Creating music can really trigger creativity in young people. That's why McDonald’s in the Netherlands introduced McTrax. A paper placemat turned into a full music production station. By the use of conductive ink on a piece of paper people could connect our placemat to their smartphone. Every touchpoint triggered a full soundbank to kickstart their creativity. Just select a beat and people were good to go to create their own sounds and melodies. Then, you could tweak your track with any kind of effect. You could even record your own vocals! This is how we challenged young people’s talent by showing their music skills at McDonald's.
Creative Execution
In two months time we went from idea to prototype to final product. Hardware, software and creative agency parties, partnered to bring this idea to life. We have introduced McTrax in one McDonald’s in the Netherlands. The online video on Facebook and YouTube reached a wider audience.
The video was well received on Facebook and YouTube in the Netherlands. Moreover the video has been picked up by many leading online media from around the world - like The Daily Mail, DJ Mag, FACT Magazine, Forbes, Fortune, Metro, Fast Company and The Verge. It was also featured on Fox News TV.
Results:
- Over 35 million Twitter impressions;
- 150 articles placed in titles all over the world, with a reach of over 6 million;
- Also the online video has been viewed over 800.000 times.
The target group teens visit McDonald's Netherlands without even looking at the placemat. For them it has a pure functional purpose: keeping the tray clean.
From data insights we learned that many Dutch youngsters share the same music related dream. Becoming famous, hence the many examples of famous Dutch dj’s and producers. This data insight triggered McDonald's to embrace this creative ambition of their audience
With McTrax we put the placemat in the heart of this ambition. We challenge them to express their creativity with this full music production station. In McDonald's and anywhere else.
A strong increase in search volume for DJ and Producer-tutorials on Google and YouTube revealed a dream that many Dutch youngsters share. Becoming famous, hence the many examples of famous Dutch dj’s and producers. This data insight triggered McDonald's to embrace this creative ambition of their audience. The brief: create an innovative idea to bring their dream to live in an inspiring and innovative way. To actively support this creative ambition, McDonald’s came up with a new and innovative approach to their famous placemat. A technology driven, social and mobile first idea, that adds fun and renews the experience of a McDonald’s visit.