If a curious pedestrian or meandering member were to depart from NeueHouse Madison Square and head just a few blocks down Park Avenue, they would encounter an intriguing sight in one of the large, street-facing windows of Fotografiska New York, the photography museum, which also happens to be NeueHouse’s sister company.
A closer look reveals something more. By scanning the QR code on the sidewalk, passersby, curiosity seekers and sophisticated shoppers can unlock an immersive AR experience with their smartphones, bringing these remarkable items to life in novel and unexpected ways.
The installation, featuring dozens of real products from creative entrepreneurs across the globe, is the physical manifestation of Browser History 2021, the end-of-year campaign from Squarespace. The celebration spotlights some of the amazing makers with a website on Squarespace who delivered the goods during a challenging year when it sometimes felt like online shopping was one of our few reliable pleasures.
As businesses, specifically small businesses, scrambled to adjust overnight and were faced with the harsh realities presented by the impact of COVID-19, the need to assume a creative mindset to sustain the initial innovation was amplified. One could say that the pandemic was a time to facilitate growth, optimism and think creatively — whether it was to find a new way to continue delivering a service or begin providing a new one; or see an opportune moment to better one’s online presence, marketing or products.
As NeueHouse is a home to creatives, entrepreneurs and small business owners, we are highlighting Browser History as a representation of the grit and determination it takes to bring ideas to fruition, and as an exploration of 2021’s trends in e-commerce and online shopping. View some of our favorite selections and shop them at browserhistory.squarespace.com, just in time for the holiday season.
