Project Aims
The Welcome Gallery originally showcased some technical models, which were interesting to a certain genre of visitor, but didn’t introduce or ‘set the scene’ for the contents of the Museum.
Our aim was to widen the appeal and engage young children, adults, families and the senior audience alike. We wanted to deliver a multi-layered experience, an immersive, creative space with multi-sensory appeal, and we wanted the introductory experience and journey to be really engaging from the first moment, so visitors could get the most out of their museum visit.
What we did
Working closely as part of a team of museum interpretation specialists we designed a new Welcome Gallery that would set the scene for the museum content, plus orientate and excite people about what they can expect to find. We envisaged a cohesive space that would draw visitors from the entrance – and it needed to have a wow factor.
3D feature wall
We installed an innovative 3D Feature Wall with representative artefacts from key exhibits embedded in the wall as touchable 3D objects, to grab visitor’s attention and interest immediately. Artefacts included the wing of a plane, a box with a carrier pigeon, a fighter pilot’s helmet and medals amongst other interesting items to tease visitors of what was to come.
Animated heads-up display
Visitors were able to learn about 4 different key aircraft via an animated HUD (heads up display), using state of the art technology displayed on a transparent Perspex screen. A large-scale image of a jet landing on a carrier was included as part of the installation to bring to life the experience.
Graphic Wallpaper
Graphic wallpaper was developed which formed a sympathetic backdrop to the gallery’s different components. Video and use of original images and footage provided an overview of some of the stories to be discovered within the Museum.
Engaging younger audiences
An Education Panel with document holders housed adventure trails for children to follow and entertain them throughout the museum with fact-finding exercises.
Visitor journey
The start of the visitor’s journey through the museum was made clear and easy to comprehend with strategically placed wayfinding indicators and signage.
Interactive gesture wall
Visitors can now navigate their way through the museum and to certain exhibits using our multi-touch Gesture Wall. This large projected map identified the different areas of the museum and facilities, with interactive touch points revealing further information.
