Imaginet was appointed by HERIAN, Heritage in Action, a partnership of local authorities and other bodies, to develop a number of information points to enable people to see the links between different heritage sites in Wales and promote tourism to these areas.

 

The £200,000 project comprises a network of kiosks located at 22 sites across Wales, supported by a public access website.  Kiosks at 15 sites are currently up-and-running, and the rest will be in place by the summer.

 

Linked through a central web server, the kiosks use Google Mapping to guide people from site to site, using the region's expanding network of walking and cycling trails. These predominantly follow the routes of former industrial transport arteries, such as tow paths, tramways and railway lines.

 

Dave Taylor, creative director of Imaginet, said, "The HERIAN project was launched to develop a coordinated approach to heritage development throughout industrial south Wales and to improve tourism in the area. 

 

"To achieve these aims, we designed and set up a network of interactive information points supported by a website.  Visitors are able to plan their itinerary via the kiosks and website as well as find out detailed information about their destinations including cycle routes, accommodation, attractions and events.

 

"We've developed a web content management system that drives both the kiosk network and website in both English and Welsh, as well as a range of databases to deliver extended content of news, documents and links.

 

"Data-feeds from a number of third party content providers ensure the most up-to-date information is presented from tourism and travel organisations in Wales.

 

"Furthermore, the information is localised on each kiosk with links to extended content, and we've also installed an attractor, similar to a screensaver, which is designed to attract users to the kiosk when not in use."

 

The project was launched at Rhondda Heritage Park by Welsh Assembly Heritage Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas, as well as the Griffiths family who starred in the BBC's acclaimed ‘Coal House' series and lived the lives of a 1920s mining family.

 

Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas commented, "This advanced and highly imaginative network is a great example of how we can use today's technology to bring the past to life. By connecting one point to another, these kiosks are milestones guiding local people, as well as visitors, through the story of how south Wales once led the industrial world.

 

"Projects such as this and the ‘Coal House' series are great ways to capture the interest of people of all ages and educating them about our nation's historic global role."

 

Based in Cardiff city centre, Imaginet is one of the leading web development agencies in the UK.  It offers a full range of web services including web design, content management systems, touchscreen technology, e-commerce, online marketing and search engine marketing, internet strategy and database development. 

 

Established since 1995, Imaginet has worked on a number of websites including www.smokingbanwales.co.uk, www.eisteddfod.org and www.wales-holidays.co.uk. Imaginet is an approved supplier on two government rosters - the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and COI. 

 

For a demonstration of the touchscreen kiosk interface, visit: http://www.imaginet.co.uk/case_study.php?cs=47