Reaching a business bench mark

Talking benches, which treat weary walkers to recorded musings from celebrities, have been unveiled in the United Kingdom.

The benches, which will be placed across England, Northern Ireland and Wales, relay recorded anecdotes by celebrities and are intended to bring the surroundings to life.

The wooden seats – part of a National Trust project called Bench Mate – are engraved with words their muse has used to describe the setting, and carvings to reflect the personality of the recorded voice.

The National Trust said it was inspired to produce the benches after research revealed less than half of Britons take the time to appreciate natural beauty.

A spokesperson for the National Trust said people came to the Trust’s places for physical and mental refreshment, and the benches would be perfect spots to sit and enjoy them.

While this idea might seem a little off the wall, it does indicate there is a demand for public places with a higher level of interactivity. Can you think of any other ways to further develop this concept?