# Next/Now Next/Now Reviews (14), Pricing, Services & Verified Ratings - 4.9 out of 5 average review rating - 0 connections joined Next/Now's Network [Visit Website](https://nextnowagency.com/experiential) [Get a Custom Proposal](https://clutch.co/profile/nextnow) **The Experience Innovation Agency** Closing the distance between **ideas** and **reality,** Next/Now is a process driven innovation agency specializing in experience design. Over the years, we have been trusted by some of the biggest names in the space, such as  **United Airlines, the Smithsonian Institution, Nissan, Boston Children's Hospital, McDonald's, Adidas, Cushman & Wakefield,** and more. Our services include: - Brand Activations - Immersive Environments - Emerging Technologies - Scoping - Concept Development - Production & Development - Implementation & Installation Get in touch! [collaborate@nextnowagency.com](mailto:collaborate@nextnowagency.com) ## Company Information - Minimum project size: $50,000+ - Hourly rate: $100 - $149 - Number of employees: 10 - 49 - 2 Locations: - Chicago, IL (Headquarters) - New York, NY - Founded in 2011 - 1 languages: English - 4 timezones: Central Standard Time (CST), Eastern Standard Time (EST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), Pacific Standard Time (PST) ## Services, Focus Areas, Industries, and Clients ### Service Lines - 40% AR/VR Development - 40% Event Marketing - 20% Digital Strategy ### Focus Areas - Immersive Digital Experiences: - 100% Immersive Learning Experiences - Event Marketing Focus: - 60% Experiential Marketing - 40% Immersive Brand Experiences - AR/VR Development Focus: - 57% ARKit - 43% ARCore - Digital and IT Strategy Consulting Focus: - 55% Digital Transformation - 35% Mobility Strategy - 10% Virtual CIO Services ### Industries - 10% Medical - 10% Retail - 10% Business services - 10% Hospitality & leisure - 10% Financial services - 10% Media - 10% Information technology - 10% Food & Beverage - 10% Advertising & marketing - 10% Arts, entertainment & music ### Clients - 10% Small Business (<$10M) - 50% Midmarket ($10M - $1B) - 40% Enterprise (>$1B) ## Pricing Snapshot Average rating for cost based on this provider's reviews: 4.5 out of 5 **What Clients Have Said** *(This summary is based on verified Clutch reviews.)*: Next/Now's project costs range from $5,000 to over $500,000, with clients spanning small businesses to large corporations. They are noted for their value, timely delivery, and strong project management, making them a reliable choice for tech-driven experiential projects. **Most Common Project Size**: $50,000 to $199,999 based on 10 reviews *(Pricing information for this provider is based on reviews where the project size was available.)* ### Pricing by Service - AR/VR Development: $50,000 to $199,999 based on 7 reviews - Custom Software Development: $50,000 to $199,999 based on 2 reviews - Web Development: $50,000 to $199,999 based on 1 review - Graphic Design: Confidential based on 1 review - Lighting Design: Confidential based on 1 review - Other Design: Confidential based on 1 review - Video Production: Confidential based on 1 review ## Reviews Clutch investigates each reviewer's identity and work history. Every review goes through a rigorous, human-led verification process to confirm the reviewer's identity, and reviews that we verify are visibly marked as 'Verified' so you can trust that they come from a real client. [Learn More](https://help.clutch.co/en/knowledge/how-clutch-verifies-reviews) ### Next/Now Review Insights Overall Review Rating: 4.9 - Quality: 4.9 - Schedule: 4.8 - Cost: 4.5 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 ### Top Mentions - Communicative (6 mentions) - Timely (6 mentions) - Creative (4 mentions) - High-quality work (4 mentions) - Well-organized projects (4 mentions) - Collaborative (3 mentions) - Great project management (3 mentions) - Accessible (2 mentions) - Easy to work with (2 mentions) - Exceptional results (2 mentions) - Flexible (2 mentions) - Great team (2 mentions) - Innovative (2 mentions) - Patient (2 mentions) - Proactive (2 mentions) - Reasonable pricing (2 mentions) - Receptive (2 mentions) - Reliable (2 mentions) - Results-oriented (2 mentions) - Understands their clients' needs (2 mentions) ### Review Highlights **Collaboration and Team Integration** Next/Now is valued for their collaborative approach, often working as an extension of the client's team. Their ability to integrate well and collaborate effectively is noted as a key strength, contributing to successful project outcomes. **Strong Project Management Skills** Next/Now is frequently commended for their effective project management. They are known for meeting deadlines, maintaining clear communication, and managing projects efficiently, even under tight timelines. Clients appreciate their use of tools like Basecamp for seamless collaboration. **Creativity and Innovation in Solutions** The company's ability to think outside the box and provide creative, tech-driven solutions is a recurring theme. They are recognized for their innovative approaches that align with clients' brands and marketing goals, often exceeding client expectations. **High Client Engagement and Satisfaction** Several reviews highlight high levels of client satisfaction with Next/Now's deliverables. Projects are well-received by both clients and their audiences, often leading to repeat collaborations and strong working relationships. **Need for Clearer Role Definition** One area for improvement mentioned is the need for clearer role definition and responsibility allocation, especially when multiple partners are involved. Addressing this could enhance accountability and streamline project execution. **Expertise in AR/VR and Interactive Experiences** Clients consistently praise Next/Now for their expertise in creating engaging AR/VR experiences and interactive digital solutions. They have successfully worked on projects ranging from VR games to AR applications, showcasing their ability to innovate and captivate diverse audiences. **Limited Technical Support Network** While clients are generally satisfied, some noted a lack of a broad technical support network for ongoing and traveling projects. Clients currently rely on documentation and retainers for support, which could be improved with more extensive support options. **Positive Impact on Brand Engagement** Projects developed by Next/Now have positively impacted brand engagement, with many clients noting increased interaction and satisfaction from their target audiences. This success has often led to further projects and collaborations. **Effective Communication and Responsiveness** Clients appreciate Next/Now's responsiveness and proactive communication throughout project lifecycles. They are described as being attentive to client needs, open to feedback, and quick to address any issues that arise. ### Next/Now Reviews #### AR/VR Immersive Experience Development for Under Armour (Featured Review) **The Project** - Services: AR/VR Development - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: Oct. 2016 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: NEXTNOW is a partner for interactive experience-based marketing solutions. The team has constructed VR and 3D face mapping installs to maximize engagement levels. They also help with PR and award recognition. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 4.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Director of In-store Marketing, Under Armour - Industry: Retail - Client size: 5,001-10,000 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Nov 5, 2018 **Feedback Summary**: The team’s exceptional organization and flexible approach have maximized engagement and marketing results. For example, the VR project captured valuable user data and contact information. Regular communication and creative ideation are notable strengths. ""They are true visionaries and the best partner ever." " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m the director of marketing at Under Armour’s global headquarters. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with NEXTNOW? We hired them to develop a couple out-of-the-box interactive experiences. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? Projects focus on AR/VR, Google Cardboard, and 3D face mapping technology. During construction for our Boston flagship store, NEXTNOW created a VR barricade to preview the new location’s look. In a separate project, we’ve recently finished a permanent install with 3D face mapping. We’re now proceeding into the PR execution. For this stage, we add video content and put creative together to submit for industry awards. What is the team composition? I interact with Randy (Director of Business Development, NEXTNOW) and Alan (Founder, NEXTNOW) during the initial stages and they assign a main project manager. Our team then partners with a PR resource during later stages. We work with one person at a time throughout the project’s duration. How did you come to work with NEXTNOW? One of my professional connections put me in touch with NEXTNOW. The team was a boutique agency, but I knew they could handle larger projects. Although Under Armour didn’t have an immediate need, we kept them in the back our minds and met the team at various conferences. But I got the idea for the Boston project when I encountered a construction site in New York, and wondered what the finished building would look like. Coincidentally, I noticed the barricade on my way to meet Randy and Alan for dinner during a retail industry event. The three of us then ideated the project that would become our VR barricade. How much have you invested with them? We’ve spent just under $150,000. What is the status of this engagement? We started working together in 2016 and the partnership is ongoing. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? NEXTNOW delivered the main key performance indicator (KPI) for the VR barricade, which successfully captured customer data as we moved into a new market. The barricade collected users’ email address via login and we used that information to invite them to experience our brand in real life. Overall, we achieved high engagement levels and a substantial amount of clean data for marketing. How did NEXTNOW perform from a project management standpoint? They are true visionaries and the best partner ever. Sheila (General Manager, NEXTNOW) is the most organized person I’ve ever met. The team is flexible, but doesn’t let any issue slip by. They call us regularly to communicate status, progress, and possible delays, but never in a pushy manner. Overall, NEXTNOW stays on top of the project and helps us make the best decisions. What did you find most impressive about them? As a thought partner, NEXTNOW helps us ideate projects and execute our vison. The team’s strong project management skills always ensure a smooth development process. What’s more, they partner with us at conferences to submit the AR/VR solutions for different awards. Our team aims to share projects with industry peers and help NEXTNOW gain visibility for their work. Likewise, we to continue to celebrate the partnership even after the development’s completion. Are there any areas they could improve? NEXTNOW should share results with their other clients to spark creativity for future projects. We would love to leverage the team and I’m extremely comfortable referring them. However, I don’t fully understand their offerings because I don’t see all of their other projects. Although we don’t want daily communication, the team should contact us on a regular basis. As an established company, our team can also help NEXTNOW get business from other companies. --- #### Graphic & Lighting Design for Hospitality Company **The Project** - Services: Graphic Design, Lighting Design, Other Design - Project size: Confidential - Project length: July 2023 - Apr. 2024 **Project Summary**: Next/Now worked with a hospitality company to redesign their entry queuing experience. The goal was to transform their ground level into a story-driven experience with nine unique zones and stories. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Marketing & Communications Lead, 360 Chicago - Industry: Hospitality & leisure - Client size: 51-200 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Nov 12, 2024 **Feedback Summary**: Next/Now's work led to a positive shift in guest satisfaction and feedback, improved how guests perceived wait times, and a greater understanding of the client's key brand messages. The responsive team met deadlines and was receptive to needs. Their exceptional teamwork made them stand out. ""Their exceptional teamwork was impressive."" **BACKGROUND** Please describe your company and position.I am the Marketing & Communications of 360 CHICAGODescribe what your company does in a single sentence.360 CHICAGO is the observation deck located on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center, offering panoramic views of Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan, and featuring the thrilling TILT experience and CloudBar. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What specific goals or objectives did you hire Next/Now to accomplish?Redesign/Modernize the entry queuing experience **SOLUTION** How did you find Next/Now?Online SearchWhy did you select Next/Now over others?Close to my geographic locationGreat culture fitCompany values alignedHow many teammates from Next/Now were assigned to this project?6-10 EmployeesDescribe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.Next/Now was tasked with transforming 360 CHICAGO’s ground-level concourse into an immersive, story-driven experience that complements the excitement of the observation deck. Scope of work included designing and building nine unique zones, each telling the story of 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago past, present, and future, and offering guests a preview of the awe-inspiring views awaiting them on the 94th floor. Next/Now supported all aspects of the project from idea conception to digital and physical build out.  **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?Enhanced Guest Experience: Positive shifts in guest satisfaction and feedback specific to the concourse and queuing experience, with guests expressing greater appreciation for the ambiance and storytelling.Improved Queue Time Perception: Noticeable improvement in how guests perceive wait times, with feedback indicating increased engagement and immersion throughout their journey in the concourse.Stronger Brand Narrative Alignment: Greater understanding of key brand messages related to 360 CHICAGO.Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?Their project management was responsive and adaptable, ensuring smooth communication and delivery of each project milestone. They demonstrated a strong commitment to meeting deadlines and were receptive to our needs, accommodating several rounds of feedback with patience and professionalism. Particularly impressive was their understanding and integration of input from multiple stakeholders (across continents and timezones), skillfully balancing diverse perspectives to align with our vision and objectives.What was your primary form of communication with Next/Now?In-Person MeetingVirtual MeetingWhat did you find most impressive or unique about this company?Their exceptional teamwork was impressive. They demonstrated true collaboration, not only in how they engaged with our team but also in how they worked cohesively within their own team. Their synergy and dedication made them feel like an extension of our team.Are there any areas for improvement or something Next/Now could have done differently?A recommended area for improvement would be establishing clearer roles and responsibilities, particularly regarding ownership of final deliverables when additional partners, like our contractors, are involved. As more collaborators were looped in, there were occasional challenges in defining accountability, which could be addressed by setting up more structured communication and responsibility guidelines at the outset. --- #### VR Development for Integrated Creative Agency **The Project** - Services: AR/VR Development - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: Dec. 2018 - May 2019 **Project Summary**: NEXT/NOW developed a VR program for an experiential events company’s client. They used Oculus Go and Unreal programming to create an experience that walks clients through the purchasing process at an event. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 4.5 - Schedule: 4.5 - Cost: 4.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Director of Digital, Shiraz Creative - Industry: Advertising & marketing - Client size: 51-200 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — May 20, 2020 **Feedback Summary**: The project was well-received. Nearly half of the attendees participated in the experience. NEXT/NOW built a strong working relationship with their partner. Communication was seamless and they almost always delivered on time. Since this project ended, they’ve worked on a few other projects together. "“As long as they had enough time and there are no crazy curveballs, there were no issues with deadlines.” " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. The company I work for is called Shiraz Creative. We work mainly in the experiential events space, but we also do brand marketing. I’m the director of digital. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with NEXT/NOW? We’ve created a large conference for one of our clients. We brought them in to create an engaging activation space. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? They developed a VR program for us and a game that puts guests through the experience of going through a purchase process with our client. We used Oculus Go, and for programming used Unreal. What is the team composition? We worked directly with two people, and they had developers and programmers doing the work. How did you come to work with NEXT/NOW? We originally went online and started doing research on companies in that space. They happened to be at an event in Chicago where we were hosting our event. After having a conversation with them, the vibe felt right and it seemed like a good fit. We met them at their offices and were able to collaborate and get work done. How much have you invested with them? We spent between $40,000–$60,000. What is the status of this engagement? We started with them in December 2018 and it ended in May 2019. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?  It was very well-received the event, which was made clear by how many participants were engaged with it. There were 1,300 people at the event, and about 600 people went through the activation over the course of the event. That kind of engagement is fantastic. Now, we’ve been able to pull them in for other projects with the same client, and all of their work is very consistent. For us, it’s been a very good working relationship. How did NEXT/NOW perform from a project management standpoint? They use Basecamp, and we were able to work together pretty seamlessly. If we ever needed anything, we could always reach out to someone. The communication aspect was very good. As long as they had enough time and there are no crazy curveballs, there were no issues with deadlines. What did you find most impressive about them? In addition to communication, their receptiveness to feedback was a big thing. Whenever we shared feedback with them, they were able to adjust and accommodate what we wanted. They were flexible and communicated well.   Are there any areas they could improve? Nothing comes to mind. --- #### Various Interactive Devs for Experiential Marketing Agency **The Project** - Services: AR/VR Development - Project size: $200,000 to $999,999 - Project length: Jan. 2018 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: As a third-party, NEXT/NOW creates digital and interactive experiences for an experiential marketing agency. Along with building AR/VR products, the team works with a variety of technologies. **Review Rating**: 4.5 - Quality: 4.5 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Production Manager, Match Marketing Group - Industry: Advertising & marketing - Client size: 1,001-5,000 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Oct 2, 2019 **Feedback Summary**: NEXT/NOW consistently delivers successful and engaging projects. All of the results have been exceptional. Their creativity stands out. While more tech support could be offered, their team has a strong and effective project management style. ""From a creativity and functionality standpoint, we’ve been happy with NEXT/NOW’s output." " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m the production manager at Match Marketing Group, an experiential marketing agency that produces small and large-scale events for clients. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with NEXT/NOW? We create experiences and are constantly trying to develop new digital interactives. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? Our team has partnered with NEXT/NOW on several digital experiences for a variety of clients. They’ve worked with AR/VR and created general LED screens. Their team has even built a video game for one of our clients. What is the team composition? We’ve worked directly with eight members of their team. How did you come to work with NEXT/NOW? We were looking to build a VR video game. After scouring the Internet and looking at work samples, we brought in several different agencies, including NEXT/NOW. We vetted and looked at work examples & capabilities. Eventually, we found a project that would be a good fit for NEXT/NOW. We bid out to three different companies. NEXT/NOW had the most impressive capabilities. Their proposal was also the most favorable. That’s how our first job started with them. How much have you invested with them? I believe we’ve spent more than $500,000. What is the status of this engagement? Our engagement with NEXT/NOW started in early 2018. We’re currently working on a few projects right now. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? With each project, there are different and specific key metrics that we identify. Overall, we’ve had positive results. From a creativity and functionality standpoint, we’ve been happy with NEXT/NOW’s output. Because of this, we plan on continuing our partnership with them. How did NEXT/NOW perform from a project management standpoint? We’re enjoyed working with everyone on their team, especially from a project management standpoint. We’re an agency that has a calendar that changes daily. It’s hard to work on multiple projects at a time because of all of the detail, but the team at NEXT/NOW is a strong partner. They drive the projects, keeping us honest with our deadlines and other things they need from us. Along with that, they provide everything we need promptly, keeping the project moving. Their team is strong and buttoned-up, which is another reason we’ve continued working with them. What did you find most impressive about them? For one of our clients, their team worked on a custom driving video game. They created controls to highlight certain tech features of a vehicle, coordinating additional visuals that would interact on the consumer-facing side. Lights would flash, and buzzers would go off. This involved a lot of different technologies being connected. Their creativity in this aspect was extremely impressive. We had zero feedback from the client, which never happens. All of their choices were accepted. The team at NEXT/NOW has strong capabilities and creative design skills. Are there any areas they could improve? We have one area for improvement that we recently found a temporary solution for. Because these are traveling experiences, we need ongoing technical support. The solutions get put up and torn down over and over again as they move to different events and areas. There are bound to be problems with hardware or software. When those issues come up, it can be at odd hours because of the industry we work in. Their team doesn’t have a large network for tech support. We’re currently using provided documents for troubleshooting everything ourselves, and if we need tech support on hand, we have to put them on retainer. Since they’re a reasonably priced agency, it’s been working out, but most of our tech partners are larger in scale and provide constant support. --- #### POC for Logistics Company's 3D Digital Training Experience **The Project** - Services: Custom Software Development - Project size: Confidential - Project length: Feb. - Sep. 2019 **Project Summary**: NEXT/NOW developed a proof of concept for a digital 3D experience intended to enhance dangerous goods and hazmat training. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 4.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** VP of Marketing & Product Management, Logistics Company - Industry: Other industries - Client size: 51-200 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Sep 24, 2019 **Feedback Summary**: NEXT/NOW delivered an interactive and high-caliber POC that internal stakeholders were pleased to share with key customers. Their above-average project management capabilities and work ethic enabled them to communicate clearly and adhere to a very tight timeline. The team was open and engaging. "“The quality of the partnership was outstanding.” " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m the VP of marketing and product management at a hazmat logistics company. We simplify the world of dangerous goods transportation for small and large companies. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with NEXT/NOW? My company hired NEXT/NOW to develop a proof of concept (POC). **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? NEXT/NOW created a POC of how an online 3D experience could enhance dangerous goods training. What is the team composition? We worked with 6–10 team members. How did you come to work with NEXT/NOW? I found them through a LinkedIn search. We were looking for a progressive VR agency that had outstanding experience and great credentials. They were also local. What is the status of this engagement? I initally contacted them in February 2019, and they completed work at the beginning of September.  **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? The quality of the partnership was outstanding. Because this was a POC project, we had a couple of different avenues that we could take. NEXT/NOW was incredibly open and listened to our business objectives before we ultimately decided on the right path to take. What we wanted to create had a lot of complexities, and NEXT/NOW did a nice job learning about our business. The output of their work was also outstanding. The storyline, interactivity, and quality were as promised. They delivered a POC that we felt good about sharing with our customers. How did NEXT/NOW perform from a project management standpoint? I’ve worked with a lot of agencies, and NEXT/NOW was probably the best project manager that I’ve worked with. Their project management was superior, particularly because we had a tight timeline. We needed to create a POC in time for me to present it to some of our most important customers at a symposium at the beginning of September. NEXT/NOW maintained open, clear communication and really good processes and timelines. They used Basecamp as their sharing portal, which worked out well. There were a lot of things my company would’ve liked to do, but due to timing, we had to make trade-offs. NEXT/NOW asked the right kinds of questions to get us through the project. They led the way toward delivering something very high-quality. They adhered to the cost we were willing to spend on this. They were very upfront; we didn’t experience any scope creep. What did you find most impressive about them? I appreciated their work ethic. We had a very tight timetable since we had to deliver the POC on a specific day, and we were still requesting changes 48–72 hours before going live. At no point did NEXT/NOW say they didn’t have enough time. The final part of the project was over a holiday weekend, and my perception is that their team worked over the weekend to deliver the POC on time. They understood what we wanted to do. Are there any areas they could improve? No, not really; they did a nice job. --- #### AR/VR Immersive Experience Development for Under Armour **The Project** - Services: AR/VR Development - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: Oct. 2016 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: NEXTNOW is a partner for interactive experience-based marketing solutions. The team has constructed VR and 3D face mapping installs to maximize engagement levels. They also help with PR and award recognition. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 4.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Director of In-store Marketing, Under Armour - Industry: Retail - Client size: 5,001-10,000 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Nov 5, 2018 **Feedback Summary**: The team’s exceptional organization and flexible approach have maximized engagement and marketing results. For example, the VR project captured valuable user data and contact information. Regular communication and creative ideation are notable strengths. ""They are true visionaries and the best partner ever." " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m the director of marketing at Under Armour’s global headquarters. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with NEXTNOW? We hired them to develop a couple out-of-the-box interactive experiences. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? Projects focus on AR/VR, Google Cardboard, and 3D face mapping technology. During construction for our Boston flagship store, NEXTNOW created a VR barricade to preview the new location’s look. In a separate project, we’ve recently finished a permanent install with 3D face mapping. We’re now proceeding into the PR execution. For this stage, we add video content and put creative together to submit for industry awards. What is the team composition? I interact with Randy (Director of Business Development, NEXTNOW) and Alan (Founder, NEXTNOW) during the initial stages and they assign a main project manager. Our team then partners with a PR resource during later stages. We work with one person at a time throughout the project’s duration. How did you come to work with NEXTNOW? One of my professional connections put me in touch with NEXTNOW. The team was a boutique agency, but I knew they could handle larger projects. Although Under Armour didn’t have an immediate need, we kept them in the back our minds and met the team at various conferences. But I got the idea for the Boston project when I encountered a construction site in New York, and wondered what the finished building would look like. Coincidentally, I noticed the barricade on my way to meet Randy and Alan for dinner during a retail industry event. The three of us then ideated the project that would become our VR barricade. How much have you invested with them? We’ve spent just under $150,000. What is the status of this engagement? We started working together in 2016 and the partnership is ongoing. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? NEXTNOW delivered the main key performance indicator (KPI) for the VR barricade, which successfully captured customer data as we moved into a new market. The barricade collected users’ email address via login and we used that information to invite them to experience our brand in real life. Overall, we achieved high engagement levels and a substantial amount of clean data for marketing. How did NEXTNOW perform from a project management standpoint? They are true visionaries and the best partner ever. Sheila (General Manager, NEXTNOW) is the most organized person I’ve ever met. The team is flexible, but doesn’t let any issue slip by. They call us regularly to communicate status, progress, and possible delays, but never in a pushy manner. Overall, NEXTNOW stays on top of the project and helps us make the best decisions. What did you find most impressive about them? As a thought partner, NEXTNOW helps us ideate projects and execute our vison. The team’s strong project management skills always ensure a smooth development process. What’s more, they partner with us at conferences to submit the AR/VR solutions for different awards. Our team aims to share projects with industry peers and help NEXTNOW gain visibility for their work. Likewise, we to continue to celebrate the partnership even after the development’s completion. Are there any areas they could improve? NEXTNOW should share results with their other clients to spark creativity for future projects. We would love to leverage the team and I’m extremely comfortable referring them. However, I don’t fully understand their offerings because I don’t see all of their other projects. Although we don’t want daily communication, the team should contact us on a regular basis. As an established company, our team can also help NEXTNOW get business from other companies. --- #### Augmented Reality (AR) Dev for Full-Service Agency **The Project** - Services: AR/VR Development - Project size: Confidential - Project length: Feb. 2018 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: NEXT/NOW is developing an augmented reality app for an automotive client that allows users to test certain features of vehicles on site. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Creative Technology Manager, Designory - Industry: Advertising & marketing - Client size: 201-500 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Nov 1, 2018 **Feedback Summary**: NEXT/NOW delivered a very well received AR app that a top client has been very pleased with thus far. Highly collaborative and proactive in their approach, their team continues to be great to work with overall. They've also exceeded expectations and meet most deadlines. "“NEXT/NOW's efforts helped us effectively portray our client as a leader in tech within the automotive industry.” " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I'm the creative technology manager at a multinational full-service agency. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What was the scope of their involvement? NEXT/NOW assisted us in developing an AR app, using Unity 3D and Maya. The app demonstrates the safety and parking assistance features of our client's vehicles that can't be tested in real life. It uses SLAM tracking to position holographic elements in real-world spaces as seen through the camera feed on mobile devices. What is the team composition? We work with the director of technology, a developer, project manager, UX designer, three 3D artists, and a general manager.  How did you come to work with NEXT/NOW? I've known Stuart (Director of Technology, NEXT/NOW) for some time and happened to meet Mark (Marketing, NEXT/NOW) at a local VR/AR meetup we both attend. After going over some ideas with them, it was obvious that their team would be a good fit for the project, because they were enthusiastic and willing to work collaboratively with us on the technology. What is the status of this engagement? We've been working with them since February 2018 and are in the process of working on the second phase of the project. **SOLUTION** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? NEXT/NOW's efforts helped us effectively portray our client as a leader in tech within the automotive industry. The technology was very well received at a recent promotional event, giving us a lot of visibility with a major client. How did NEXT/NOW perform from a project management standpoint? We've been very pleased with their approach to managing projects and meeting deadlines. Tasks and communications are organized effectively through Basecamp and we hold weekly standup meetings. What did you find most impressive about them? Their willingness to collaborate with us a team on the technology sets them apart. We wanted to be very involved from start to finish, and they've been great about looping us in on every step of the way. Are there any areas they could improve? No. Since completing the first phase, they've become a lot more familiar with our industry and we've become a lot more familiar with their technology, so the working relationship continues to improve. --- #### Augmented Reality Experience Development for Sporting Goods Company **The Project** - Services: AR/VR Development - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: June 2018 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: NEXT/NOW developed an augmented reality experience that allows users to take photos with famous athletes in retail stores. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 4.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Account Marketing Manager, Sporting Goods Company - Industry: Retail - Client size: 5,001-10,000 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Nov 1, 2018 **Feedback Summary**: NEXT/NOW's AR tech has been very well received by surveyed users in stores thus far, helping the business register more members. Responsive, efficient, and proactive in their approach, working with their team continues to be seamless. "“Their professionalism and responsiveness is second to none.” " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I'm the account marketing manager at a sporting goods company. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with NEXT/NOW? We engaged NEXT/NOW to develop an augmented reality experience to be used as a retail display in our sporting goods stores. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? NEXT/NOW developed an AR app to be used in stores by potential customers that incorporates 3D face-mapping technology, allowing them to take a photo with a famous athlete. They're able to change some of the AR environments as needed on an ongoing basis and are in the process of creating a video for us. What is the team composition? We have one main point of contact, but work with a few others on their team as well. How did you come to work with NEXT/NOW? They were recommended to me by a fellow employee who had worked with them before. How much have you invested with them? The initial R&D and cost of producing the display was a little over $70,000. We're also working with them to produce a video for about $5,000. What is the status of this engagement? We've been working with them since June 2018. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? We've received positive feedback across the board since launching the technology in our stores, registering almost 200 individuals within the first month. 90% of users have rated the experience as being highly positive, so it's performing well overall. How did NEXT/NOW perform from a project management standpoint? They're very responsive, efficient, and proactive in their communications. We use an online project management tool to track documents, tasks, and timelines. What did you find most impressive about them? Their professionalism and responsiveness is second to none. Are there any areas they could improve? Honestly, no. They've been great partners. --- #### Interactive Experience for Design Firm **The Project** - Services: Custom Software Development - Project size: $200,000 to $999,999 - Project length: Aug. 2017 - Feb. 2018 **Project Summary**: NEXTNOW designed and implemented an immersive experience by digitally projecting images of water across multiple surfaces of a faucet and fixture showroom. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Principal, Experiential Design Firm - Industry: Other industries - Client size: 1-10 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Oct 31, 2018 **Feedback Summary**: Internal and external feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Expertise and meticulousness were hallmarks of their work. NEXTNOW’s understanding of digital technologies helped them create high-quality deliverables and respond quickly to any inquiries or technical concerns that arose. ""The project opened the door for us to blend digital into our physical design experiences." " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m the principal at an experiential design and branding firm. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with NEXTNOW? We needed help creating an immersive experience for a client. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? NEXTNOW provided design and development coordination, as well as technology specification, for a digital experience. We were hired to create a flagship showroom space for a product line of faucets and other fixtures in Chicago. Our team came up with the idea for an experience that digitally created the sense of water throughout the showroom. They implemented our idea by incorporating digital projection onto multiple surfaces in the space. They created digital graphics that projected onto different surfaces. The graphics reacted to people moving through this space for an interactive experience. The experience used multiple projectors and its own AV system. They also gave the client the ability to display presentations (e.g., photos, videos, and other digital content) on the surfaces in the space as well. It's a wireless system so the client can update the content remotely. What is the team composition? We worked with 3–4 team members. How did you come to work with NEXTNOW? I met NEXTNOW at a couple of networking events. We had a few meetings to get to learn about each other. I chose them for the project based partly on them being based in Chicago, but also because of their deep skill set. I liked that they’d done some similar experiences. How much have you invested with them? We spent between $200,000–$250,000. What is the status of this engagement? We worked together from August 2017–February 2018. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? NEXTNOW took our creative vision to the next level. They were able to actually implement it and bring it to life. As a result, we've gotten positive media attention. A couple of blogs and publications are interested in the project. We've also been invited as panelists at a couple of events to talk about the project and the experience of working together. We'd been trying to do digital work for a number of years. The project opened the door for us to blend digital into our physical design experiences. For the client, it's given them a showroom that is totally different than any other in the market. It’s positioned them as a forward-thinking leader. How did NEXTNOW perform from a project management standpoint? They’re easy to work with and approachable. I was pleased with their communication. We had several in-person meetings to test the prototype. They set up a couple of different scenarios for us to see how the experience would work. They used a project management tool. It wasn't something I typically use, but it worked perfectly fine to manage the project. What did you find most impressive about them? They worked well in collaborating with us instead of just taking over the project. They were open to receiving feedback from our team and from the client. They stayed on schedule. They were really excellent with the implementation aspects. They worked onsite for an extensive amount of time, getting everything installed and running tests. They've also been great about checking in now that it is up and running. If there's any kind of issue, they fix it pretty rapidly. Are there any areas they could improve? There were a couple of times when the presentation was a bit buggy. --- #### Video Production/Projection for Arts Nonprofit **The Project** - Services: Video Production - Project size: Confidential - Project length: July 2018 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: NEXTNOW supported an art installation for a nonprofit organization. To make video projections visible on trees, they made suggestions, found appropriate equipment, and oversaw video mapping. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 4.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Volunteer, LUMA8 - Industry: Arts, entertainment & music - Client size: 1-10 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Oct 30, 2018 **Feedback Summary**: Reception of the installation is broadly positive, and NEXTNOW’s ideas ensured the project’s success. Working within a very tight budget, they were an enthusiastic partner that never lost sight of the end goal. "“They understood the nature of the project and utilized their resources to get us the results we needed.” " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I am a volunteer team member with a project called LUMA8 with the McCormick Place Visitor Center in Chicago. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with NEXTNOW? We had a video project for the state bicentennial to honor the people of Illinois. The challenge was to project an art installation onto trees. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? They worked very closely with us to spec out the right equipment, find the right trees for the project, and solidify the most appropriate video mapping to make the installation successful. We created a sound component to accompany the projections, and they found a way to sync it up. There was a lot of trial and error involved, and our initial ideas changed as we discovered what would and wouldn’t work. What is the team composition? We had one point of contact who managed the whole team on their side. There was another contact for billing and contracts, but most of our interaction was with the project manager. How did you come to work with NEXTNOW? Someone in my organization met with them on another project in Chicago. Based on their recommendation, we reached out to them for this project. We needed someone who could think outside the box, and they were available to meet right away when we called them. Their relatively instantaneous availability sealed the deal. What is the status of this engagement? The installation was up and running by July 2018, and we worked on it together for several months prior to that. It will stay up until February 2019. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? Since it’s an art installation, all of our metrics come from public opinion. The project is very well received, and we’re very pleased with the results. How did NEXTNOW perform from a project management standpoint? Most of our communication was through email, phone, and text. They were always available for meetings with all the different entities involved, and would jump in and lead whenever the situation called for it. When the rest of us were confused as to what to do next, they often made suggestions that moved the project forward. What did you find most impressive about them? Since this was a public project, the budget was very tight. They were able to work with our constraints, and coordinated with their partners to arrange some great deals we might not have gotten without their help. They understood the nature of the project and utilized their resources to get us the results we needed. Even at times that we were frustrated by the project, they never lost enthusiasm. They were always willing to step in with a new idea, and they provided invaluable help. It was great to have a cheerleader throughout the entire process. Are there any areas they could improve? Communication at the beginning was a little vague. I asked them to outline their plan more clearly so the entire group could be on the same page. Once we had that conversation, the rest of the project went really well. --- #### Digital Activations for Consumer Engagement Marketing Firm **The Project** - Services: AR/VR Development - Project size: $200,000 to $999,999 - Project length: Apr. 2018 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: NEXTNOW created an NFL-centered promotional campaign with both digital and on-site experiences like a selfie kiosk, a gif-creating tool, three microsites, and an LED screen that displays social media posts. **Review Rating**: 4.5 - Quality: 4.5 - Schedule: 4.5 - Cost: 4.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Sr. Director, Consumer Engagement Marketing Firm - Industry: Advertising & marketing - Client size: 51-200 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Oct 30, 2018 **Feedback Summary**: Fans reacted positively to the campaign, and they enjoy the interactive experiences. In addition to meeting tight deadlines, NEXTNOW offered valuable suggestions and delivered high-quality work. With their proactive work ethic and involved approach, they showed a real commitment to the project. "“NEXTNOW did a great job of keeping us on track to finish on time.” " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m the senior director of a marketing agency that specializes in consumer engagement. We put together marketing-based experiential events, guest management strategies, and hospitality plans for our clients. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with NEXTNOW? One of our clients has partnerships with three NFL teams. We wanted to implement a digital promotional campaign for each team with a centralized consumer engagement strategy. Ultimately, we hope to elevate and strengthen the partnerships for our client. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? NEXTNOW helped us create a promotional campaign to help our client promote their partnerships with three NFL teams. The full project includes both digital and on-site interactive experiences. First, their team assisted us in creating digital face paint kiosks for fans. NEXTNOW developed software with four built-in filters for users to apply to their selfies. Fans receive the edited photo through a registered email address; then they’re free to post it on their own social media feeds. Second, NEXTNOW created another system that allows fans to create gifs to celebrate touchdowns scored by their team. It’s a simple data-capturing system that requires minimal registration information from users (first name, last name, email address). Third, they set up an LED wall at each team property that aggregates posts with specific hashtags into a rotating social media feed. It shows a variety of fan content, including photos and visuals from the broader campaign and comments from individual feeds. Finally, they created microsites for each partner team that encourage users to interact with the on-site displays and experiences. Fan interaction added funds, which our client would donate to a local charity on the individual's behalf. NEXTNOW has completed and implemented the full campaign, but they’re staying with us to support and moderate our efforts. What is the team composition? We worked with several people from NEXTNOW. Two team members handle our day-today-day needs. There’s an additional resource to help us conceptualize the project agreements. We speak with a different specialist for the microsites. Those core people communicate with a larger background team. How did you come to work with NEXTNOW? In our initial interaction, they were very eager to get started on the project. From our first impression, it seemed that we’d be able to effectively collaborate with their team. They offered up unique ideas tailored to the type of project we’d described. Based on that, we decided to partner with them. How much have you invested with them? We’ve spent around $500,000. What is the status of this engagement? We started the project in April 2018. We’ve completed the bulk of the work, but NEXTNOW will continue to support us through the duration of the 2018–2019 NFL season. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? We analyze our success based on consumer reactions. I don’t have any hard numbers, but football fans are attracted to the campaign. It’s incredibly interactive, and each experience is very easy to use. NEXTNOW did exactly what we asked them to do. During this project, our client got a feel for engagement-based marketing. It’s set a good foundation for future interactive campaigns with them. How did NEXTNOW perform from a project management standpoint? Overall, they’re great. We were delayed a bit in the beginning because we had to wait for our client’s approval, so the deadlines for the rest of the engagement were pretty tight. NEXTNOW did a great job of keeping us on track to finish on time. We shared project information through Google Docs and Sheets so that everyone could see and comment on them. We also scheduled weekly calls to track our progress. NEXTNOW was very honest about their work, communicating with us at each step of the project. They were very reliable. What did you find most impressive about them? Their biggest strength is their staff. We treated them as part of our internal team, openly collaborating to find the best approach to the project. Every person is proactive, which blended nicely with our own work ethic. Are there any areas they could improve? Nothing really comes to mind. We had some trouble getting into a rhythm at the start of the project, but once we established a standard for tracking and prioritizing it was a smooth relationship. Any advice for potential customers? In the beginning, clients should make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of expectations and processes. Then, provide NEXTNOW with specific ideas and listen to their input. --- #### VR Game Dev for Alcohol Beverages Company **The Project** - Services: AR/VR Development - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: July - Sep. 2017 **Project Summary**: NEXT/NOW developed a virtual reality game for a drinks company, intending to engage a younger customer demographic and pull them to the brand. It is driven via headsets and goggles, and will launch next year.  **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 4.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Marketing, Mike's Hard Lemonade - Industry: Other industries - Client size: 201-500 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Dec 7, 2017 **Feedback Summary**: The completed game is undergoing testing prior to its summer 2018 launch and has received good feedback, fitting with the company’s wider marketing goals and brand. They were excellent developers who adhered to deadlines, communicated well, and ensured the whole process was smooth and stress-free. "“[T]hey were very involved, hands-on, helpful, and patient.” " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m the director of field marketing for Mike’s Hard Lemonade. We are an alcohol company that produces flavored malt beverages in a variety of brands and flavors.  **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with NEXT/NOW? Our original brand, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, has been out for almost 20 years. We wanted to re-engage with male millennial consumers and develop something innovative and tech-driven, aligned with our current marketing campaign. We wanted to develop something that we could bring to events we’re sponsoring throughout the country. We wanted something that would really pull in consumers and encourage them to engage with and sample our brand.  **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? We developed a VR [virtual reality] game that people can play at events across the country. It’s driven via headsets and goggles.  What is the team composition?  We had an entire team dedicated to just our project. Over the course of the development process, which lasted a couple of months, there was a team of 6–10 people.  How did you come to work with NEXT/NOW? We heard about them through word of mouth. They’re doing a great job for a number of companies in Chicago. I had an old co-worker who had worked with them before and gave them a great reference. We went over to their studio and they presented their work to us. After meeting everyone, we found them to be really friendly and thought they had their finger on the pulse of what’s happening in technology. It was a great fit. What is the status of this engagement? We started working together in July of this year until September. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? We haven’t launched the program nationally yet — it’s for summer 2018. We’re socializing the program and the game right now throughout our beer distributor network and our sales teams, along with our marketing team across the country. We’re still getting feedback from everyone, but so far, it’s been great and we feel it aligns very well and meets our goal of supporting our marketing campaign.  How did NEXT/NOW perform from a project management standpoint? They were excellent with their communication processes, reliability, follow-up, and punctuality. There was never a time where I was concerned about meeting our deadlines or deviating from the timelines we established. Everything ran very smoothly and was incredibly stress-free. They used Dropbox and we had a shared folder with them. What did you find most impressive about them? They have a number of key strengths; everything from their initial sales process to working with the developers to figure out exactly what we needed. A lot of times companies know they want to get into technology and have ideas, but don’t exactly know exactly what we need to pull in and engage our consumers.  However, from the very beginning, they had excellent creative and account management perspectives. They really were proficient and guided us towards the development of the right things. All the way through, they were very involved, hands-on, helpful, and patient. A lot of brand people aren’t technology people but it was great to have them. They feel comfortable.  Are there any areas they could improve? Everything went very smoothly for us. It was better than I expected. I don’t have any areas for them to improve. Do you have any advice for potential customers? I would go in and know the consumer that you want to engage with. Understand what your objectives are when creating some type of technology. Lay that out and then be ready to listen and learn. Don’t begin the process thinking that you’re the technology expert. Go into it knowing that you’re working with them because they’re the experts.  --- #### Augmented Reality Dev for Motor Sports Entertainment Company **The Project** - Services: AR/VR Development - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: Jan. 2011 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: NEXT/NOW creates public AR/VR experiences for third-party clients. They also build out data capture and smaller user-engagement projects. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 4.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Account Manager, CSM - Industry: Arts, entertainment & music - Client size: 201-500 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Dec 6, 2017 **Feedback Summary**: The way in which they collaborate and strive to fulfil project goals informs their top-drawer, large-scale deliverables. The two-way, constructive relationships they build engender respect from both customers and third-party clients. ""The work that NEXT/NOW has done for us shows just how potent and valuable they are..." " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. CSM is a sports and entertainment communications agency. I’ve been the account director on a motorsports account for the last five years. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with NEXT/NOW? We needed help with augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) experience development. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? For this particular motorsports account, NEXT/NOW built an AR pit stop experience. Users could go to a consumer display, complete with a 9’ x 15’ LED screen, at races and immerse themselves as an acting member of a pit stop crew helping to change tires. The experience was captured on video and shareable on social media. We were the only sponsor, the only original equipment manufacturer with technology like this. It was a very popular, innovative program. Subsequently, they’ve worked on other projects ranging from top-level AR platforms to smaller projects, data capture components, and consumer engagement in general. What is the team composition? I’ve worked with an account manager, the director of business development, and the founder. They facilitated all the project requests and anything that was needed from a client perspective back to the 2–3 developers working on the project. How did you come to work with NEXT/NOW? We met and worked on a previous display several years back. They were a new company and we really trusted them, given their knowledge and expertise in the AR/VR space. They were energetic and hungry for the business. We gave them a shot and they proved themselves through and through that they could get the job done. What is the status of this engagement? We started working together in 2011 and the work is ongoing. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? The work that NEXT/NOW has done for us have shown just how potent and valuable they are among all the different competitors and agencies we’ve used. A lot of people at CSM and with our big-brand clients respect them enough that their name comes to the top when new business or new concepts and new ideas are being discussed to work through and to try to call on a vendor to build. Their work speaks for itself. How did NEXT/NOW perform from a project management standpoint? They’re not a huge company, but they operate as they are. They’ve never miss a deadline or cause delays in project launches, and they make sure any requests—even last minute—are tackled before launch. They listen well and understand client objectives, try to get a feel for what the the project mission, and then bring their creative aspects and solutions into it. Along the way, there are always snags and new requests, new challenges, and new builds. They roll with the punches. What did you find most impressive about them? They’re really good from a technology and quality of work perspective. Their quality of work and what they say they’re going to build and say they’re going to accomplish always surpasses expectations. They don’t just take an order and fulfill it. They’re also really good with relationships. They want to be part of the process from the very beginning. They’re very good at understanding what the client wants and listens and hear what the need is. They meet that objective before they just give you a prebaked idea. It’s refreshing to work with people that you can have a relationship and you can trust like that. Are there any areas they could improve? No. As long as they continue doing what they’re doing, they’re in good shape. Do you have any advice for potential customers? Include them from the very beginning. Sometimes, when you’re working with an agency that has been managing clients, it’s very easy to play back and forth and get the request from the client and then just reach out to NEXT/NOW and see what they can provide. They’re very collaborative and they listen. They understand where their boundaries are in trying to put something in front of the client that might not necessarily make sense. From the very beginning to execution, keeping them in the loop is the best approach. --- #### Web Dev and Motion Graphics for Consumer Goods Company **The Project** - Services: Web Development - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: Jan. 2014 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: NEXT/NOW created a photo booth incorporating green screen technology for a company’s 100th anniversary. The solution also included a website and large-scale LED screen to host and display an art competition. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 4.5 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Digital Manager, Consumer Goods Company - Industry: Advertising & marketing - Client size: 1,001-5,000 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Dec 4, 2017 **Feedback Summary**: Their creative use of the latest technologies generated excellent PR buzz. They produce unique solutions, often under budget. A dedicated project manager set clear deadlines and ensured the project stayed on schedule. ""They stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and think outside the box to provide fresh ideas." " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m the Digital Manager of a major consumer goods company in Chicago. I handle all digital marketing and associated projects. We have 3,000 employees. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with NEXT/NOW? We were approaching the 100th anniversary of our company and wanted to create an attention-grabbing tradeshow booth to draw people toward our representatives. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? We developed an interactive photo booth that used green screen technology to transform the subject into our mascot. We also held an art contest in which users redesigned our iconic logo. NEXT/NOW built a website to host the competition, as well as a large-scale, flexible LED screen to display the finalists. What is the team composition? I communicated directly with their creative lead and project managers on a day-to-day basis. I also met a couple of the backend developers assigned to our project. How did you come to work with NEXT/NOW? It all seemed very serendipitous. We had launched a large marketing campaign centered around our upcoming anniversary. Their business development team reached out to us via LinkedIn, and we set up a meeting since we were interested in adding creative elements for the upcoming tradeshow. We decided they would make a great fit. How much have you invested with them? Between $100,000–$125,000. What is the status of this engagement? We worked together during the first three quarters of 2014. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? The photo booth and art competition were both received very well. Our customers seemed to respond positively, and our internal team was pleased with the PR buzz generated by these projects. How did NEXT/NOW perform from a project management standpoint? They have excellent client service. Our dedicated project lead was always available and effectively managed our team. They were organized, set clear deadlines, and delivered on time. Few, if any, issues arose, and they sometimes completed goals under budget. What did you find most impressive about them? They’re able to use technology creatively, finding unique ways to incorporate digital tools into interactive, real-life presentations. They stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and think outside the box to provide fresh ideas. When working with NEXT/NOW, don’t expect standard solutions. Are there any areas they could improve? We were pleased with their results, so I have no criticisms. --- #### Multiple Devs for Cars.com **The Project** - Services: Custom Software Development - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: Jan. 2013 - Jan. 2014 **Project Summary**: NEXT/NOW developed gesture-technology and VR games to elevate marketing efforts at tradeshows and outreach events, allocating both remote and on-site resources for efficiency.  **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Director of Creative Services, Cars.com - Industry: Other industries - Client size: 1,001-5,000 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — May 5, 2017 **Feedback Summary**: Through NEXT/NOW’s technical skills and engagement-driving vision, both games showcased innovation and attracted a greater audience. The team’s seamless management and quick turnaround time ensured a productive collaboration.  ""NEXT/NOW is ahead of the curve when it comes to the solutions they offer for clients."" **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I was the director of creative services and events for Cars.com. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with NEXT/NOW? We wanted to introduce new experiential technologies to our events and marketing programs.  **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? NEXT/NOW was brought in to work on a gesture-technology project. People would use their bodies to operate a game during an event. We used it for creating engagement with people and making them excited to be there to see and do something different. The technologies used were related to gesture-based response. Users’ heads, hands, and feet would control the game through any gesture. On another project for a big tradeshow, NEXT/NOW created an Oculus Rift game during the height of that trend. They brought technology into our booth, which helped us showcase our innovation and create a fun experience for attendees. We incorporated our business messages within that experience. I’m not sure what the backend assignment was, so I couldn’t say how many developers worked on our projects. How did you come to work with NEXT/NOW? I attended a networking event along with Randy Gress, NEXT/NOW’s director of business development. We started talking, and I was invited to their showroom for a technology demo. We were in the process of uncovering new experiential techniques for showcasing innovation and driving engagement at our events, so there was a need. We asked NEXT/NOW to submit a proposal, and we took it from there. How much have you invested with NEXT/NOW? Our gesture-based game had a cost of between $15,000 and $20,000. The Oculus Rift one was between $50,000 and $60,000. What is the status of this engagement? Both of our projects were developed between 2013 and 2014. All of the work is complete.  **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or impact of the engagement? From a qualitative standpoint, NEXT/NOW achieved the goals we were trying to communicate—namely, driving engagement and showcasing innovation. Both of our games were well-received, peaked a lot of interest, and increased the time spent at our booths. We were happy with the process of working with NEXT/NOW, from the concept stage all the way to delivery. One of the things provided by NEXT/NOW was on-site support staff. Since they were the experts in the technology we were utilizing, NEXT/NOW’s team was able to speak more to some of the technical and/or operational questions. It was a nice value-add to have. How did NEXT/NOW perform from a project management standpoint? I don’t know what NEXT/NOW’s backend systems were, but the project management process was seamless, and everything was done with good communication, proper timelines, and no doubt regarding the delivery of the project. We had plenty of time to test and make sure that the software was working properly within the environment, so I would say that NEXT/NOW did a great job in terms of project management. What did you find most impressive about NEXT/NOW? Their view on technology and its utilization for creating unique, one-of-a-kind experiences is something I haven’t seen with similar vendors. NEXT/NOW is ahead of the curve when it comes to the solutions they offer for clients, helping them stand out from the sea of the same. We had access to some smart, capable people in our team for executing that flawlessly. Are there any areas NEXT/NOW could improve? I was very pleased with everything, from start to finish. NEXT/NOW’s members are fun people to work with, and it was a positive experience. --- ## Portfolio & Awards ### Cushman & Wakefield LED Office Installation Situated in the center of Cushman & Wakefield’s new Washington, D.C. headquarters, a stunning digital canvas over 24’ in length serves as the artistic focal point of the office. This permanent installation was designed with both visitor and employee in mind, as the content is both visually stunning and dynamically driven so as to never once look the same. The generative content library at the heart of this installation is fueled by real-time data that reflects Cushman & Wakefield's vast array of international real estate services.   We rooted our conceptual exploration in visualizing the ever-evolving real estate landscape. Using relevant industry and environmental data, our team was able to fuel how the content behaves. Our integration of real-time data visualization aids in the longevity of the installation and ensures content doesn’t grow stagnant over time. ### Statue Row Virtual Experience At Wrigley Field, the sculptures at Statue Row memorialize the careers of some of the Chicago Cubs' most influential players. Our team created a discoverable immersive web experience, accessible via QR codes nearby, that amplifies each player's storied legacy. Through our close collaboration with the Cubs, we developed a visually impactful experience that enabled fans to engage with the statues, photos, videos, and historical artifacts. ### United Airlines Denver Terminal NEXT/NOW collaborated with United Airlines to create scenes that would mirror the natural awe of Colorado’s landscapes in various seasons. Over 150 feet of custom content was designed and animated to reflect the epic views enjoyed while in flight. As the United team provides a seamless check-in process, the customer gets a centering moment to admire the view. ### JBG Lobby Installation Displays JBG Smith is a commercial, retail, and multi-family developer with over 17.3 million square feet of assets throughout the DC metropolitan area. To celebrate their successes as a company, NEXT/NOW helped create a 30ft long digital display for the lobby of their new headquarters. The display features live camera feeds from their upcoming sites, portfolio images, and custom generative art. NEXT/NOW also assisted in the creation of a custom content management system that allowed JBG to change or replace imagery in order to keep the artwork up to date as new projects finished. ### Under Armour Brand House Virtual Tour https://nextnowagency.com/project/under-armour-virtual-reality-retail-tour/ Under Armour, known for superior brand innovation, wanted to provide a novel, inside look at retail as Bostonians await the completion and grand opening of the latest UA Brand House in Boston’s popular Prudential Center. Under Armour has partnered with award-winning experiential marketing agency, NEXT/NOW, to build out a fully immersive, 3-D tour of the actual layout of the store before being constructed. The tour is hosted by Boston Red Sox great, Jackie Bradley Jr., who welcomes the user and speaks to the features of the upcoming Brand House. ### MCDONALD'S VIRTUAL PIT CREW CHALLENGE https://nextnowagency.com/project/mcdonalds-brand-virtual-reality-challe... In this award winning activation, McDonald’s tapped a team of all-stars including NEXT/NOW to create a brand virtual reality experience for the hundreds of thousands of NASCAR fans during the 2016 Sprint Cup Series. While the races were exciting, the real game-changer was NEXT/NOW’s one-of-a-kind Brand Virtually Reality game on the (not yet publicly available) HTC Vive. Fans put on the headset and were transported into the excitement of a virtual NASCAR pit stop where Jamie McMurray, driver of the McDonald’s #1 Chevy SS, instructs them to become part of the team by changing the driver’s side tires in a race against time. Using the HTC Vive hand paddles, users see the race car scream to a stop, then rush to change the front and rear tires. The user then hands Jamie a Big Mac and sends him back out on to the track. Finally, the user receives an email sharable with their pit stop time, which they surely use for bragging rights. NEXT/NOW went all out with the production of this game to capture every detail including a video shoot of Jamie McMurray and recording sound effects from a real-life pit stop. We used a Hollywood-level motion capture program to create the animations of the virtual pit crew and wrapped it up in a Brand Virtual Reality package that wowed fans. ### Trek Rider Analysis AR Tool https://nextnowagency.com/project/trek-rider-analysis-ar-tool/ Trek is a cycling company that thrives on innovation and precise technical performance. Seeking a way to further its branding by streamlining the bike purchasing experience and abbreviate an often lengthy and costly bike fit process, the professional sporting powerhouse reached out to NEXT/NOW to create a one-of-its-kind Augmented Reality (AR) tool that would disrupt this process and reduce it to a comfortable, touch-and-go service that instantly connects buyers to their ideal bike match. What resulted was an in-store AR “smart kiosk” capable of recording, motion tracking, and evaluating a rider’s movements in real time that then provides a slow motion analysis of body angles and positioning that gives the buyer precise feedback on bike adjustments and suggestions on the best equipment for them. What was often a lengthy service sometime spanning days, was now reduced to a two minute process Trek’s original rollout at their flagship store in Madison, WI saw traffic of up to 30 users a day. This success has led to expansion to a total of 5 stores and as a staple installation in all upcoming Trek locations across the globe. ### ALLSTATE VR MOTORCYCLE https://nextnowagency.com/project/allstate-event-vr/ NEXT/NOW created a bespoke event VR application that allowed riders to select one of two more classic motorcycle routes in the country: the infamous Pacific Coast Highway and the scenic Needles highway through South Dakota.The experience begins as riders mount an actual 2018 Indian brand motorcycle and don a pair of HTC’s best in class, Vive headset. Steering the actual bike and squeezing the throttle engaged the game, while Electric fans were attached to the front of the bike and changed the wind pressure corresponding to the speed of the bike. ### Jeld-Wen AR Showroom https://nextnowagency.com/project/jeld-wen-ar-showroom/ NEXT/NOW built two large five by one monitor multi-touch video walls and a bespoke augmented reality application for Jeld-Wen’s brand new HQ in North Carolina, . Each wall is individually programmed to immerse visitors in the Jeld-Wen brand. Visitors are then handed a tablet as they enter the AR showroom where they encounter several vignettes representing various residential and commercial windows, entrances, and doorways. The application allows users to change the style, design, and color of windows.. Users can then save their favorites and email to themselves as a self-generated sales tool. ### CHEVRON AR PRODUCT EXPLORATION https://nextnowagency.com/project/ar-marketing-chevron-augmented-reality/ NEXT/NOW developed a bespoke AR solution so that Chevron could give a unique “under the hood” look at the way long term use affects moving vehicle and engine parts. After highlighting major friction points, the app then demonstrated how Chevron’s proprietary products minimized wear and extended the life of these critical devices. ### PROGRESSIVE VR BOATING https://nextnowagency.com/project/progressive-virtual-reality-trade-show/ Title sponsor of the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association 2018 Boat Show series, Progressive Insurance, approached NEXT/NOW and agency partner MatchMG to create an original Virtual Reality Trade Show Experience as a centerpiece to their boathouse themed Exhibit that featured an actual steering wheel, throttle, and advanced sensors that mapped and digitized users hands into the game. ### Project with Walmart ### Project with Intel ### Project with Accenture ### Project with BP ### Bucknell Immersive Virtual Tour NEXT/NOW collaborated with Bucknell’s admission and communications team to deliver an immersive experience that provides prospective students, parents and guardians the opportunity to discover Bucknell University’s offerings. Pushing beyond the standard online campus tour, users are driven to an immersive, 3D Welcome Center of today. The experience, built for 360 Web and Virtual Reality headsets, transports visitors from their current location and shows them their potential future as a Bucknell student. ### Clutch Awards - [Clutch Award Badge](https://shareables-prod-static.clutch.co/badges/top%20clutch.co%20ar/vr_development_company_chicago_2026.svg) - [Clutch Award Badge](https://shareables-prod-static.clutch.co/badges/top%20clutch.co%20ar/vr_development_company_naperville_2026.svg) - [Clutch Award Badge](https://shareables-prod-static.clutch.co/badges/top_clutch.co_event_marketing_company_chicago_2026.svg) - [Clutch Award Badge](https://shareables-prod-static.clutch.co/badges/top%20clutch.co%20ar/vr_development_company_united_states_2026.svg) ### Industry Recognitions - Cushman & Wakefield Reel Chicago Press Release - AR Insider - Redrawing AR's Boundaries - 2022 Vega Award - 2022 Muse Awards - 2022 Event Marketers Experience Design & Tech - FWA Site of the Day - AdAge Small Agency of the Year - Apex Awards - ICX Elevate Awards - Event Marketer 100 It List - Chief Marketer 200 2022 - NYX Marcom Awards 2021 - MUSE Creative Awards 2021 - Gold Quill Awards - EX Awards - Experience Design & Technology Awards ## Key Clients - Intel - Chicago Cubs - NBA - United Airlines ## Packages ## Locations (2) ### Chicago, IL (Headquarters) - 1200 W Lake St. Ste 200 - Chicago, IL 60607 - United States - 31 - 40 employees - Phone: 3129456222 ### New York, NY - 405 Lexington Avenue - New York, NY 10174 - United States - 2 - 5 employees ## Contact Next/Now [Send a message](https://clutch.co/profile/nextnow) ### Connect on Social - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-now) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/nextnow/) - [X](https://twitter.com/nextnowagency) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nextnow/?hl=en)