NABC - Version One
NEEDS As an international economic hub, New Songdo will be a destination for many and business travelers. These travelers may have a limited knowledge of Korean culture and will need to learn how to navigate and take advantage of the features that the city offers.
As such, there is a need to provide opportunities that are easily accessible and user-friendly for foreign visitors to understand the local culture, visit local attractions, and produce learning “takeaways” that can be shared with friends and family back at home.
Our objective is to both maximize a visitor’s experience in the city and help them share their experience with others back in their home country.
APPROACH Upon arriving in the city, people can obtain a free “smart card”. The smart card works in conjunction with information kiosk and photo stations throughout the city.
The information kiosk/photo station will be placed in key locations (ie. airport, museums, landmarks) and will feature basic maps, transportation, and daily attractions in the city in multiple languages.
The smart card allows users to “swipe” their card at each station where a digital photograph will be taken of them at the landmark/location (ie. aquarium) and be automatically uploaded into a pre-formatted website. This website can be later updated with journal posts and will allow the visitor to share their trip with family and friends from home.
BENEFITS The kiosks allow international visitors to have easy access to information. They are designed to have a simple interface to appeal to a range of age groups.
Moreover, the linkage of a visitor’s experience to their own personal webpage facilitates continued sharing and reflection on their trip. The “canned” webpage format will have very simple editing tools to allow users to further customize their experience if desired.
COMPETITION: Potential competition may include guidebooks and guided tours that may discourage people from using the kiosks as a source of information. There also may be a cultural shift away from technology—where travelers may actually NOT want to be surrounded by technology while on vacation or a trip.