Iris Solutions
Interactive Sensory technology is all about immersing users into the world of senses. Innovators within this field look at spaces and objects and see beyond the fixed material space. In fact, any space becomes a canvas with the potential to take users into an interactive landscape of their choice.
A pioneering Palestinian technology-based social enterprise working with interactive technology, and one of only a handful of specialized companies innovating within the field of sensory technology in the region is Iris Solutions. Founded in 2010 by Mohammad Nanish, Ahmad Rabi, and Ayman Arandi, Iris has become the leading provider of interactive and assistive technology.
With more than 150 thousand users benefiting of their technologies implemented in Middle East and Europe, Iris has managed to achieved a new level of social impact to their clients and users who are amongst the most vulnerable groups in all societies. The team behind Iris’s innovations includes seasoned engineers, designers, researchers, psychologists, and content creators – all driven by a mission of impact, to provide a better life through technology.
Iris develops touch-driven software and hardware solutions. The team has designed and implemented over 50 customized solutions including eReg Solutions, Digital Concierge platforms, and Interactive Virtual Tours. Iris is credited for creating and developing the interactive technology at the biggest visitor information center in Jenin, Bethlehem and the newly opened Yasser Arafat Museum in Ramallah.
The assistive technology unit at Iris is currently growing not only in Palestine and the surrounding countries but also in Europe. There are hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries primarily in educational, social and health institutions.
Iris’s assistive technology is currently the fastest growing, as well as main market shareholder of sensory environments in Palestine, with +40,000 children and adults using Iris sensory products. Initially targeting rehabilitation centers, Iris develops immersive sensory products designed to help children develop their senses, and learn how to interact with their surroundings in controlled environments. A sensory environment is based on the philosophy of breaking the barriers between the educator/specialists and the user by creating safe and relaxing for communication and interaction.
However, while Sensory Rooms have proven to be quite popular, Iris Solutions wanted to make their technologies more accessible to organizations, schools, and individuals alike. The team innovated a patented plug-and-play model of their sensory environments, called the Sensory Box, a cost effective and adaptable alternative to fully equipped Sensory Rooms. The Sensory Box has become Iris’s flagship product since 2016 and has been installed in over 130 educational centers in Palestine alone. The popularity of the Sensory Box lies in its accessibility, affordably priced between 5K USD – 10K USD.
The Sensory Box allows users to control all aspects of a room, including lights, music, sounds as well as visuals to create a fully immersive environment fit for educational and rehabilitative centers, or even just to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Installing the Sensory Box is quick and easy, users simply plug in the Sensory Box to any TV or projector, install the special light bulbs, and the journey starts! Through a mobile application, users can tailor their experience from a selection of natural sounds like rain fall or bird songs, a bundle of music tracks , colorful lights and visuals are also available to set the ambience of a room. “We created our own Operating System and apps, in both Arabic and English, and have a specialized team who are constantly adding content to it,” says Nanish. “Our clients just cannot get enough and keep coming back to request more content.” However, in order to ease users into the Sensory Box, Iris provides installation, in-person trainings, and after sale support, to make sure their customers are getting the most out of their sensory environment.
In 2018, Iris partnered with Penki Pojuciai in Lithuania, where there are more than 30 centers and schools using the Sensory Box. “The Sensory Box is our champion product,” says Nanish. “It is a plug and play system that takes only minutes to install. It can easily be used anywhere. The Sensory Box was built to be expanded upon, and with upgrades and features added to the system, the potential is endless!”
With the growing traction, Nanish says that Iris is looking for investments to put on global gears, and expand their operations to serve the greater Middle East. With over 110 schools and kindergartens, 35 centers, and more than 150,000 children, parents, educators and professionals alike are benefitting from Iris’s tech. The impact and the potential of this Palestinian company cannot be overstated. “We are working to set the model for social entrepreneurship in Palestine and beyond, with an aim to be the leading provider of sensory environment globally, straight out of Ramallah.”
To learn more about Iris Solutions please visit: http://iris.ps
And on Facebook: @iris.interactive.solutions