Digital receipts app uses NFC technology to reduce retail’s environmental impact

A cloud-based app for retailers to seamlessly transfer customer receipts to mobile phones

A digital receipts app is a common replacement for the paper receipts given in store.

Project summary

NOUMI was developed for retailers to provide a contactless method of transferring receipts directly to a customer’s phone. 

The main aims of the NOUMI app were to: 

• Reduce the environmental impact of paper receipts 
• Reduce the millions of pounds retailers spend on receipts
• Ensure customers never lose a receipt again.

The client

NOUMI was set up by Shakir Lincoln from BP Digital, who saw a gap in the market for this technology.

The brief

Gooii was asked to develop a contactless method of collecting receipts, using the latest app and Near-Field Communication (NFC) technologies. The app also needed to be as simple and fast as possible for users, enhancing the User Experience (UX) for high-street consumers. 

Key Gooii deliverables:

• NOUMI app for iPhone and Android phones
• Cloud-based system for receipt storage 
• A backend system allowing NOUMI to view and manage the product we built for them.

Project status

Working with Touché Technology, which developed the NFC hardware, the app is currently in the ‘proof-of-concept’ and testing stage and has been passed to NOUMI for commercialisation. Developed as a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), the app was delivered to NOUMI to gain business investment. NOUMI were successful in achieving their goal and are now taking the project forward.

Project partners

We worked with Touché Technology to develop a connected product from concept-to-market. This collaboration enabled us to combine Gooii’s creative and app development skills, with Touché’s electronics and firmware expertise.

We partner with Touché Technology on projects that involve the Internet of Things (IoT), which is the network of connected devices and the technology that enables communication between devices and the cloud. With Touché, this predominantly involves connecting our apps to their physical devices either via bluetooth or NFC, but could also include wifi. Gooii has developed a number of projects with Touché Technology, including the Firebeam Blue app.

Phil Hasted, Director at Gooii, said: “In today’s world, consumers expect more and more products to be ‘connected’, allowing them to control and monitor everything via the internet. To achieve this, products that were once completely standalone now include wireless connectivity and can be accompanied by a mobile app and cloud backend system. Developing cloud technology can be daunting for many companies that are more used to working in isolated situations. This is where Gooii and Touché come in – we have the knowledge, experience and know-how to make the process much easier and quicker.”

How we developed the NOUMI digital receipts app

In addition to the design and development stages that come as standard with Gooii, we worked hard to streamline the app to make the process as fast and as simple as making a contactless payment. 

The translation of printer code was key to the development. Our in-house developers reverse engineered and learnt the printer code, so that it could be sent to the phone and translated and represented visually by the NOUMI app.

What is printer code?

In technical terms, printer code is what a computer sends to a printer to tell it what to print, in this case, a receipt. We used ‘Epson Standard Code for Printers‘ (ESC/POS) to translate the code sent to a till receipt printer otherwise known as an EPOS printer. 

How do you send receipts to an app instead of a printer?

To put it simply, we intercept the printer code sent from the till via a Near-Field Communication (NFC) device  (more on this later). Then instead of printing the receipt using a traditional till receipt printer, we send this to the NOUMI app – think of it as being the same action as making a contactless payment, except instead you’re collecting a receipt. We reverse engineer the code, which is then compiled and displayed in the app as a virtual representation of a physical receipt. This is made up of text, images, barcodes and QR codes – all using bespoke code created by our extremely talented app developers.

The device, which was developed by Touché, plugs into existing retail environments and sits between the till and EPOS receipt printer. This provides a fantastic USP as retailers don’t need to change their systems – all they need to do is plug-in the NOUMI NFC device and they’re ready to go.

How we used Near-Field Communication technology to create the NOUMI app

We used NFC technology to transfer receipts from the store’s till printer to a mobile phone, enabling customers to store their receipts together in one app. 

What is NFC technology?

Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology is how we make contactless payments. It connects wireless devices that are in close proximity to each other using an NFC tag or device and transfers data between them. NFC tags, for example, are stored in debit cards and we ‘tap’ these onto an electronic wireless device, such as a card reader, or in this case, the NOUMI device. 

With NOUMI, the receipt data is sent from the till, to the device and you tap your phone (with its in-built NFC components) to the device and the data is transferred to the NOUMI app. 

Benefits of NOUMI and digital receipts apps

Environmental benefits of paperless receipts

Digital receipts are an important technology for business owners who are serious about investing in environmentally conscious retail solutions. There are huge environmental benefits for apps that enable digital receipts. 

In the UK, more than 11 billion receipts are printed each year and most of these can’t be recycled. The production of receipts uses millions of trees and gallons of water, equating to acres of rainforests being lost. 

Improves the contactless shopping experience

Retail is fast becoming a contactless market, particularly in a post-Covid world. It’s thought that the contactless payments market will reach $164.15 billion by 2030. NFC is one of the main technologies to drive this growth. 

‘Zero-touch retail’ is rapidly expanding as many retailers look to minimise interactions between shoppers and staff. Contactless payments have revolutionised the modern shopping experience and apps like NOUMI enable retailers to keep the entire transaction experience completely contactless. 

Brick and mortar stores can use digital receipts to compete with e-commerce retail

It’s no secret that brick and mortar stores need to keep up with the rapid soar of e-commerce and online shopping. E-commerce sales hit $1 trillion for the first time in 2022. Its convenience and speed mean consumers are less and less likely to want to spend time browsing in a physical shop. 

Brick and mortar stores need to create faster, greener, easier, more seamless shopping experiences in order to keep up with the retail industry’s digital innovations. Just think of self-checkouts and brands that are now appearing in the metaverse. 

Enabling a receipt to pop up on a mobile phone app rather than being crumpled into a purse or wallet (or lost), is an easy way of modernising the experience for consumers who are so used to buying products at the click of a button. 

Save your customers’ time

Convenience is king when it comes to improving customer satisfaction. Digital receipts apps like NOUMI help speed up and improve customers’ lives, reducing time spent in store and organising their finances at home. 

Retailers don’t require new software and don’t need to change their retail system

With the NOUMI app, a receipt is transferred via NFC straight to your phone. The device plugs into existing retail environments and sits between the till and EPOS receipt printer. This means all that’s required is the NFC device to be plugged in between the till and printer, meaning retailers don’t require new software and they don’t need to change their current retail systems. This simple but ingenious infrastructure means integration with NOUMI is effortless to implement.

Immediate storage and access to receipts 

Let’s face it, most paper receipts are thrown in the bin and it’s always too late by the time we realise we need them. Most of us don’t file away our receipts. NOUMI does this for you with a simple tap. 

Receipts are sent straight to your phone, so they are available to view immediately and are saved within the NOUMI app. This means there’s no waiting for the receipt to be sent via email, or an external system where it can be lost via a misspelled email address or delayed by a slow system. The consumer can have 100% confidence that they have their receipt. Gooii were also passionate about ensuring the NOUMI app still functions offline, so receipts can be collected even if the warehouse you’re shopping in has no mobile signal or wifi.

There are many other apps that allow you to scan receipts and save them digitally, but with NOUMI, there’s no need to take a photo of your receipt or to scan the information. It’s all done seamlessly in one tap in the exchange of data between devices. It’s also locked to the retailer through an automatic management process in the app and in the cloud system we developed.

No need to sort through receipts

Electronic receipts make accounting significantly quicker and more transparent for business’ tax returns. 

The receipt data is fully searchable and sent to our cloud servers, which turns searching for specific expenses into a very quick task, rather than sorting through piles of paper. This can really optimise your workflow and save you many crucial hours. 

Secure storage 

Receipts are sent to the cloud and stored securely against the user’s account, ensuring that even if they delete the app or change their phone, they can still retrieve their receipts. Additionally, when we send the receipt data to the cloud system we developed, we break down the receipt into its individual component parts including all lines of text, images and any QR or barcodes. These can then be sent back to the phone and displayed as a visual receipt. This ensures shoppers never lose their receipts and can always retrieve them quickly and seamlessly.

Protects customers and employees from BPA

Although many countries have banned the harmful chemical bisphenol A (BPA) from the thermal paper often used in the production of receipts, bisphenol chemicals are still often found on receipt paper. This chemical also prevents receipts from being recycled, with many people unaware they most receipts can’t be recycled and they could be contaminating their recycling.

Easy export

Customers can also export receipts for expenses purposes, as well as using the NFC device to print them out in stores in order to complete a return.

Customer loyalty schemes and vouchers

This system also allows vouchers to be collected and stored with the receipts. In order to facilitate this, our developers learned how to translate QR codes and barcodes back from printer code into a readable and scannable image. These can be transferred to the app individually or collected with the receipt. Voucher codes can also be stored in our cloud systems, making them hugely flexible and convenient. 

Offline access for stores with no mobile internet access

The app was also designed to work offline, enabling receipts to still be collected even if the customer has no mobile internet access, for example if purchasing in a warehouse or in a rural location. The receipts are then stored locally until an internet connection becomes available, at which point they are mirrored on the cloud server. This is a big USP over other digital receipt solutions, where many require an internet connection to collect the receipt, and it’s something Gooii felt very strongly about ensuring it could be achieved. Additionally, there’s no waiting for your receipt or worrying that the shop assistant typed your email address correctly, as you have it instantly.

Cost reduction for retailers

Introducing a paperless receipt system in your retail store means reduced spend on receipt printing technology and paper. The app is also free for customers to download, which reduces retailer development costs.

How to use this technology in your industry

The NFC technology and coding skills required for apps like NOUMI create endless possibilities for the retail industry. The specific expertise used for NOUMI enables Gooii to create app solutions that improve customers’ lives and speed up shopping experiences. In addition to NOUMI’s collection functionality, Gooii technologies can be used to develop apps for e-commerce and can be combined with our mobile ticketing technologies to create unique retail opportunities and improve customer satisfaction. 

Get in touch if you’d like to discuss how we could develop retail apps and experiences for your business.

The world’s first holographic Augmented Reality ghost walk

Summary of project

The ‘Rufford Ghost Walk’ is the world’s first holographic ghost walk. Using 5G technology and AR headsets, visitors will be able to walk amongst the undead and experience Rufford Abbey’s historical past all at the same time. 

The project will be based at Rufford Country Park’s ‘Abbey’ and was developed as part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s ‘5G Connected Forest’ project. 

The experience will enable groups of ghost hunters to put on a headset and walk around Rufford Abbey and see holographic AR ghosts walk through walls and watch echoes of their grisly past projected in front of them. Watching holographic ghosts coming back to life is an authentic, immersive experience that brings a new innovation to historical sites such as Rufford. 

Key deliverables

• Holographic and Augmented Reality ghost walk
• Interactive mobile app for AR headsets
• Shared experiences for each group of ghost hunters
• With a pool of over 40 different ghosts, there’s a unique experience with every visit.

Project status

Post production of the holographic experience is now complete and we are currently moving towards commercialisation of the experience, which involves on location set-up. When we’re finished on site, the project will be handed over to Rufford Abbey and Parkwood Outdoors for delivery to the public.

Partnering technology to create the Augmented Reality ghost walk

• Microsoft Hololens2 headset
• Subpac’s wearable tactile and surround sound audio system 
• A brand new 5G network developed as part of the ‘5G Connected Forest’ project.

The holographic ghost walk – why watch a film, when you can be in one?

When standing in the dank and dusky crypts of Rufford Abbey, groups of ghost hunters put on the HoloLens 2, a holographic headset, and watch a ghost story unfold before their very eyes. Donning an AR headset, ghost hunters are able to watch spirits recreating the tales of Rufford’s gruesome past. 

The beauty of this AR technology is that it projects holograms of the dead into the real world landscape in front of you. Historical characters appear out of the fog and walk out of the walls, coming back to life in the same location you’re standing in. This is very different from VR that is entirely computer generated and takes you to a different location. Here we use the real world and project the holograms into it, with users being able to see as normal the whole time.

Get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at our filming days

The client

The AR experience was developed as part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s ‘5G Connected Forest’, a unique research project developed to test how 5G technology can boost tourism and the environment in a forest setting. 

As part of the Government’s 5G ‘Testbed and Trials’ programme, Gooii was one of the lead project partners and worked alongside the council and Parkwood Leisure to assess the potential for 5G applications in Nottinghamshire’s Sherwood Forest area. We were proud to work alongside such incredible consortium partners. 

For this project we also worked on the world’s first interactive holographic film ‘An Arrow Through Time’, bringing the story of Robin Hood to live using Augmented Reality at Sherwood Forest. 

The brief

We were asked to enhance the visitor experience at Rufford Country Park by taking advantage of 5G technology in a rural area and to develop XR (extended reality) content in a heritage location. As an award-winning XR development agency, we were excited to take on this challenge. 

The clients had a vision for visitors to truly experience the history of Rufford Abbey, rather than just hearing it or seeing it. They wanted to make it feel as though you were right there, witnessing it first hand. 

How it works

The Rufford Ghost Walk mixes live action video with CGI (Computer Generated Imagery), and is run on a 5G network. As part of this we networked the headsets, ensuring all visitors in a group get to see the same content, in the same place and at the same time. The content is then streamed from cloud servers and with over 40 ghosts all delivered at random, this ensures a truly unique experience with every visit.

Read more about how AR can be used for the travel and leisure industry

How to use this technology in your industry

The possibilities of using Augmented Reality in travel, tourism and hospitality are endless, as the technology enables customers to have more immersive and interactive experiences. Historic landmarks, trails, excursions and attractions can come alive with AR maps, narratives, films and experiences. At Gooii, we push the boundaries and art of what’s possible, using the latest technologies to blur the lines between XR, cinema, theatre, tourism and live events.

Get in touch if you’d like to discuss how we could develop AR apps and experiences for your business. 

The British railway is set to see significant reform in the coming months, as the UK’s Transport Secretary has committed to scrapping return rail tickets and introducing digital contactless ticketing.

As an app and web developer for the transport industry, we thought we’d look at the implications of what these new measures could mean for rail companies.

How to use contactless ticketing to maximise innovation in the rail industry

Regardless of whether you think the railway system should be nationalised or privatised, most of us will agree that the British railway industry needs modernising. Passengers’ journeys must be improved and systems must be simplified.

But how can rail companies maximise the innovation that’s being developed in smart pay-as-you-go ticketing?

The current transport secretary has committed to roll out pay-as-you-go ticketing in certain parts of the country, enabling tap-in tap-out ticketing in areas outside of London.

Pay-as-you-go contactless ticketing systems

Website development for Nottingham Contactless

We built the Nottingham Contactless website for Nottingham City Council, Nottingham City Transport, NET and Linkbus services. The system, developed by INIT, is the first Oyster-style contactless ticketing system in the country outside of London. The system gives customers the best fare regardless of journey type.

The Nottingham Contactless system calculates the best price for all the journeys you make during one day and will cap it at the standard price of a day ticket. This technology is similar to Transport For London’s ticketing system, which caps the price of daily travel, regardless of the mode of transport you’re using.

We developed the Nottingham Contactless website to enable passengers to check their recent journeys and transactions by entering their card details.

Click here to read more about the Nottingham Contactless ticketing system

It is mobile ticketing that enables this type of ticketing system. Smart tickets enable passengers to use their phone as their ticket, whether this is by using QR codes, NFC tokens or Bluetooth (read our blog on how mobile ticketing technology actually works).

Not only is mobile ticketing technology important for the classic ‘buy before you board’ tickets, it also enables us to use pay-as-you-go fares using contactless cards at stations.

App development for NETGO! and Tramlink

This technology isn’t exclusive to the UK’s rail industry. Train, bus and tram networks can all benefit from the advancements of mobile ticketing. If train companies are having to modernise their systems, it will be paramount for all transport businesses to follow suit.

NETGO! is a mobile ticket app for Nottingham’s tram network. We developed the complete solution for Tramlink Nottingham, including the iPhone and Android apps, the backend systems to drive and sell tickets as well as the customer management software (CMS).

Using the app is a quick and simple way to purchase tram tickets using a mobile phone. Single, Day, Week, Group and Season tickets can be bought in a matter of seconds.

One particular advantage of the NETGO! app is the flexibility to add new features, allowing it to continually adapt and grow to new ticketing rules and systems. Our flexible ticketing systems can also be implemented across train and bus networks with ease.

If transport companies are looking to modernise their services, investing in smart mobile ticketing is crucial.

If you’d like to speak to specialist transport app developers about your ticketing systems, please get in touch.

What Augmented Reality trends can we expect in 2023? What is the future of AR and VR technology? 

The world of Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality is rapidly developing, with new trends and technologies advancing every month. 

Gooii’s team of developers is constantly researching and developing the capabilities of these new technologies and Augmented Reality trends. We invest in new software and new programmes and spend time testing and understanding them. This enables us to create solutions and products for our clients that use the latest cutting-edge technology. 

Gooii Director Phil Hasted outlines his top XR (Extended Reality) trends that we’ll be sure to see in 2023 and what they might mean for Gooii’s clients. From Apple’s long rumoured AR headset to the exciting possibilities of Web XR, we outline what we can expect from the world of AR and VR in the year ahead. 

What are your predictions for the digital world over the next 12 months?

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will continue to grow 

AR, VR and Mixed Reality will gain greater market share and popularity. This will be driven by lower cost, lighter weight devices coming to market. 

Influx of Mixed Reality technology

Mixed Reality allows for AR and VR worlds to be combined. I see Mixed Reality being used more and more, fuelled by the release of Meta’s Quest Pro headset. Imagine adding CGI content to the real world, then being able to step through a portal into a fully immersive VR world and out again into the real world.

Exciting Augmented Reality headset launches

At Gooii, we’re already developing apps and experiences with Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Jisc’s ‘Magic Leap’. I’m excited to see what some of the other major players will be launching this year as well. 

One AR headset to keep an eye on is one in development by Niantic, the makers of Pokemon Go. They will almost certainly utilise their AR development platform ‘8th Wall Web’ for this, which enables immersive AR content to run through a website, rather than having to download an app. This technology will mean that companies will be able to offer a seamless AR experience on their websites. Their work with Snapdragon Spaces is also really exciting.

Other headsets of note include Nreal, the Magic Leap 2, Lynx’s R-1 and Lumos. The development of more AR headsets means that there will be cheaper, lighter weight products available for our clients to choose from. 

But will 2023 finally be the year Apple releases its XR headset? If the rumours are true, it could be a really exciting year. 

What are your predictions for Apple’s XR headset?

Apple will only release the headset when they know they’re innovating beyond anything else currently in the marketplace.They’ll also want to ensure there’s a consumer market for the product. With this in mind, my first prediction is that it won’t be for at least another year, but there are rumours it could come sooner.

8k cameras and real-time scanning

I believe it will be based on iPhone technology and will come housed with multiple 8k cameras built into the headset. I’d also expect the remote sensing method LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to feature heavily in the headset, which will enable fast real-time scanning of the environment. 

A Mixed Reality headset

It’s unlikely that the headset will be AR, so it will most likely be Mixed Reality. This means that  when viewing the real world through the device, it will be through its cameras, much like the Meta Quest Pro, as opposed to the HoloLens 2 which projects holographic images via the headset. 

Incredible high resolution experiences

However, I expect the resolution to be far higher and to be almost indistinguishable from viewing through a pair of glasses. This will enable incredible experiences, from adding content to the real world, stepping into Virtual Reality, as well as manipulating physical objects in the real world – something that isn’t possible with the tech currently available. 

If Apple’s release trend continues, version one will establish a user base and, if successful, version two, which will truly deliver on the promise of the headset, will be released within 12-18 months of this. This is a pattern Apple has followed with the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch and I expect this to continue and for it to innovate its range in the same way.

Linked to Apple’s RealityOS

I originally thought the device would be powered by an iPhone, and it still might be, however since announcing Apple RealityOS, an iOS-based operating system, it’s now more than likely that the technology will be standalone. 

I would also expect Apple to find ways to keep it within its ecosystem, so it might be that an iPhone or iPad is still required somehow – similar to the Apple Watch. Also, the fact it’s called 

Wider reaching audiences

The names ‘Reality OS’ and ‘AR/VR/XR OS’ suggest that Apple doesn’t want to limit itself to a single technology. Nor does it want to rely on acronyms that the general public doesn’t understand, suggesting that Apple is looking beyond tech enthusiasts.

Lightweight and essential for day-to-day use

Finally, I’d expect the headset to be incredibly lightweight as Apple moves towards future iterations being worn on a day-to-day basis. Apple will be thinking beyond gaming apps and to making them as essential as your phone.

What is Web XR and how do we use it?

Web XR brings AR and VR to the web, rather than apps on handheld devices. It is a new and incredibly exciting area that will reduce the barriers currently associated with AR and VR. For starters, people won’t need special devices other than their phone and they won’t need to download an app, as they will run it via a browser. 

Furthermore, Web XR can be made cross-platform, meaning that a Web XR app will run on iOS, Android, Meta Quest Pro and HoloLens 2 all from the same website link. This means that developers can create exciting and innovative content and users can bring their own devices, be that their phone, AR or Mixed Reality headset.

What research and development is Gooii doing around Web XR?

We are currently R&Ding Web XR technology and we’re seeing incredible results. So far we’ve been able to do much of what we can with the HoloLens 2 or Meta Quest Pro and have created AR, VR and MR projects that allow you to step through AR and VR worlds. However the technology is still in its infancy and there are limitations that we don’t face when creating a dedicated app.

How is Gooii responding to these trends? What technologies are you developing?

Gooii is constantly innovating. R&D is the core of what we do. We purchase the latest technologies as soon as they’re released and immediately begin to learn and push the boundaries of what’s possible with them. 

We want to be ready for when the right job comes along, allowing our R&D to not only inform our developments but to confidently and knowledgeably advise our clients. 

We’re also developing our code base (a body of source code that we use for a software programme or application), which is then put into commercial projects and gives us an advantage in the industry.

We’re also strengthening our links to institutions such as Confetti, part of Nottingham Trent University, which enables us to use their facilities for R&D purposes and innovation. It also allows us to work with NTU students and provide them with invaluable experience working on XR content creation.

Using Augmented Reality and 5G technology to bring Robin Hood to life

Project summary

‘Robin Hood: Arrow Through Time’ is the world’s first interactive holographic movie and experience. Gooii developed Augmented Reality technology using an AR headset to project this holographic movie into Sherwood Forest, immersing the viewer into the ancient story. 

Key deliverables:

• Holographic movie
• Interactive mobile app for AR headsets

The holographic film

Gooii worked with BAFTA-winning director Nick Hutchings to create an interactive holographic film. We worked with a team of talented video producers, directors, actors, DOPs, VFX and SFX artists to produce an entertaining, educational film that users can interact with. 

Click here to read more about the film and cast.

The AR headset

Our team of coders developed an app to work with AR headsets, such as Microsoft’s HoloLens headset, in order to project this film into the forest. The headset projects digital holograms into the real world, in the form of moving 3D images. This is called Augmented Reality, because it creates a reimagined, augmented reality – digital content laid over the moving landscape in front of you. This makes the user part of the movie, enabling you to interact with the film and its characters.

The client

The film and AR experiences were developed as part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s ‘5G Connected Forest’, a unique research project developed to test how 5G technology can boost tourism and the environment in a forest setting. 

As part of the Government’s 5G ‘Testbed and Trials’ programme, Gooii was one of the lead project partners and worked alongside the council and Parkwood Leisure to assess the potential for 5G applications in Nottinghamshire’s Sherwood Forest area. We were proud to work alongside such incredible consortium partners. 

The brief

We were asked to enhance the visitor experience at Sherwood Forest by taking advantage of 5G technology in a rural area and developing XR content in a countryside location. 

The clients wanted to enable visitors to truly experience the story of Robin Hood, rather than just hearing it or seeing it. They wanted to make it feel as though you were right there, witnessing it first hand. 

Other research areas for the 5G Connected Forest project include our Augmented Reality ‘Ghost Walk’ at Rufford Country Park, entertainment pods, with 5G-enabled content and an app-based experience called ‘Tag in the Park’. 

How we developed the project

‘Bringing Robin Hood to life’ was the building block of our development. As part of our R&D, we built prototypes and digital demos of the planned content. This included using different technologies such as the Magic Leap One AR headset and Lidar on the iPhone. We’ve also been working with Mixed Reality headsets such as the Meta Quest Pro, which enables you to step through AR and VR worlds.

We co-wrote the film script and then worked with filmmakers and actors to produce the movie. We then combined the film with Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) and 3D models to create the holograms and create the immersive experience. 

Our extensive R&D enabled us to further develop the AR technology as used on a phone or table in order to create an interactive film, with holograms that are more like those seen in Star Wars and Marvel movies. 

Benefits of the project

Create a more immersive experience

AR headsets enable visitors to hear the swooshing of a sword and arrows flying past their heads, making the film experience incredibly immersive. Visitors to Sherwood Forest were also able to make decisions that would change the course of the story, with multiple different endings.

Augmented Reality brings history to life

We used recognisable actors such as Black Mirror’s Dominic Le Moignan and BGT’s John Archer to play historic figures and bring them to life in the setting they would originally have inhabited. It’s a fun and interactive way to learn about history. 

Read more about how can AR be used for the travel and leisure industry

How to use this technology in your industry

We’re proud to be pioneering the role of 5G in delivering visitor attractions. The possibilities of using AR are endless, particularly in the leisure and tourism industry. Imagine holographic reconstructions in historical sites and interactive historical tour guides, or virtual theme park rides that mix the real world with virtual reality – the worlds of Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality (MR) is your oyster. 

Get in touch if you’d like to discuss how we could develop AR apps and experiences for your business. 

Mobile tickets for events

Mass spectator events for sport, theatre and music are being revolutionised by mobile ticketing. Because of quickly developing technology, major events require intricate stadium ticketing systems.

More and more football clubs have started offering mobile ticketing via their club apps. Football clubs like Liverpool issue an ‘NFC pass’ for supporters to gain access to the stadium, for season-ticket holders as well as entry to one-off matches. Supporters download it once and it automatically updates as the season goes on.

In addition, festivals and music events are moving to mobile ticketing, with some making it their only form of entry. Business conferences and networking events are also issuing QR codes to their attendees.

Read our blog about mobile ticketing and how the technology works

Why should event organisers invest in mobile ticketing?

We’ve set out the six main advantages that mobile ticketing has for venues that host sports and cultural events.

No need to get tickets delivered

Mobile ticketing is perfect for last minute gigs because there are no waiting times for paper tickets to get to you. With this in mind, it also reduces postage fees for the attendee. Event organisers can sell tickets right up until the last minute, so it can increase ticket sales.

No need to print

Many people no longer have a printer at home, so having to print a ticket off can cause even more stress. And event organisers will be reducing their carbon footprint by not having thousands of sheets of paper being thrown away after every gig.

Gather customer data

Mobile ticketing platforms collect customer information such as contact information and purchase history, which will do wonders for your marketing campaigns.

Update your customer about the event

Push notifications enable you to communicate with your customer and update them about your event, such as when entry times change or additional services are available.

Tackle ticket touting

All event organisers want to protect revenue against black market sales. Many apps don’t reveal the QR code a couple of hours before the event, so it’s a lot more difficult to sell tickets. Using our security technologies, we’re able to lock tickets to the specific device.

Enable up sells

Mobile ticketing apps have the capability to offer pre-bookable cloakroom tickets, pre-ordered interval drinks, food and merchandise, which all means less queueing during the event and an improved customer experience.

Things event organisers need to consider when investing in mobile ticket apps

Mobile ticketing requires phone battery charge

If your event is longer than 24 hours and your customers need to access their mobile tickets throughout the event, you’ll need to consider installing phone charging points. Modern mobile phones have vastly improved the battery life of smartphones, but there aren’t many that will last longer than a couple of days.

Can your customers connect to the internet?

Most apps will require a decent internet connection for customers to access their ticketing system. Do you offer free wifi for visitors? Gooii apps are also developed to enable offline storage of tickets, offering further piece-of-mind and convenience.

Are you only going to issue mobile-only tickets?

Moving to mobile tickets doesn’t mean paper tickets have to be immediately phased out. Consider your audience and how likely they are to have a smartphone and be confident in purchasing a ticket through an app. If you have people who aren’t as tech-savvy, there’s nothing wrong with keeping the option of paper tickets or wristbands until your market is ready to be fully converted.

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated digital technology, especially in the events sector. It’s clear to see that event organisers need to protect and modernise the fan or attendee experience. Many modern venues already use barcode readers to scan paper tickets, so a lot of places already have the technology in place to enable mobile ticketing.

If you’d like to have a chat about how you can use mobile ticketing technology in your events venue, please get in touch.

The rise of mobile ticketing

Why should the transport industry invest in mobile ticketing? First of all, we’re living in the age of convenience, where smartphones are an integral part of modern daily life. Smartphones don’t just make phone calls, they’re our alarms, calculators, high-tech cameras, meditation aids, finance managers, entertainment sources, news readers – and they’re fast becoming our wallets. Many people are making purchases using their phone, using Apple Pay or Google Pay. And this is set to increase within the transport and events industries because of new technology for NFC chips and e-wallets (or ‘digital wallets’). 

We have a wealth of experience in developing mobile ticketing solutions for the transport industry, so we thought we’d look at the technology in more detail and break down some of the key terms.

What is mobile ticketing?

A new study from Juniper Research found that mobile ticketing users will total 1.9 billion by 2023. And we can see why.

With mobile ticketing, or ‘smart ticketing’, your phone is your ticket – everything is in one place. Many of us are already so used to having our debit cards connected to our Apple Pay or Google Pay in our mobile wallets. Mobile tickets enable customers to add their tickets to their phone in these same locations. 

It’s important to note that mobile ticketing shouldn’t be confused with e-tickets, which are simply tickets issued electronically as a PDF, like in an email, that can be printed out. Mobile ticketing is a separate technology. In fact, mobile ticketing is fastly replacing print-at-home e-tickets. 

How does mobile ticketing work?

There are a range of different technologies available for mobile ticketing. Core solutions facilitate tickets being purchased on a mobile phone or tablet and then made available on the device. This could include a bus, tram, train, gig, cinema or event ticket. Tickets can be available to use instantly or they can be embargoed until they’re ready for use. 

Mobile ticketing can also include QR codes, Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) or Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology, which creates short-range communication between electronic devices. You can also incorporate SMS all via dedicated iOS or Android apps. 

Mobile ticketing using QR codes

A customer purchases a ticket through a smartphone using an app and pays with a bank card or the card details stored in an e-wallet. A ‘verification’ is issued to the smartphone, in the form of a QR code, which grants access to a journey. Flash the barcode at the barriers to let you in, or present it to a ticket conductor. 

Mobile ticketing using Near-Field Communication tokens (NFC)

A customer purchases a ticket through a smartphone using an app and a NFC token or chip is generated on the customer’s phone and is stored on it. 

The NFC chip in the device can be found in the ticket in the app and can be scanned upon ticket inspection. 

Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband

Devices that use bluetooth and Ultra Wideband technology, which is wireless radio-based communication, can be installed on bus and tram stops and the iOS and Android apps can connect to them.

Using these technologies we can allow our apps to communicate with devices to facilitate things such as providing additional information to customers or even automatic ticket purchasing.

13 reasons public transport companies should invest in mobile ticketing

Transport companies must upscale their services to keep up to date with their passengers and competitors. It’s important to go beyond traditional offers of buses, trams and trains. 

Mobile ticketing uses technology we’re used to. It’s being used in the aviation industry and for long-haul travel, so we’re now well-versed in using mobile boarding passes. 

Gooii technology enables transit companies to put customer experiences first and simplify passengers’ lives by enabling them to travel ‘smart’. 

What are the benefits of mobile ticketing for public transport?

1. Improving passenger mobility – paperless, cashless and contactless

2. Convenience, above all else

Mobile ticketing is essential for ‘buy before you board’ type tickets and can be bought anytime and anywhere. In addition, our work with contactless travel, such as on the Nottingham Contactless, uses ‘tap on, tap off’ technology, which makes travelling easier than ever before. 

3. Virtual tickets in a cashless society

There’s no need to carry the correct cash like in the old days when buses only accepted the correct change and we had to look down the back of the sofa for 20ps. Using an e-wallet removes the need for carrying money. Many websites and apps also incorporate a wallet feature so that credit card details don’t need to be entered every time. This all goes to making the experience faster and more convenient than ever before.

4. A greener way to travel

Mobile ticketing is a sustainable ticketing option, in what’s fast becoming a paperless society. More and more companies, particularly those in the transport industry, are making pledges to reduce carbon emissions and making commitments for their products or services to be kinder to the planet. The transport sector is no exception. Reducing the amount of paper tickets is an efficient step public transport operators can take towards this mission. 

5. Covid-friendly, contactless solutions

Mobile ticketing reduces touchpoints between staff and passengers. There’s no need for people to handle cash, exchange tickets or interact with ticketing machines if it’s all done through a smartphone. Tickets can then be shown or scanned by using a ticket inspector, driver or revenue protection officer’s handheld device. 

6. Pre-purchasing reduces waiting times and queues

Mobile tickets are generated immediately – there’s no need to stand in line at a ticketing office, which is ideal for last-minute purchases. Pre-purchasing tickets is also ideal for passengers that like to be organised, particularly when early-bird offers are available for discounts. 

7. Digital presence for your transport brand

With most customers now expecting some kind of digital presence, let alone a dedicated app, it’s important to consider digital methods for your ticketing systems. Designated apps give transport companies a digital presence that users can rely on and trust. This can ncrease and modernise brand value at the same time. 

8. Ideal for travelling tourists

Simplifying local travel for tourists opens your business up to a new audience. Mobile tickets are ideal for people who want to book transportation in advance rather than waiting at a station minutes before their train, tram or bus is due to leave. There’s also no need to ask the driver for a ticket, which might be particularly appealing for tourists and travellers from abroad. 

9. Quick booking process

Buying a mobile ticket is a quick and seamless booking process, taking the stress out of travel. Many passengers and commuters have lost confidence in travelling since the pandemic, so making any steps towards simplification will always be gratefully received. 

10. Avoid lost tickets

We all know how easy it is to lose paper tickets, but mobile tickets remove this risk as they’re stored in one single place, either in an app or downloaded to your phone. The tickets are stored securely and tied to a customer’s device and account, making them easy to retrieve and incredibly secure. And if the customer loses or changes their phone, the tickets can be restored at the tap of a button.   

11. Find out more information about your customer

Mobile ticketing enables you to gather data on ticket purchases, user demographics and purchase trends, which will work wonders for marketing insights and help operators stay at the forefront of industry innovation.

12. Add value to the app

Public transport is no longer just about getting from A to B. Operators must improve the value of the journey itself. Apps can be integrated with other technologies to add value to the user e.g. route maps, service status updates, travel news, timetables, route and journey planning and even Virtual and Augmented Reality content. Push notifications can be added for directly communicating with customers with service updates and travel information. 

Gooii can also add customer service help desk software and customer care interfaces to help support customer service requests alongside our mobile ticketing iPhone and Android apps. 

13. Reduce customer service enquiries

Customers can make enquiries through the app or website, meaning they don’t have to spend time on the phone to your customer service team. We’re also able to integrate with operators’ existing customer service centres, enabling a streamlined and seamless customer support service.

Mobile ticketing case study: NETGO! for Nottingham’s tram network

NETGO! is Nottingham’s tram mobile ticket app for Nottingham’s tram network. Gooii developed the complete solution for Tramlink Nottingham – not just the iPhone and Android apps themselves, but the backend systems to drive and sell tickets as well as the customer management software (CMS). 

Using the app is a quick and simple way to purchase tram tickets using a mobile phone. Single, day, week, group and season tickets can be bought in a matter of seconds. The app also features newly added event tickets, including a Nottingham Forest FC Season pass.

The brief

Tramlink Nottingham came to Gooii to develop a bespoke solution that would stand out in comparison to existing products on the market. This brief enabled us to create an experience that delivered on our shared key goals of creating a mobile ticketing app that’s fast, easy to use and provides customer convenience as well as innovative security features. Key to the app development is the flexibility to add new features, allowing it to continually adapt and grow.

During the development phase we conducted market research to ensure our mobile ticketing apps addressed the issues of current apps on the market. Key to this was putting the user experience first. 

Key functions of the NETGO! app:

Integrated with payment service providers

The ticket app solution includes payment service provider integration. Ticket payments can be made via debit cards and mobile payment services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Other payment methods such as PayPal can also be implemented.

Service updates

The app creates notifications within the app itself, or can send push notifications to inform users of service updates, depending on user preference. 

In-built security

Tickets are activated on purchase and then secured to one single device to prevent ticket sharing. The in-built security features ensure that tickets can’t be fraudulently used, providing robust security for both our transport clients and their customers. NETGO! customers’ payment details are stored by the payment service provider, which provides further security and convenience. 

Personalised wallets

Customers can view all their active tickets in one place within the iOS and Android app. 

Buy multiple tickets in one go

Buy tickets for multiple passengers in one transaction, which is handy for families, business trips and groups of friends travelling together. 

Easily update prices

Prices and tickets can easily be added and updated remotely without the need for an app update and these changes are reflected immediately.. 

Customer accounts

Customers can create an account, which enables faster checkout. Customers can also retain purchase history and buy season tickets. One big advantage of having a registered account is that customers can purchase higher value season tickets, receive faster customer support, and move tickets to a new device if they get a new phone.

Detailed analytics and insights

Our transport apps also come with detailed analytics on ticket purchases and trends for the client, such as downloads and usage. It’s even possible for tickets to be tracked from when they’ve been created to when they’ve been used, allowing operators to gain insights on travel patterns. This helps create a more personalised service for passengers. 

Mobile ticketing case study: Nottingham Contactless – Oyster-style contactless tickets

Gooii developed the front-end website of Nottingham Contactless and worked alongside INIT (Innovations in Transportation Ltd), the technology company that supplies integrated ticketing systems for buses and trains. 

The client

We developed a multi-agency solution, as Nottingham Contactless works across all Nottingham buses and trams – all NCT buses, all NET trams and the Linkbus network operated by CT4N. The solution is a partnership between Nottingham City Council, Nottingham City Transport, NET and Linkbus services. 

The brief

The Nottingham Contactless website needed to be easy and quick to use. Core functionality was another important factor. 

The clients wanted to reduce the number of customer service enquiries, so we made sure that the option to enter card details in order to retrieve journeys and transactions was on the very front of the website. We also added a ‘wallet’ section to the website, which passengers can log in to to view their recent journeys. 

Multi-operator day capping rates

The Nottingham Contactless system is the first Oyster-style contactless ticketing system in the country outside of London, giving customers the best fare regardless of journey type. 

Passengers can make contactless payments with each operator and benefit from their day capping rates.The Tap & Go capped fares are available across all operators, ensuring you pay the best fare for your travel regardless of which operator you use or the number of journeys you make. 

How the Nottingham Contactless system works – Tap & Go capped fares

• A passenger taps their debit or credit card on to the contactless card reader on the NCT bus or at the validator on the tram platform. Make sure you use the same card for all your journeys to benefit from the daily capped fees. Apple Pay and Google Pay transactions are also possible allowing for the ability to pay via mobile devices such as phones, tablets and smart watches.
• The Nottingham Contactless system developed by INIT calculates the best price for all the journeys you make during one day and will cap it at the standard price of a day ticket. This technology is similar to Transport For London’s ticketing system, which caps the price of daily travel, regardless of the mode of transport you’re using.
• Please note – no tickets are issued using the Contactless Tap & Go payments.Passengers can use the Nottingham Contactless website developed by Gooii to check their recent journeys and transactions by entering the card details.
• Customers can enter their card details in order to view their travel history and a log of their payments and capping.
• Customers can easily query a journey or a transaction through the website, as well as see the progress of these queries. 

Highly accessible website  

Throughout the development stage, we used our experience of developing highly accessible websites. The site is compliant to level AA with many features of level AAA compliant to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) guidelines. 

We develop semantic, accessible HTML5 markup, which uses specific tags to clearly indicate the content in the HTML tags, including textual alternatives for non-text content.

In-house tools, such as the WAVE accessibility suite, were used throughout development to ensure compliance to the relevant accessibility level. On project completion we run these tests again, review the reports and carry out any recommendations.

We also extensively test against all manner of devices and browsers, using both physical devices and the Browserstack suite of testing tools, which comprise over 2000 real devices and browsers. 

PCI compliant

The website integrates with a payment service provider, ensuring the transactions are Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant, which is mandated by credit card companies to govern the security of credit card transactions. Additional features include the ability to store PCI compliant tokens within a customer wallet. This means that no sensitive customer payment information is stored on our servers but allows for fast retrieval of journey information on subsequent visits.

Client feedback

The City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Local Transport, Councillor Rosemary Healy, said: “We have been working towards a multi-operator contactless and capped payment option for a number of years now, to make using our wonderful public transport network as simple and stress-free as possible. It’s something we may have experienced in other great cities and I’m really pleased we are now offering it to people visiting, living and working in Nottingham.

NCT’s Strategic Projects Manager, Nicola Tidy, said: “Contactless payments have revolutionised the way people pay for travel on NCT buses and by expanding Nottingham Contactless so that customers benefit from Robin Hood price caps when they travel across NCT, NET and Linkbuses, paying for travel around Nottingham is now even more convenient.”

Additional important questions to ask when developing a mobile ticketing system

How secure is it?

Mobile ticketing apps have the potential to store a lot of valuable and private data about users. Gooii’s mobile ticketing systems include a secure end-to-end ticketing process and include innovative security features to prevent fraud.

Do you have a privacy policy?

Ensure you have an up-to-date privacy policy that is easily accessible to all customers. For example, NETGO!’s privacy policy is available to view within the app itself and is linked to in the app store before purchase. 

Mobile ticketing enables cities to modernise an important part of its infrastructure. Many cities across the UK are upgrading traditional networks and services by using digital solutions to make them more efficient, reduce emissions and improve the quality of life of their citizens.

Smart ticketing technologies for public transport are revolutionising the sector. The solutions help industry leaders to remove the barriers that many modern commuters face when accessing public transport, such as not carrying cash or knowing the right stop to ask for. 

What’s handy is that before the rise of mobile ticketing, the transport industry was developing technology for contactless card readers and smart cards, so much of the costly infrastructure has already been built. 

While it’s important to remember that ticketing systems must be flexible and support new technology and devices, Gooii is able to develop smart technology that suits companies’ public transport requirements and meet customers’ changing needs.

What’s great about Gooii’s mobile ticketing app is that the product itself is flexible enough to be customised to a client’s requirements. Therefore it can be adapted to a variety of transport modes and industries in. 

If you’d like to discuss how you can use mobile ticketing technology in your world, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Exhibiting near-field communication technology at the Engineering Design Show

We’re excited to be exhibiting at the Engineering Design Show at Coventry Building Society Arena on 12th and 13th October 2022, where we will reveal our recently developed near-field communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) products.  

The trade show is dedicated to engineering, electronics and embedded design and we’ll be joining over 200 leading solution providers to explore and discuss a breadth of smart technologies.

We’ll be sharing the stand with our friends Touché Technology, a local Nottingham-based company that specialises in the development of near-field communication (NFC), bluetooth and other wireless communications technologies. 

At the EDS, Touché Technology and Gooii will offer a ‘one-stop shop’ for the development of connected products and solutions. By combining the electronics and firmware expertise of Touché, with the creative and app development skills of Gooii, together we develop connected products from concept to market.

Glenn Needham at Touché Technology, said: “In today’s world, consumers expect more and more products to be ‘connected’, allowing them to control and monitor everything via the internet. To achieve this, products that were once completely standalone now include wireless connectivity and can be accompanied by a mobile app and cloud backend system. Developing cloud technology can be daunting for many companies that are more used to working in isolated situations. This is where Touché and Gooii come in – we have the knowledge, experience and know-how to make the process much easier and quicker.” 

Partnering with Touché Technology on near-field communication (NFC) products

We partner with Touché Technology on projects that involve the Internet of Things (IoT), which is the network of connected devices and the technology that enables communication between devices and the cloud. With Touché, this predominantly involves connecting our apps to their physical devices either via bluetooth or NFC, but could also include wifi.

Near-field communication case study: FireBeam Blue smoke detector app

We worked with Touché on the FireBeam Blue app, an optical beam smoke detector that’s used in warehouses. By connecting the app with the device via bluetooth, engineers can set up and configure the smoke detector, which is similar to how we connect to NEST thermostats. You can download the Firebeam Blue app. 

Near-field communication case study: Noumi digital receipts app

We’ve also worked with Touché to develop Noumi, an app that enables customers in shops and supermarkets to transfer receipts to their phones via NFC. This works in a similar way to contactless payments, in that you tap your phone against a device and instantly collect your receipt.

The development of the NOUMI app involved the ability to convert receipt data to human readable language and images, which allows the app users to search receipts by the words, dates and numbers located on receipts. In addition to the app, we also developed a cloud-based system to securely store customer collected receipts.

If you’re going to the Engineering Design Show and you’d like to chat to us about near-field communication, app development and emerging technologies, come and find us at stand L40. 

On set filming for our holographic AR experience

Last month we were excited to get back on set to film additional scenes for our Rufford Ghost Walk.  We produced the holographic Augmented Reality experience for the 5G Connected Forest project in collaboration with Nottinghamshire County Council and Parkwood Leisure. 

Visitors to Nottinghamshire’s Rufford Country Park will don AR headsets to walk around the forest and experience Rufford’s grisly historical past.

Having filmed the first scenes back in September 2021, we returned to film additional scenes that were even scarier and to make the participant feel even more immersed. 

Holographic Augmented Reality ghost walk

When standing in the Abbey, groups of ghost hunters put on the HoloLens 2, a holographic headset, and watch a film unfold before their very eyes. The beauty of this AR technology is that it projects holograms of the dead into the real world landscape in front of you. You watch holographic ghosts coming back to life in the same location you’re standing in. But in order for this to be an authentic experience, the film itself needs to be of exceptional quality. 

How we film our holographic AR scenes

The filming took place using a production studio near Nottingham that has a large green screen. We worked with a cast and crew of around 30 people, many of whom have worked for HBO, Netflix, BBC, Amazon and Disney. We’re incredibly proud to be working with such a talented film crew. We worked with everyone from art directors, producers, directors and directors of photography to all the people involved in sound, lighting, hair and makeup, costume designers, stunt coordination and visual effects. 

We were also thrilled to be able to work with a talented cast of actors all local to Nottinghamshire and the surrounding areas. 

In order to achieve a professional and cinema-like standard of film for our AR experiences, it’s important that we carefully consider every element beyond a normal film for screens. 

We aim to create short films that are of movie standard and replicate filming techniques such as levitaton, which were often used for the Harry Potter films. On set, we consulted with industry professionals and asked for advice on stunt co-ordination and safety. 

We also understand how crucial props are to horror films, so we commissioned experts to make bespoke items for us. We had incredibly realistic knives and even a very graphic model of a heart. 

The filming process is a little different to most traditional TV and films. For each scene, we film a ‘live’ performance that emulates the experience someone might get whilst being on a real-life ghost walk. Our films can’t be fixed in post-production, which means that everything has to be perfect when we’re on set. 

Blurring cinema and live events for immersive visitor experiences

We’re super happy with the filming and are now working with our production team to create the visual effects, sound, music and CGI. These are essential components of the final hologram experience. 

We’re excited to be developing these visitor experiences with this incredible Augmented Reality technology, blurring the lines between cinema and live events. The final version will be a mix of dramatic storytelling, jump scares and all the hallmarks of ghost walks that we know and love, in order to create a truly immersive experience. 

A guide to Augmented Reality and tourism

Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) – we’ve all heard these terms so much in the last two decades. But what are they and how can they make a difference to your sector? We have a wealth of experience in developing AR and VR solutions for businesses, so we thought it was about time we explained them in more detail. 

We’ll explore the importance of Augmented Reality and its role in the development of recent emerging technologies. We’ll also look at how Augmented Reality can be used in the leisure and tourism industry. We often get asked how theme parks, art galleries, heritage sites and cultural institutions can optimise Augmented Reality to improve visitor engagement and, ultimately, increase ticket sales and visitor footfall. So we thought we’d go back to basics and answer some all important questions. 

What is ‘Augmented Reality’?

First of all, let’s outline some key definitions. Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality are often referred to as ‘Xtended Reality’ (XR). This means that these technologies can unite the physical and virtual worlds, which reveals many new opportunities for a variety of industries. 

Augmented Reality is a type of ‘immersive media’ and you might also hear it referred to as ‘Mixed Reality’ or ‘computer-mediated reality’. Put simply, Augmented Reality (AR) creates a reimagined reality. We enhance the real world with digital content such as data or moving images. By using an AR device, whether it’s a smartphone or a headset, what you see in reality is overlaid with digital content.

What’s exciting is that with AR, we can blur the lines between cinema, live events and gaming experiences. 

In PWC’s ‘Tech Effect’ blog, the professional services powerhouse names Augmented Reality as one of ‘Essential Eight’ ’emerging technologies’. It is named alongside Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, drones, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, 3D printing and Virtual Reality (VR).

And it is revolutionising a variety of industries – travel, sport, education, entertainment and health, to name a few. 

What is traditional Augmented Reality?

Traditionally, Augmented Reality is created with smartphone and laptop devices. Think of the ‘Pokemon Go!’ game, plant identification apps and tools that help you identify stars. All these applications use a handheld device to layer digital images over the top of reality. 

What is the difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality takes you to a different location. With mobile-based AR the screen is a window to Augmented Reality content. By using an AR holographic headset, you can create amazing experiences in the real world (more on this below). It’s the difference between watching a film or being in one. 

With AR headsets, there’s none of the motion sickness that is often associated with VR. There’s no feeling of vulnerability as you’re aware of your surroundings at all times.

What are Augmented Reality glasses?

Mixed Reality glasses and headsets are revolutionising the AR and VR industries because they’re combining the two technologies. 

Wearable devices, such as the Microsoft HoloLens 2, are a breakthrough for AR. Holding up a smartphone and creating a digital image over the reality in front of you is brilliant. But this only shows a small part of that reality. Wearing augmented reality glasses seamlessly links the real and virtual realms.

When viewing on a phone or tablet, the screen acts as a window to the AR view. This is a great way to experience Augmented Reality but it does provide a level of separation. With an AR headset you are completely immersed and the content, be it Robin Hood, a ghost or a 3D model, are in the room with you.

This video is a great example of Microsoft’s HoloLens and how the technology works:

The headsets and glasses we use are lightweight, comfortable, can be worn with glasses and worn for long periods of time. For the 5G Connected Forest project, we’re trialling as many different headsets as possible. These include Nreal (when they start reliably shipping to the UK) and the amazing Subpac sound systems for greater immersion. We’re currently using the Microsoft HoloLens the most. 

Magic Leap Augmented Reality Headset

To put this into context, in 2020 we developed the ‘Magic Leap Augmented Reality Headset’ for Jisc. It’s a company that provides IT services and digital resources to support Further and Higher Education institutions. We were working on its Virtual and Augmented Reality supplier framework, which aims to help them use VR and AR in the classroom.

The Magic Leap looks like a VR headset but, in fact, you can use it to interact with 3D figures projected in front of you. This headset maps your room like The Matrix so that it understands the structure of the room, enabling you to interact with it. This creates a platform for projecting anything you want before your very eyes.

We then created the ‘AR Natalie 4.1 AI’ interface‘ for the headset, enabling users to communicate with holograms of their tutors. It’s basically like wearing Iron Man’s helmet. It also enables students to check their heart rate, watch video messages and check the weather. We incorporated a wellbeing app, including calming sounds and projections of clouds to help regulate breathing. 

What is holographic Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality holograms project 3D images into the real world. Using an AR headset or glasses, we see a digital hologram in front of us, rather than a physical object. This technology brings holograms into your real world. They look and sound like they’re part of the landscape around you.

Our AR projects are different from traditional AR on a phone or tablet and more akin to the holograms you see in Star Wars and Marvel movies. We’ve learned to develop the content and leverage the technology to push it further than was intended via our extensive R&D.

The way Gooii is using AR headsets could be considered an ‘emerging technology’ and we’re excited to be at the forefront of these developments. Our knowledge and ambition is what pushes the experiences beyond what many others are able to create.

With our 5G Connected Forest project, we project an interactive holographic film of Robin Hood and his Outlaws onto the famous Sherwood Forest landscape. Our use of AR is ambitious and futuristic but we’re making it reality.

The ‘Rufford Ghost Walk’, at Rufford Country Park’s ‘The Mill’, was the world’s first holographic ghost walk. Using 5G technology and AR headsets, groups of visitors could walk amongst the undead and experience Rufford’s grisly historical past all at the same time.

How can AR be used for the travel and leisure industry? 

Better visitor experiences

Nearly every industry is researching or developing Augmented Reality apps. By bringing locations to life, we’re able to virtually transform cultural and heritage sites in the travel and leisure spheres. AR headsets enable museums and cultural institutions to think outside of their physical boundaries. Projecting holograms into castles, forts, museums, playgrounds, theme parks, ancient gardens, cathedrals – the world is our oyster. 

Years of a pandemic dramatically affected visitor experiences and ticket sales. This means leaders of the amusement and recreation industry need to be at the forefront of emerging technologies in order to retain visitors at their attractions. 

Luckily, the possibilities of AR for attractions are endless. Holographic tour guides, historical reconstructions and reenactments, x-ray vision through monuments, to name a few. AR headsets and experiences are ideal as an add-on to tourist attractions and the heritage sector. 

Mobile Magazine recently wrote about Nottinghamshire County Council’s 5G Connected Forest Project. They discussed the “digital dreamworld” that Gooii created with project leader Ceren Clulow.

“Its pioneering use of VR and 5G gives people a reason to travel and see this (rather than another closer) forest. Plus, the technology has been elegantly designed to enhance visitors’ experience of the forest, not detract from it.”

Increased connectivity in rural areas

With the development of 5G technology emerging in more rural areas, it’s becoming increasingly possible to develop AR and VR in countryside locations. Many of these emerging technologies require a GPS signal The development of this technology creates many more possibilities. 

Bringing history to life

Augmented Reality enables us to enhance visitor experiences and make them truly immersive. Using holograms, we can use actors to represent historic characters to really bring history to life. Local legends like Robin Hood can be projected as holograms into the forest, making it a fun and interactive way to teach history. When you mix augmented reality with storytelling, something truly magical can happen. It helps to increase understanding, improve learning and develop a more kinetic learning amongst visitors. 

‘Robin Hood: Arrow Through Time’ is the world’s first interactive holographic movie and experience. In Sherwood Forest, we’re using headsets to bring Robin Hood to life (not forgetting Maid Marian and Little John), by projecting their holograms into the forest. Using holographic headsets, you can interact with the characters we once read about in books. 

Visitors can come face to face with people of history. For example, putting on a HoloLens headset enabled visitors at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City to see a life-size hologram of astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, who was the first woman of colour in space. The incredible technology brought an astronaut to the visitor’s physical location. 

 The Kyoto National Museum collaborated with Microsoft to project a life-size hologram of a Zen Buddhist monk within the museum. The immersive exhibition also showed the art of Japan’s oldest Zen temple and visitors could see how 400-year-old objects would have looked in their original home. 

Realistic noises in historic sites

Sound is an important element of AR headsets and glasses. Hearing the swoosh of a sword as you watch a battle or an arrow flying past your head can make an experience feel much more immersive. By appealing to an extra sense, visitors will feel captivated by the adventure.

We also use Subpacs in our AR developments. A Subpac is essentially a lightweight bass speaker you wear as a backpack. It’s incredibly comfortable and enables us to produce cinema quality surround. Furthermore, we use vibration so you can feel the experience. A ghost flying through you, the sound of your heart beating as a ghost approaches, or being hit by an arrow elevates these experiences to a new level not possible with traditional forms of entertainment. 

How do you create an AR solution?

The content and great ideas always come first and we use the technology to deliver these unique experiences.

In collaboration with our clients, we’re able to take the initial ideas and bring them to life. This includes working with BAFTA award-winning script writers. We then start to build prototypes, which are digital demos that form our R&D and become the building blocks of our developments. 

A great example of this is an upcoming project for which we’ve created a demo where people can create balls of energy using their hands and fire them, like a superhero or Jedi. 

We also work with hugely talented filmmakers and high quality actors to bring the holograms to life. Additionally, we create Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) and 3D models and combine these with the holograms to create a fully immersive experience. 

AR was once thought of as more like science fiction than a real life technology. We’re so excited to be at the forefront of these emerging technologies and are continually fascinated by the developments. Our team of developers and coders are constantly on the lookout for the latest advancements. 

We’ve had the pleasure of working alongside true experts in their fields. They’re working in tourism, sport, education and transport and we’re helping them to use Augmented Reality technology to develop award-winning visitor experiences. 

Not only does it add significant value to the visitor experience, AR technology can transform cultural spaces. 

If you’d like to discuss how you can use AR or mixed reality technology in your world, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.