Modern technologies in amusement parks and museums
Technology is an integral part of our lives, and devices from science fiction films are no longer a distant future, but increasingly everyday life. The pandemic has caused some institutions to invest in digital solutions for the first time. Moreover, the need for new solutions is also evident in the tourism industry.
Modern technologies play a special role in amusement parks, attractions, excursions, but also museums. They facilitate the operation of facilities and provide added value for customers, making entertainment more interactive and the whole experience more valuable. The question is, what technology to use? Here are some of the most famous solutions that are worth knowing.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual reality, or VR (virtual reality), is a three-dimensional image of artificial reality that allows the user to enter the digital world. Amusement parks can use VR to provide guests with a completely new experience, for example, by diversifying the ride on a roller coaster with a virtual image. Amusement parks can offer visitors an experience, without the additional financial investment associated with new attractions. How VR works is best illustrated in the video below.
VR is also widely used for museums and many other attractions. Virtual reality allows visitors to recreate objects, monuments and historical figures in the real world.
Augmented Reality (AR)
AR is a system that allows the connection of the virtual world with the real world, by superimposing a digital layer (digitally generated objects) on the real world. At the same time, AR is a technology that will work perfectly in many industries. As with VR, this technology offers many opportunities to provide new experiences based on existing attractions and exhibits. Here is an example of using AR in a museum:
AR can be used to display information, monuments, characters, exhibits or 3D animals. All this makes the experience of the recipient more interesting. Moreover, he himself is able to better understand the depicted character or his story.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system that links a virtual platform to objects, enabling the acquisition, processing and sharing of data. IoT primarily helps you monitor attractions, track asset status, and deal with crowds. The data collected and transmitted on the performance of specific attractions is a valuable source of information for facility managers. They allow you to assess when the attraction needs repair or modernization. Thanks to this, the facility operates more efficiently and safely. Similar to museums, technology helps monitor the resources and popularity of individual exhibits.
At the same time, one of the more useful technologies in amusement parks are the so-called wearables, i.e. devices — clothes or accessories, that store and process data. A prime example is the popular MagicBands bracelets. They use long-range devices to send signals to transmitters in Disney World parks, thus providing guests with a personalized experience. In addition, Disney has sensors deployed in the parks that transmit real-time data about what and when visitors do (source).
Smart Sales Solutions
Technology affects not only the visitor experience, but also customer service and ticket sales. The demand for contactless ticketing technologies continues to grow. Research shows that 56% of visitors expect contactless entry to the facility. Almost a third (29%) admit they are willing to pay more if the property uses solutions to reduce queues and wait times. Surprisingly, almost a quarter (24%) declare that they will only visit facilities that allow contactless customer service (source).
Systems that allow the sale and reservation of tickets online and their contactless control are playing an important role, especially due to the pandemic. Important for customers are and will continue to be features that allow you to add purchased tickets to Apple Wallet or not have to print the purchased ticket.
New technologies are the future?
The use of the discussed technologies is not yet so widespread, but this does not mean that there is no demand for new technologies on the market of Polish attractions. The use of modern solutions is currently an opportunity that gives a considerable advantage, but it is possible that it will be a necessity in the near future. To attract tourists, facilities such as theme parks and museums will have to invest in new technologies, and smart solutions will become commonplace.