Mobile apps Examples of our work within the cultural and heritage sectors
ABOUT US Surface Impression is an imaginative and innovative digital media development company based in Brighton. Since the company was founded in 2001, we have specialised in delivering digital communication resources for cultural, heritage, education and arts organisations, as well as charities. Our core services are web and graphic design, smartphone apps, programming, user interface design, content management, database development, strategic consultancy and information architecture. We also provide content creation, editorial consultancy, accessibility and usability testing, ongoing support and training. With Surface Impression you will get: Plain english, enthusiasm, commitment and a can do attitude. Expertise in user centred design and accessibility. Masses of experience with the museum, arts, charitable and educational sectors. A well developed practice in displaying collections digitally online and in-gallery A very strong track record in helping organisations through all parts of Arts Council and HLF funded projects, from application through delivery to evaluation. Company registration No. 04168292 VAT No. 833 9169 06, DUNS No. 22-149-5125 Registered office: 11A Jew Street, Brighton, BN1 1UT Some of our clients Accentuate UK Arts Council Artswork Ashmolean Museum Barbican BBC Brighton University British Council British Future British Museum Brixton Windmill Cayzer Trust Archive Centre for Public Scrutiny Channel 4 Chertsey Museum Culture 24 CyMAL Disability Arts Online Dorset County Museum engage Earnscliffe Forth Bridges Festival Hampshire Museums & Arts Service The Institute of Psychoanalysis The Jewish Museum Middlesex University Motoring Picture Library Museum of London My Learning National Archives National Motor Museum National Trust NHS Pallant House Gallery Perth Museum The Poetry Society Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Porthcurno Telegraph Museum Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton Six Point Foundation South East Grid for Learning Sustained Theatre Third Text UK-German Connection Wiener Library World Cancer Research 2 Fund
POPULAR FEATURES We develop flexible app frameworks that provide a variety of functionalities to the user and are content managed by our clients. Each project is unique and is approached as such, however here are some features that are popular with our heritage and cultural clients. Feature Virtual exhibition / attraction Augmented reality Kiosk display in-gallery Notes Allow audiences who are unable to attend in person to explore selected exhibits / features and supporting editorial online. Overlay content (e.g. a video) onto the users' camera view to enhance their experience. Responsive design means app content is easily adapted for a kiosk interface (e.g. fixed ipad) if required. The publishing platform is reusable, allowing you to reversion the app at low cost for future exhibitions, activities or alternative attractions. Creative contributions Allow users to add contribute creatively via the app. Multi-language Allow users to switch language within the app 'Then and now' Slide between an old and new image of an object or place. Content management We build "native" apps - meaning they run using the phone/tablet's own operating system as opposed to using mobileoptimised web pages. However, they are populated by content that is set up in a standard web Content Management System (CMS) so the content is reusable for other user interfaces, including web pages and gallery kiosks. Full training is given to enable your team to manage content inhouse if you wish. Virtual guide / trail An illustrated map ibeacons Collections integration A trail leading visitors around a site / area. When activated, a physical marker at key points can trigger the display of many types of media, including: image, video and audio files. Key points of interest are pinpointed on custom designed or an 'off the shelf' map. Small, battery powered, low energy bluetooth emitters provide indoor location matching, in a similar way to how GPS is used outdoors. Use them to allow users to 'unlock' features in-gallery, providing an incentive to visit and increase footfall. Display related object data alongside the main content for a physical point of interest. Links to apps: http://appstore.com/surfaceimpression 3
EXHIBITION APP SERIES Barbican Centre Surface Impression has produced three Android and ios apps for London's Barbican Centre to accompany major exhibitions titled 'Magnificent Obsessions', 'Gaultier, His Fashion World' and 'Pop Art Design'. www.barbican.org.uk/apps Common features of these apps: In-depth exploration of objects / works fed from content management system but operates independently without signal Layout adapts to screen size. Tablet sized detail-screens follow art publishing conventions Audio and video interpretation included Accompanied by contextual information, curatorial notes for each work shown, ticketing information etc Key works zoomable in high resolution 4
'GEOLOCATION' APP Southend Museums Art Trail Explorer app 'Geolocation' app that situates the art collection of Southend Museums in the places where the works were created. Art is arranged into trails and themes. Viewers can view art in-situ or at home and can slide left and right to make the piece more or less transparent to overlay over a photo or the real life scene. Works are zoomable in high resolution. Backed by a content management system, with content added by the museum service s curators 5
'GEOLOCATION' APP SERIES - MULTI LANGUAGE Linking the Lines: App trails A series of apps highlighting heritage trails in a variety of heritage sites across Europe, including trails in the UK, Netherlands, France, Italy and Malta Includes system for promotion of tourism facilities alongside heritage content Multi-language publishing system developed Launches fully in spring 2016 6
FURTHER 'GEOLOCATION' APP EXAMPLES Portsmouth Historic Dockyard guide app to the extensive heritage dockyard, using GPS and trails to lead people around the many attractions and points of historical interest at the site. Cumbrian Heritage Trails - A museum linked walking / touring guide to Cumbria. Using GPS, users can plan a day out and discover fascinating stories, facts and insights on walks and trails around Cumbria. Developed as part of the Treasures of Cumbria project, it features eight trails with both written directions and a map. 7
FURTHER 'GEOLOCATION' APP EXAMPLES Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton and Hove 'Story Drop' - A way for collections objects to tell their tales beyond the walls of the museums. The app features location unlocking and achievements which build up to tell stories about Brighton and Hove s history. Nimbus 'Travel with Sound' an art app that combines the natural environment recordings of sound artist Chris Watson with audio-based geolocation 'games'. Map Factor (right) a simplified online mapping web app that helps people with learning difficulties engage with arts festivals. Includes geolocated commenting, easy pics, film and audio. This example was used at the Liberty Festival in the Olympic Park, September 2013. 8
CONTACT US If you would like to discuss how a mobile app or in-gallery interactive might enhance your exhibition or attraction please get in touch. Peter Pavement Director, Surface Impression 01273 044131 peterp@surfaceimpression.com Natalie Laycock Product / Business Development, Surface Impression 01273 044131 natalie@surfaceimpression.com 9