Windows are one of the things that connect our private lives to the outside world. They let in light and fresh air, at least that's what they're supposed to do. People today don't use windows the way they used to, they close out natural light with blinds and shades, and lock up open windows in favor of central air conditioning. Technology has served to take much of the purpose out of the window's original intent, as we no longer rely on them to satisfy our personal comfort. Andersen Windows has a lot at stake in this market, and refused to quietly comply while potential customers passed by the need for great windows. Andersen worked with a bunch of industry experts and design firms to create "Project Odyssey" - an initiative that's working to make windows fun again.

One of the things that makes Project Odyssey so innovative is that it was born out of a conversation, and not crafted in a stuffy boardroom meeting. The dialogue between Andersen Windows and a design firm that was working on a house of the future project generated a conversation about how windows are crucial in every home, but what will their role be in the future? With Project Odyssey, Andersen's goal was to gain a better understanding of how today's technological and behavioral trends affect the role of the window. They looked to apply their findings in a campaign that redirected their products' research and development, approaching Project Odyssey as an anthropological research project that emphasized the perceptions people have about their homes and the technology that exists within them. Andersen worked to identify what future technology could serve specific needs, and at the end of three years ended up with plenty of usable findings thanks to a slue of focus groups and input from customers, designers, planners, contractors, architects, and retailers. Through all of their research Andersen found that people really just want to return to the simpler things in life. They want beautiful windows that let in light, fresh air, and stunning views of the outdoors.

In order to accommodate customers better, Andersen developed products like an invisible insect screen, multimedia windows, and a micro-ventilation window that make people more comfortable in their homes. The ClearSite "invisible insect screen" gives homeowners protection from pesky bugs in addition to providing a clearer, uninterrupted view of the outside world. The new technology Andersen uses in their ClearSite screens also increases the amount of air and light that are able to come into homes. The multimedia window concept would enable owners to use their windows for things like watching television, listening to music, or even adjusting the indoor temperature. They also came up with a "SlideAway" model that's centered on a touch sensor computer screen which users can slide into a discreet side pocket when not in use. The "ViewPoint" concept involves a bay window that also acts as an entertainment center, featuring a middle panel that adjusts from clear glass to an opaque surface that TV or movie imagery can be projected onto. Andersen's "AirWays" micro-ventilation window would enable the window to let in airflow without jeopardizing the homes security. The "AirWays" window uses vents in the frame of the window, and could supplement a traditional HVAC system.

By combining cutting edge ideas with classic applications Andersen has disrupted the window industry, proving that these age old devices can still be imbued with new life. Andersen Windows is working to pave the way into a new market of high tech window solutions, and have opened up the door to innovation, competition, and creativity for window companies across the globe.