a closer look at our innovative experience solutions transforming industries.

Contact Us

Feel free to reach us at

info@nxtinteractive.com

Visit Us

Visit our office at Mohamed Sultan Road and take a closer look at our innovative experience solutions transforming industries.

Contact Us

Feel free to reach us at

info@nxtinteractive.com

© 2025 - NXT Interactive Pte. Ltd.

© 2025 - NXT Interactive Pte. Ltd.

© 2025 - NXT Interactive Pte. Ltd.