700 SPECIMEN BANKNOTE

INPUTS
• Design Research
• Speculative Design
• Interface Design
• Security Integration

FEATURES
• Simultan offset printing
• Silkscreen-printed colour-shifting ink
• Diffractive optically variable image device
• Cell-modulated screening intaglio

OVERVIEW

The 700 specimen banknote is part of an ongoing research project exploring the use of creative technologies for currency design and the future of payment interfaces, communicated through a range of speculative artefacts.

Drawing on inspiration from geophysics, cosmic scales and navigation systems, we created a series of designs using procedural generation and 3D modeling as primary tools for producing visual assets. The mountain peak on the front of the note evokes Swiss landscapes and exploration. In the centre, a diagram based on the rapex—a device for determining coordinates on the Swiss national maps—shows the cardinal directions. Additional topographic elements and contour lines appear in the security stripe. The back of the note depicts a view of planet Earth as seen from space, with the South Pole at the top in reference to the first clear image of Earth, The Blue Marble, which was originally taken “upside down” by the crew of Apollo 17, on December 7, 1972. Under UV light, an expanded view of the Earth's magnetic field appears.

STEPPING INTO UNCHARTED TERRITORY
— SICPA

INPUTS
• Design Research
• Narrative Creation
• Experience Design
• Creative Direction

ASSETS
• CGI environments
• Optical effect ink designs
• Specimen cards & sample banknotes
• Custom presentation boxes
• 3D generated ceramic sculptures

OVERVIEW

SICPA is a leading global provider of secured authentication, identification and traceability solutions and services. In late 2019, RETINAA was commissioned by SICPA to develop a visual storytelling concept and a range of promotional material focusing on user experience.

Working closely with the SICPA team, we came up with a disruptive and contemporary way to present the innovations of ink technology. Inspired by microscopic images of banknotes, we built an imaginary universe composed of three environments, each illustrating a key ink property. The resulting outcome was a combination of bespoke CGI artworks and novel ink designs inviting users along an immersion into the banknote microcosm.

Photography by ReproSolution

CUSTOM WINE BOTTLES

FEATURES
Wax-sealed in purple and red
Seamless, scannable label
White silkscreen-print
Deep purple intaglio

OVERVIEW

To celebrate our 6-year milestone, we decided to release two series of limited edition wine bottles with scannable labels, mapping out key projects undertook during that time into a collection of visual signs. The labels were silkscreen-printed to reveal the UV properties of the paper, then overprinted in deep purple intaglio. The selected wines were produced by Le Domaine de la Ville de Morges: Gamay Réserve Grand Cru and Parcelle No. 982 Sélection Nature Grand Cru.

Photography by Nicolas Delaroche