Did you know that the vast majority of AV systems are actually not used by people or, in many cases, definitely not used to their full capabilities? Now, why is that? Well, the main reason is due to these systems not being designed for the people that are actually using them.  Now, that’s quite puzzling you might think. But unfortunately, it’s the truth.

There are two key people in every single AV project.  And they’re not the AV specialists or the AV designers. They are the people that I call “Mary and Bob”. Now “Mary and Bob” are the people that use the AV systems and they’re so important in every single project. You see, imagine this scenario. You have the best AV designers, you have the best complementary team: architects, builders, installers etc. The equipment is fantastic. Everything is planned out and thought about perfectly, to the millimetre. The systems are commissioned perfectly. At the end of the project, the end solution is all singing and dancing. But you know what? If no one has bothered to speak to “Mary and Bob” and understand their requirements, the entire project  will have been a complete waste of time and become another one of those AV systems, which unfortunately, won’t get used.

So, let’s look at some examples of “Mary and Bob” in the real world. In a workspace environment, in that boardroom, the training room, conference rooms, the huddle spaces, “Mary and Bob” are using all of those AV systems. Or what about in a teaching environment like a University, or a school? “Mary and Bob” could be the teacher running the class, or they might be the students using the AV systems. Or what about in a court of law, or a hearing room? The judge, or the court operator, or the solicitor presenting evidence, they could all be “Mary and Bob”. In a more sophisticated space like an entertainment venue, an auditorium, “Mary or Bob” could be operating that mixing desk or located back in the control room, operating all of the AV systems in a live event. Maybe a very simple scenario could be a sound system in a restaurant. “Mary or Bob” has to operate that as well. What about a digital signage system, which are ever so popular now? You need to keep that content fresh and up to date and “Mary and Bob” have that responsibility.

“Mary and Bob” are so important and they are at the centre of every single AV project. And that’s why we, here at konnectus, think about “Mary and Bob” first and foremost before we even look at designing anything. We want to get to know them. We want to understand their world. What’s their current situation? What’s their desired situation? When do they need to use technology? When do they not? What do they need AV technology for, specifically? And on and on we go. So, the better we know “Mary and Bob”, the more accurate we can put together an AV system that truly meets their needs and requirements. Importantly, this then gives us confidence that the AV systems are actually going to get used.

So, on your next project, remember not to forget about “Mary and Bob”.