Great Exhibition of the North launches interactive and innovative ‘wayfinding app’

The North is putting on an unforgettable show of experiences and activities for the world to enjoy this summer and Great Exhibition of the North’s new wayfinding app will help everyone to make the most of this rare, once-in-a-lifetime Great Exhibition.

With so many things to see and do across the Exhibition, the app is the perfect way for visitors to plan their visit and routes around Newcastle and Gateshead this summer.

Following initial feedback, the app has been adapted to reflect the way Google maps operates to help the huge number of tourists and visitors effortlessly navigate their way around the hundreds of exhibits, live performances, displays of invention and behind-the-scenes opportunities that are taking place as part of Great Exhibition of the North.

In addition to itinerary planning, young – and not so young – visitors can join Ubisoft Reflections virtual characters, BUD & POD, from Grow Up and Grow Home online games, to ‘Snap, Find and Collect’ virtual crystals, by taking photographs and solving puzzles, as a fun way of interacting and engaging with the exhibits and events.

Max Everingham, Senior Marketing Manager for Ubisoft Reflections, said: “Ubisoft Reflections and Ubisoft Consumer Relationship Centre (CRC) are delighted to be supporting the innovative and important celebration of northern industry and talent in the Great Exhibition of the North. As a leading games developer in the region for the past 30 years, we are excited to see two of our characters, BUD & POD, featured in the wayfinder mobile app and around the exhibition.”

Shout Digital, a North East based software development company with a proven track record of working with iconic brands to deliver digital breakthroughs, won the contract to design and develop the Great Exhibition wayfinding app.

Gary Boon, CEO of Shout Digital, said: “This project has been such a unique thing for us to develop and a fantastic way for us to showcase our expertise and the scope of what we can do. Most of the team has been involved in the project in some way and we are proud to have designed an engaging, informative ‘wayfinder’ app to allow families from across the UK to experience the Great Exhibition of the North in a completely bespoke way.

“We know that no two families are the same and that meant we had to create an app that would encompass each nuance and need. This app allows families to build their own unique experience, play games and interact with the installations in new ways and ultimately have the most valuable experience of the Great Exhibition of the North as possible. We are internationally recognised for our software development expertise, but our heart and soul are right here in the North East; we can’t wait to be part of the Great Exhibition of the North and showcase the region as a hub of creativity, innovation and design.”

Accenture, Premier Partner of Great Exhibition of the North, supported Shout Digital in the development of the wayfinding app.

Allan King, managing director for Accenture in the North East, said: “The wayfinding app plays a very important role in the Great Exhibition of the North and we’re excited about its release. Using the app, visitors will be able to navigate the thirty exhibition venues on either side of the Tyne and the fun gamification element will engage children and adults alike. The app captures the spirit of the Exhibition by demonstrating the wealth of talent and innovation in the North of England.”

Steve Blanks, Digital Champion for Great Exhibition of the North, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer this amazing wayfinding app to our visitors. Innovation and creativity is at the heart of the Exhibition, so the invention of this app to help audiences get the most out of this unique event is very appropriate. The 80-day programme is jam-packed full of incredible experiences, and the app has some great functions to help visitors enjoy every moment of the spectacular programme, as well as being fun to use.”

The free Exhibition is helping to tell the inspiring story of the North of England and how its innovators, businesses, artists and designers have shaped our present and are inspiring our future. Visitors will begin their journey at one of three iconic venues – Great North Museum, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art or Sage Gateshead – before joining three trails through world-class venues and public spaces.

For more information about Great Exhibition of the North please visit: www.getnorth2018.com. The full listings document is available upon request.