If you’re familiar with what projection mapping is, then you know it’s a visual spectacle capable of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Its versatility, impact, and ability to captivate audiences make it one of the most powerful tools in modern storytelling.

If you’re considering using it, you’ll want to be sure about the many advantages that it can bring. Today we’re exploring some of the benefits of projection mapping, and our favourite reasons to try it for your next campaign or project.

Endless possibilities

The vast capabilities of projection mapping mean that there’s no limit to the opportunities for taking advantage of it. Brands and organisations all over the world have used it for diverse and far-reaching purposes, from transforming world-renowned landmarks to engaging new customers on local high streets, and from Beyoncé concerts to museum and education settings.

This is one of the most versatile mediums imaginable; we like to say that if you can imagine it, then we can create it (and we’re happy for you to challenge us to make it happen!).

Everything can be a canvas

One of the reasons projection mapping offers endless possibilities is that you can use any surface as a canvas, meaning there’s no limit to what you can do. Unlike traditional screens or printed materials, there are no fixed dimensions or shapes that need to be adhered to, which removes many of the creative limitations of other options. Whatever the surface size, texture or location, there’s a projection mapping option for you, even if the specifics differ.

We’ve projected onto enormous buildings, brought to life bespoke-built branded objects, and even lit up Stonehenge.

Transforms spaces with minimal physical work

Transforming a building or space can be a long, arduous and complex task when you need to physically change it. With projection mapping, however, there is little physical work involved – if any at all. Of course, there is installation time needed and the projection will need to be set up, but the time saved versus dressing or decorating entire surfaces is huge. Plus, you don’t need to hire a screen when projecting onto the side of a building!

This also makes projection mapping highly portable; it’s an excellent choice for events that move between locations, since it can be set up in different venues with ease.

Similarly, there is no need to source 3D glasses or headsets to be able to enjoy this particular type of mixed reality.

The projection surface is unaffected

Another key advantage of projection mapping is that it doesn’t physically alter the surface that is projected onto. The surface can be returned to its usual state in an instant; simply stop the projection and your building, object or monument is back to normal. This allows you to create incredible visual effects, without causing any permanent changes to architecture, objects or the environment.

This makes it a fantastic alternative to physical modifications, paint, or LED screens – ideal for sensitive, historic or protected sites.

Instantly captures attention

Put simply, projection mapping is not something most people see in their day to day lives, so it easily cuts through the everyday noise to capture attention.

Brilliant creativity is always attention grabbing. When you blow it up to giant proportions, and then project it onto a building you pass everyday, a national monument or another object you would not expect, it becomes something else entirely. If you’re looking to make a splash, this is the way to do it.

It can be made interactive

Projection mapping can be highly immersive anyway, but the levels of immersion are unmatched when actions that the audience take impact the projection. Interactive projection mapping can react to movement, touch, sound, or even environmental changes, allowing audiences to engage with the projection in real time.

This encourages participation which in turn makes the message or experience even more memorable. Interactivity can be added to any type of projection too, from enormous buildings to small retail spaces.

It’s highly shareable

Things that are notable instantly become shareable in today’s world. Whether someone is passing a building in their hometown or on holiday visiting a world-renowned landmark, the addition of projection mapping creates a real talking point which carries into the digital realm too. We see this in our own projects, where the brands and businesses we work with see an influx of social media coverage, tags and shares.

This helps to take the audience of the work far wider than those who see it in person – a great additional benefit that makes the most of your budget.

It’s flexible

One of projection mapping’s greatest strengths is its flexibility. As everything is done digitally, it’s easy to alter the projection. If you need to change the message or make a simple adjustment, or you fancy something entirely new, it’s just a case of making the necessary file updates or switching over pre-prepared changes with the touch of a button.

This is especially useful for seasonal events, where physical structures or fixed screens could be limiting; the flexibility adds to the longevity of your set up and makes it very reusable.

WOW moments

Projection mapping grabs attention, but the kind of attention it creates is just as important. This is a technology capable of turning everyday experiences into inspirational ones – we like to call them WOW moments (you know that feeling that completely stops you in your tracks?).

Whether they are attendees at your event, customers, reporters, taste-makers, or just passers-by, this is the way to make an impression that stops them in their tracks and sticks in their mind.

Have we convinced you to get started? Discover some of our previous work in our projection mapping case studies section, or get in touch to discuss your next project.