Above: The Bugs Count app developed for the Natural History Museum.
Heritage Mobile Apps
Imagemakers i-explore | How much does it cost? | Interpretive app examples
HLF Digital Report | A Rough Guide to Interpretive Apps | Request more information
Whether you want to monitor the invertebrates around the country, lead people around a space to discover sights and sounds or create a new layer of interpretation, a mobile app is definitely worth considering.
Reports show that smartphones now account for the majority of mobile phone sales and there are now over 700,000 apps on sale for download. However, we believe that the use of an app in the heritage sector needs to be considered very carefully. It would be a tragedy if the future generations of visitors to our National Trust properties, nature reserves or museums walked around with their heads down looking at their phones rather than taking in their surroundings.
That’s why we believe we have developed an app structure which not only lets people explore deeper information for themselves but encourages them to observe, contemplate and enjoy the environment around them – and we’ve called it i-explore.
The idea for the app structure is based on the widely-loved game of I-Spy – and encourages visitors to explore your area and subject in a fun and engaging manner. We wanted to allow family groups to play together, help move them to spaces they may not have visited independently and create a layering of multimedia to help interpret the content. The structure can be developed for any location and can be enhanced in a variety of mix-and-match ways to engage and interest all social groups. Importantly, the apps can be fully designed with your brand to create a unique way for visitors to open up and reveal your history and stories.
How does it work?
The ‘i-explore’ structure allows people to search for features in the environment (e.g. wildlife, shops with heritage features, landmarks), learn more about each one by viewing photos and hearing associated sounds, and collect sitings to gain points against the other players. The gaming element is supported by high-quality ‘zoomable’ imagery and sound effects. Additional ‘did you know’ text can be added and extra points can be won through answering bonus questions.
Some great examples
‘i-explore’ is not an app in itself, think of it more like an engine that can power your app. You get the advantage of a system that has been tested and evaluated but without the large budgets and time allowances that come with research and development.
The best way for you to see is to download one of the apps we have developed. We have used the ‘i-explore’ app engine to create the following projects:
Bugs Count
Client: Natural History Museum
Edinburgh – World Heritage City
Client: Commissioned by Edinburgh World Heritage and funded by Historic Scotland.
The Bridgewater Canal: A Waterside Trail
Client: Salford City Council and The Friends of the Salford Museums’ Association
Discover Wildspace
Client: Veolia, Havering London Borough Council
Wildspy: Walk in the Woods
Client: Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust
Revealing the Rows
Client: Chester Renaissance
How much does it cost?
Using the ‘i-explore’ app engine allows us to offer you the chance to have your own branded app for as little as £8,000 (+VAT). This includes:
Branded splash page and bespoke design throughout
Inclusion of up to 30 points of interest (e.g. species/features/landmarks)
How to play page
Copywriting for each point of interest including;
- Title
- Intro text (15-20 words)
- Value (points for spotting the point of interest)
- Lucky dip / interesting fact / did you know text (max 20 words)
- Detailed information (40-80 words)
- Image (to be supplied)
- Sound bite (if available / appropriate)
- Bonus question (to earn more points)
- 3 multi-choice answers
All programming and launch on the iTunes App Store*.
Access to statistics showing number of downloads and active users.
* We can develop your app for both Apple and Android phones but the above cost structure is for a single phone platform.
‘i-explore’ more
We know that every need is different and the ‘i-explore’ engine can be extended to suit your particular needs. Your app can include gps mapping, videos, social networking, QR codes, augmented reality, ‘sending a virtual postcard’ (a great marketing tool), geocaching, in-app purchasing for revenue generation and database connection to allow for groups to continue their experience online. We are happy to talk to you about the possibilities to make sure your app works at interpreting your subject.
‘i-explore’ blue sky
We developed the ‘i-explore’ app engine because we believe the structure really works as a great tool for interpreting content without distracting people away from their surroundings. It allows us to offer you the opportunity to have an app for a reasonable price. However, if you have an app idea for your organization then we can help to structure, design and develop the app for you. Our team are highly experienced in how app structures work and the psychology of how visitors interact with mobile technology and we can work with you to create an effective use of the technology. Just get in touch and we can start talking.
Get in touch
The best person to speak to is Paul, our Digital Media Manager. He will be able to chat through your requirements whether it’s for an ‘i-explore’ based app or something completely different.
Email: paul@imagemakers.uk.com
