‘Your Scottish Archives’ catalogues and provides guidance on Scotland’s archives

Gooii has been working on an archive website development project for the Scottish Council on Archives to develop the ‘Your Scottish Archives’ portal. It is a new online database that catalogues archival collections across Scotland. 

Our development team has carefully crafted a bespoke website and search system that enables users to explore its archive collections. For this, we developed a new WordPress instance. This is a website powered by WordPress, with a custom theme built according to the needs of the client.

Why the Scottish Council of Archives approached Gooii to develop its new archive website

The Your Scottish Archives (YSA) website draws data from Jisc’s Archives Hub, which we launched in 2017. The system provides researchers with access to millions of records from 320 institutions across the UK.

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the SCA wanted to commission a system that would make it easy for users to search through its vast collection of archives. Having seen our software and website development first hand with the Archives Hub, the SCA got in touch to discuss the possibilities of Gooii developing a system with similar functionality. 

Read about our work for Jisc’s Archives Hub

Our team has intimate knowledge of the data within the Archives Hub system. We understand its hierarchical nature and have extensive experience of developing systems that are capable of holding such huge archives. We develop streamlined, intuitive User Interfaces (UI) that enable users to quickly search for specific terms and documents, whether they’re archivists, researchers or the wider public.

The brief

The new website needed to have:

• Its own branded and bespoke search interface and functionality. This would make it easy for users to search its extensive database of archives. 
• The ability to publish editorial content and features. 
• Information on how to contribute your own archival data.

Project partners

It’s been a pleasure to work alongside the Archives Hub and John Pelan and his team at the SCA.

We also worked with Knowledge Integration, as the YSA data is currently aggregated by them. We also worked their Collections Information Integration Middleware (CIIM), as part of the Archives Hub. 

How we developed the SCA’s new archive search system

Using a CIIM to index documents

CIIM is a middleware solution – software that works between an operating system and the applications running on it. The CIIM can extract, collect and synchronise data from back-office systems and present it to users in the Elasticsearch database. This is where the data is held. We used CIIM and Elasticsearch for Jisc’s Archives Hub and knew it would work perfectly for the SCA website. 

Integrating the search engine with the website

We used PHP and Clojure coding to integrate the Elasticsearch search engine with the site. We have delivered a variety of other projects using these technologies to run this database in order to build bespoke archive websites. 

Integrating the Elasticsearch search application with the wider WordPress infrastructure was a new challenge for the team. We provisioned a Google Cloud-based Elasticsearch instance into which the Archives Hub system routinely publishes the data provided by archival contributors in Scotland. This serves as the database for the YSA website.

Making Scotland’s archives accessible through innovative website development

Our collaboration with the SCA on the development of Your Scottish Archives is a significant advancement in how archival collections across Scotland are accessed and explored. 

By using our expertise in building large-scale, intuitive archival systems, we’ve created a powerful, user-friendly platform that meets the unique needs of the SCA. 

This project not only showcases our technical capabilities in integrating complex systems like Elasticsearch and WordPress, but also highlights our commitment to preserving and promoting archival heritage. 

It has been an honour to work with such dedicated partners and we look forward to seeing the impact this new platform will have on researchers and the general public alike.

Keep up to date with news on the project on our social media – LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. 

Article by
Franz Evert

Franz is a Technical Director at Gooii and has over 20 years’ experience developing commercial and open source database driven software in many languages. Franz’s other skills include project management and client liaison and he’s passionate about high web standards and internet security.

Follow Franz on LinkedIn

New Augmented Reality experience in Cambridge brings historic music performances back to life

Gooii has developed a new immersive Augmented Reality concert experience for Cambridge’s Corn Exchange, one of the UK’s most historic music venues. 

The Corn Exchange has hosted thousands of concerts over its 150 year history. Using the power of AR, we’re enabling the public to relive these iconic performances.

As well as watching legendary performances from the past come to life before their very eyes, visitors can also expect vintage car time machines, an interactive wall of vortexes and a collaborative brick wall. 

We’ll be using Cambridge’s new 5G Open Ran network, which is being set up to bring better connectivity to the city. Gooii’s part of the project focuses on Cambridge’s Corn Exchange, where we’re adding a visual, immersive and interactive layer to the venue and its past music performances.

What to expect from the AR experience at Cambridge’s Corn Exchange

Historic music performances

Cambridge’s new Augmented Reality experience will show artists who have passed away or are no longer touring and bring them back to life. This creates a magical performance that can technically be viewed anywhere in the world. It’ll also be a shared experience, so all audience members will see the same performer on stage.

How we developed the AR concert experience

It all started in the studio with a green screen. We filmed real-life artists who acted out classic shows from the Corn Exchange’s back catalogue. Imagine Dave Grohl performing Learn to Fly,  the late Amy Winehouse singing Back to Black and David Bowie as Star Man. 

And the beauty of AR is that we’re not limited to two-dimensional film. Using our 3D technology, we can further enhance the realism. We can also add CGI to do things that aren’t possible with any other live event. This enables us to do things that previously were only possible in music videos.

Watch the footage through an AR headset

Our expert coders turned the footage into an immersive experience. An AR headset is then used to view the footage, such as the Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision. The audience puts on the headset at the Corn Exchange and a hologram of the concert appears on the stage. This transports the audience back in time. Events from history are recreated in the exact same place they happened many years ago. Sitting in a room amongst fellow fans experiencing this concert, it feels as though the artists are performing to you. It has the potential to create a real emotional connection. 

It enables us to show fans what it was really like to sit in the venue and watch the performance unfold. We’re blurring the lines between technology and live events. 

There’ll also be a live-streaming AR concert where we’ll broadcast bands playing at the Corn Exchange live to another location. At the second location, people will watch the gig as though it’s happening in front of them. Gooii developed these innovative bespoke technologies to make live 3D AR streaming possible.

Interactive collaborative wall

The Collaborative Wall will allow visitors to place a virtual brick to build a wall at the Corn Exchange. This is inspired by when members of the public helped build the venue. There’ll be 150 bricks to represent the venue’s 150th anniversary. Visitors will tag the brick with their name, which others can view. The completed wall will then form a mural that celebrates the venue for many years to come. 

Vortex portals

Two walls of vortexes make up the portal. When a person puts their hand in a vortex they will see their hand come out of a different corresponding vortex. Visitors move their hands and wiggle their fingers, which is mirrored in the other portal. 

Interactive car show and time machine

The AR car show will feature classic vehicles associated with Cambridge over the years. These include the Austin Cambridge, the Sinclair C5 and a DeLorean Time Machine. Not to mention all the bicycles associated with Cambridge. This will be an interactive feature that allows people walking around to look inside the vehicles.

Influencing the future of live music and performance art

These AR experiences will enable the venue to celebrate and truly immerse the audience in its incredible music legacy and history.

We’re hoping to create a brand new fan experience. Watching a hologram of David Bowie, Adele, Freddie Mercury or Diana Ross play a unique performance at such an intimate venue could bring in avid fans from across the world. It will create audience experiences that preserve the venue’s heritage, by documenting and digitising its cultural events for future generations. 

This is one of the many innovative ways we’re using the new 5G Open Ran network.

Gooii’s groundbreaking Augmented Reality experience at Cambridge Corn Exchange marks a transformative milestone in how we celebrate music and cultural heritage. By blending cutting-edge AR technology with the venue’s rich 150 year history, this project brings iconic performances to life in vivid, immersive detail. 

From holographic concerts to interactive installations, each feature is designed to engage audiences while preserving the spirit of the Corn Exchange for future generations. This fusion of art, history and technology not only redefines fan experiences but also showcases the incredible potential of 5G connectivity to enhance live entertainment. Gooii is proud to be at the forefront of this exciting evolution in performance art and audience engagement.

Gooii is now a trusted supplier for Nottingham City Council’s transport ticketing system 

In 2020, Gooii developed the front-end website for the groundbreaking contactless payment system for the city of Nottingham. The Nottingham Contactless system is part of a multi-agency solution as it works across all Nottingham buses and trams. It includes all NCT buses, all NET trams and the Linkbus network operated by CT4N. 

At the forefront of digital innovation for mobile ticketing

After a competitive tender process, Gooii has been awarded a new contract with Nottingham City Council to continue to deliver the website. 

Gooii has a proven track record of delivering high quality applications that enhance user experience. Our previous work in Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and web design has demonstrated our ability to push the boundaries of technology. 

This project marks a significant new milestone in our ongoing collaboration with Nottingham City Council, Nottingham City Transport, NET and Linkbus services. It shows our shared commitment to driving innovation in mobile ticketing and transforming public transport with contactless technology. 

We’ll also continue working with INIT (Innovations in Transportation Ltd) systems, the technology company that supplies integrated ticketing systems for buses and trains.

New features of the Nottingham Contactless website

We’ll be developing the site and supporting the project to make travelling across Nottingham easier, faster and more convenient, reducing the need for physical tickets. 

We’re committed to exploring new ways to enhance Nottingham’s public transport system. As well as maintaining the site, we’ll also be developing new features. These will enhance the user experience and provide more flexibility for the fare payment process. 

How the Nottingham Contactless website works

The Nottingham Contactless system was the first Oyster-style contactless ticketing system in the country outside of London.

Using the ‘Tap and Go’ capped fare feature when boarding a bus or a tram, passengers can make contactless payments with each operator and benefit from their day capping rates. This gives the best fare regardless of journey type or the number of journeys you make.

Passengers can use the Nottingham Contactless website developed by Gooii to check their recent journeys and transactions. Customers can enter their card details in order to view their travel history and a log of their payments.

Read our blog on mobile ticketing and why it’s essential for the transport sector

Accessible and secure website

It was essential for us to develop a website that is highly accessible. We ensured it was compliant to level AA with many features of level AAA compliant to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) guidelines.

Nottingham Contactless also has to be incredibly secure. The website integrates with a payment service provider so we also had to ensure that all transactions were Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant. This means that no sensitive customer payment information is stored on our servers but allows for fast retrieval of journey information on subsequent visits. 

Our partnership with Nottingham City Council, NCT and NET is a testament to our shared vision of a modern, efficient and accessible public transport system. We’re honoured to be playing a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life. We believe in the power of technology to transform everyday experiences. This project is the perfect example of how digital innovation can improve people’s lives. 

Check out our social media feeds to keep up to date with our project: LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. 

We’re excited to develop innovative AR content for Connecting Cambridgeshire’s 5G Open RAN project

Gooii has been commissioned by Connecting Cambridgeshire, on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council, to create innovative Augmented Reality (AR) content for Cambridge’s 19th century Corn Exchange venue. It will improve its visitor engagement and test out its new 5G Open RAN network. 

The commission comes after Gooii secured funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to become a project partner for the Cambridgeshire Open RAN Ecosystem (CORE) project in October. 

The content will test the newly created 5G Open RAN network, which will be in operation at Cambridge’s Corn Exchange.

Read our blog about this new network and how it will be used in High Demand Density locations.

Gooii has also been commissioned to develop AR content for Cambridge’s Corn Exchange

In addition to the DSIT part-funded research and development work, Connecting Cambridgeshire requires an agency to develop ‘use case’ content for the Corn Exchange. A ‘use case’ outlines the interaction between a user and a system to achieve a specific goal. It details the steps, actions and outcomes involved. In this case, the goal is to use AR to celebrate the Corn Exchange’s 150th anniversary.

This content will run on the 5G Open RAN network and will be trialled with members of the public in 2025. After an innovative and ambitious pitch, we’re pleased to announce Gooii has been selected as the content supplier.

Using Augmented Reality to bring the Corn Exchange’s history to life

Working closely with the venue, Gooii will create a bespoke venue-specific Augmented Reality experience for the Corn Exchange and its fascinating history. It will include interactive elements and tell fascinating stories relating to its 150th year celebrations. 

The AR experience, which is data intensive and has low latency requirements, will test the capabilities of the new 5G Open RAN network. It will also demonstrate how 5G Open RAN technology can support innovative technologies to generate new opportunities for a local economy.

We’ll be using the technology and skills we developed to create the world’s first holographic AR ghost walk at Rufford Abbey and the ‘Robin Hood: Arrow Through Time’ holographic movie at Sherwood Forest. 

Our team of talented developers is working hard to create AR and MR content with added VR elements. As part of the R&D stage, we’ve started by creating content in the development platform Unity. We’re also using in-house software developed specifically for this project. Using Unity’s scene editor, we’ll design and place virtual objects in the real world, such as innovative interactive exhibits that bring to life the history of the Corn Exchange. 

We’ll then connect a variety of devices to Unity to test out the content using the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro headsets, as well as iOS and Android devices. 

Soon to be ready for public testing 

When the content has been developed, we’ll organise trial sessions with members of the public. We’ll then ask Corn Exchange visitors to wear the headsets and interact with the AR content. 

Based on participants’ feedback and performance testing, we’ll continuously test and refine it. We’ll optimise the AR experience for smooth performance and user interaction on all the devices. Through this, we’ll gain valuable insight into how these applications can be used. It will also allowing us to analyse the data.

Working closely with hardware partners

Our AR experience will also integrate with the project partners’ hardware and the 5G network. We’ll be working alongside the following partners:

• Connecting Cambridgeshire
• Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
• Gooii
• AWTG
• Benetel
• Ontix
• Wolfram
• University of Surrey
• University of Cambridge

We’re proud to be part of a project that strives to diversify the supply chain of the UK’s Open RAN network and are excited to see how the scheme develops. We love creating AR content for the tourism and entertainment industry and we can’t wait to test it out with members of the public. 

Keep up to date with news on the project on our social media – LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. 

NTU Computing student joins Gooii for third-year placement

We’re excited to introduce Gooii’s newest team member. Luka is a tech enthusiast who brings creativity, passion and a deep love for Virtual Reality (VR) to our innovative projects.

Bridging university learning with real-world experience

Luka joins us as a Junior Developer for their third-year placement as part of their Computing course at Nottingham Trent University. Having completed two years of study, Luka is gaining hands-on experience at Gooii before returning to finish the final year of the degree. 

Choosing to work at Gooii was a no-brainer for our latest recruit, who has always been drawn to Nottingham’s vibrancy. Beyond its charm, Nottingham offered the perfect environment – an independent and close-knit company where creativity thrives. 

“I really like Nottingham and I wanted to work at a smaller and more indie company rather than a large one. Gooii fits that perfectly, and so far it has really worked out.”

A lifelong love for coding and tech

Gooii’s expertise in VR development was another draw. The world of VR has been a long-standing passion for Luka. The opportunity to dive into this innovative field was too good to pass up.

From a young age, Luka was captivated by coding, surrounded by friends who could already speak the language of computers. This interest didn’t stop at coding, it extended to a broader fascination with computers and electronics.

Now at Gooii, those skills are being applied to a groundbreaking project: an Augmented Reality car show. Luka is currently focusing on Gooii’s 3D modelling work. They’re also developing their coding skills along the way, before they hope to start programming.

“I’m 3D modelling, texturing, rigging and making a basic Unity application. We are making an Augmented Reality car show and I am modelling many of the vehicles that will be on display in the application.”

While the university course is providing a solid foundation, much of the 3D modelling work Luka is doing at Gooii is self-taught – a testament to the power of their curiosity and drive to learn independently. In their spare time during university, Luka would model, texture and configure assets for a game called VRChat using Blender, Substance Painter and Unity. They would then sell those creations. These early projects not only brought in some extra cash but also paved the way for mastering tools that are essential in the professional realm.

An unwavering interest in Virtual Reality

If there’s one thing that truly excites Luka, it’s Virtual Reality. This passion isn’t just professional, it’s personal. Whether it’s hanging out with friends in VRChat or experimenting with the latest VR hardware, Luka is always immersed in the world of VR.

“I have been using VR for years now and have always been interested in the technology. I cannot wait to see what new hardware innovations in the VR space can drive new software experiences. I truly think it is an absolute game changer within our field.”

A love for retro tech and gaming

When not working on cutting-edge VR projects, Luka has a real interest in retro electronics and gaming. “I mess around with retro electronics. I love to collect and maintain older hardware because I find them very interesting. It’s important to keep it all working for history.”

In addition to preserving vintage tech, gaming remains a central hobby, especially playing older video games that hold a special place in their heart.

As Gooii continues to innovate in the world of VR, AR and beyond, we are excited to see our newest team member develop. Their passion for technology, creativity, and coding will really contribute to the team. With a bright future ahead, we know Luka will be a driving force behind some of our most exciting projects yet. Welcome aboard!

Using Augmented Reality in education offers innovative solutions for inclusive learning

Finding ways for digital technology and creativity to enhance people’s lives is one of the reasons we do what we do. We understand Augmented Reality’s power to transform learning experiences by making them more interactive and engaging, particularly when it comes to education. 

Gooii Director Phil recently visited Fountaindale School in Mansfield to talk about his work as a co-founder of a digital agency. The National Careers Week initiative enabled the students to learn about the variety of professions and industries that are on offer. 

Putting Augmented Reality in education into practise

Fountaindale School is a school for 3-18-year-olds who have profound and multiple learning needs, as well as complex physical, medical and sensory needs. Phil was invited by Fountaindale teacher Majella Robson to give a presentation on XR technology. 

During the session Phil talked to a group of 6-16-year-olds about the Extended Reality experiences he has created at Gooii. He then gave them Hololens 2 headsets so they could try out our ‘Robin Hood: An Arrow Through Time’ holographic film. 

When the user puts on the AR headset, a holographic interactive film about Robin Hood is projected into the room in front of them. This creates a reimagined, augmented reality – digital content laid over the moving landscape in front of you. This makes you feel like you are part of the movie, enabling you to interact with the film and its characters.

The teachers were blown away by how engrossed the children were with the experience. The children had previously experienced a Virtual Reality magic carpet ride, but had never tried using Augmented Reality. 

Majella at Fountaindale School said: “Phil started the session by delivering a presentation about Gooii and what they do. The pupils had the opportunity to ask questions and the presentation was interactive. Phil was engaging and he was able to link his work to things that the pupils would be familiar with. For example certain films and brands. 

“This created lots of excitement and anticipation for what was to come! Phil took the time to tell each pupil what was going to happen and what to look out for when wearing the AR headset. This time was crucial and our pupils felt at ease and keen to participate as a result. It was wonderful to see our pupils so enthusiastic and immersed in the AR activities. For them to be able to interact with the scene, by holding out their hand for a bird to land on it, really was priceless.”

The benefits of using Extended Reality for children with SEN

AR can make learning a more fun, interactive experience. It has the ability to capture the attention of children with SEN more effectively than traditional methods. Some children with SEN struggle with understanding abstract concepts. AR can provide concrete, visual representations that can often be easier to grasp, particularly when taught step by step.  

VR can often be overwhelming and almost too immersive. In contrast, AR projects digital content into the safe, familiar environment around you.

Creating a totally new, virtual space could be disorienting, particularly for children with SEN. Whereas AR enables them to remain connected to their physical surroundings while engaging with augmented content.

The ability to make AR experiences multisensory can be beneficial for children with SEN, as it could cater to preferred learning styles and needs. Using AR, we can create visual, auditory and sometimes tactile experiences that can help with information retention and engagement. These levels of stimulation can also be managed to avoid sensory overload for certain children. AR can also be an accessible learning tool for children with visual and hearing impairments. This is the headsets can be adapted to suit the user’s physical abilities. 

AR experiences can also encourage social interaction in a classroom setting or therapy session. As multiple children can interact with the same augmented content while still being aware of and communicating with each other. 

Using AR to further improve the education of children with SEN

If we can create XR experiences that are specifically linked to the curriculum, it might enable students to engage with topics in a way that is more suited to their learning style. Imagine interacting with virtual zoos, enchanted forests and ‘visiting’ different countries. Or creating settings to inspire creative writing and storytelling, pointing and counting objects, or bursting balloons to develop counting skills. The world is your oyster when it comes to creating learning experiences with AR. Which makes it an incredibly exciting and rewarding space in which to work.

If you’d like to create an engaging learning experience using cutting-edge technology, please get in touch. 

Document management systems are designed to enhance our clients’ productivity and efficiency

Gooii is working with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) in America to design a new bespoke document management system (DMS). 

NABP is an international non-profit organisation whose members are the boards of pharmacy. It has a diverse range of programmes that help protect public health across America. One of its offerings is a subscription service that provides access to a database of state pharmacy laws. The resource is intended to help licensees and stakeholders maintain compliance with state requirements.

What makes an effective document management system?

An efficient DMS is essential for organisations aiming to streamline their document handling and improve accessibility. Creating a bespoke system enables our clients to focus on managing documents for their subscribers and allowing them to search within their database. A good DMS needs to have an intuitive user interface, robust search functionality, efficient document indexing and effective integration capabilities. They also need to have regular, built-in data backups and a robust disaster recovery plan.

Why NABP approached Gooii to develop a bespoke DMS

Gooii is well versed in handling large data sets and helping our clients present them in a clear, concise way. We develop streamlined, intuitive User Interfaces (UI) that can be understood by both researchers and laymen. They also enable users to quickly search for specific terms and documents. 

NABP’s existing document management system lacked certain functionalities, which required  manual, time-consuming processes.

Having seen our software development first hand with the Archives Hub system we developed for Jisc, NABP got in touch to discuss the possibilities of Gooii developing a system with similar functionality. They particularly liked the hierarchy viewer on the right hand side of the Archives Hub system, because of how easy it is to use and navigate. It helps users to visualise the hierarchical nature of the data.

Read about our work for Jisc’s Archives Hub

The brief

NABP asked our team of developers to build a bespoke document management system that will enable them to effectively manage and organise the thousands of legal documents in their database and for users to easily find the information they need. 

We are building both the internal and front-end systems for its 90 single and multi-user subscribers. This will allow users to search and download documents, organise them into collections and share them as links. 

NABP also needs to ensure that when an administrator uploads a new document, the contents of the document are indexed and downloadable PDF versions are created. 

How we’re going to create the new document management system

Using a CIIM to index documents

Gooii is working with Knowledge Integration and their Collections Information Integration Middleware (CIIM). 

CIIM is a middleware solution – software that works between an operating system and the applications running on it. The CIIM can extract, collect and synchronise data from back-office systems and present it to users in the super quick Elasticsearch database. We used CIIM and Elasticsearch for Jisc’s Archives Hub and knew it would work perfectly for NABP. This is due to its ability to index documents and publish them to Elasticsearch, as well as its capability to create PDF versions of uploaded documents.  

Working with our clients’ cloud technology 

NABP uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud technology, so we’re developing the project using different AWS elements, such as Amazon Cognito. Amazon Cognito is an identity platform for web and mobile apps. It will help us add user authentication to NABP’s system. Amazon Cognito enables you to authenticate and authorise users from the built-in user directory, your own organisation’s directory or consumer identity providers like Google and Facebook. Developing these access control functions and other essential security features are crucial for document security. 

We’re also using Amazon Lambda. When a new document is uploaded, or an amendment is made to a document, a Lambda function will be triggered and will tell the CIIM, causing it to re-index the new document’s contents. 

Gooii is also working closely with NABP using the following pieces of software:

• Re-frame to help manage UI state and side effects on the client side.
• ClojureScript to transcode Clojurescript into javascript. 
• User interface builder REACT 18 to build reusable UI components,
• We’re using the Tailwind css framework with shadcn/ui library to build the front-end website.
• Amazon’s DynamoDB database to develop user-generated content such as collections of documents.

NABP is currently developing Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that we’ll be able to integrate with the front-end website and back-office system. While this is being worked on, our team of developers are working hard on the admin dashboard and functionality to upload documents to an AWS cloud storage platform. We’re also working on making the search function available to subscribers, as well as an admin user interface that enables files and folders to be manipulated.  

We’re proud to be part of a project that makes data more accessible and we’re excited to create a new bespoke system that will improve the way our client documents its data. 

DMS play a vital role in modernising document-related processes and enhancing the efficiency of a business. They are especially crucial in industries and sectors where document-intensive workflows are prevalent. If you’d like to discuss Gooii creating a DMS for your business, please get in touch. 

Keep up to date with news on the project on our social media – LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. 

Article by
Franz Evert

Franz is a Technical Director at Gooii and has over 20 years’ experience developing commercial and open source database driven software in many languages. Franz’s other skills include project management and client liaison and he’s passionate about high web standards and internet security.

Follow Franz on LinkedIn

Creating a virtual AR garden to engage with delegates on digital sustainability

An Augmented Reality exhibition that appears before your very eyes

Jisc’s (e)co garden was a collaborative Augmented Reality (AR) learning experience. By putting on AR headsets, visitors were able to cultivate a virtual garden that appears in a real-world exhibition space at Digifest, Jisc’s flagship event for education, research and innovation.

In this article, we’re going to dive into the project and…

• Define AR and VR and explain why they’re different
• Outline key features of the (e)co garden project
• Explain how we used AR holographic films to create the virtual exhibition
• Explore the benefits of using AR for exhibitions
• Why we use AR for education technology
• Think about how to use this technology in your industry

Let’s remind ourselves of the key definitions of AR and VR…

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies are often referred to as ‘Xtended Reality’ (XR). They unite the physical and virtual worlds.

AR enables us to blur the lines between cinema, live events and gaming experiences. It is a type of ‘immersive media’ that creates a reimagined reality. We enhance the real world with digital content such as data, CGI or moving images. For example, an AR device, such as a smartphone or a headset, enables you to see digital content laid over the reality in front of you. It’s the difference between watching a film or being in one. But it’s unlike VR, which virtually takes you to a different location.

Jisc’s (e)co garden project summary: A collaborative and educational Augmented Reality exhibition

In 2022, Jisc commissioned Gooii to create a virtual exhibition for its Digifest programme at the Birmingham ICC arena. We worked closely to develop an exhibition that featured an AR experience that would contribute to the development of education technology.

Consequently, Gooii created a huge 18x9m virtual exhibition stand entirely in AR. Using AR headsets, part of the experience enabled visitors to walk around and interact in a virtual garden.

Phil Hasted, Director at Gooii, said: “This Augmented Reality exhibition allowed us to create a project that just wouldn’t be possible via traditional means. It was amazing to see people walking around together, interacting with the exhibits and collaborating to create a unique and living virtual garden.”

The client

Jisc is the UK digital, data and technology agency focused on tertiary education, research and innovation. Its mission is to improve lives through the digital transformation of education and research.

Gooii is a chosen supplier for Jisc’s VR and AR supplier framework, which aims to help Higher and Further Education institutions use the technologies to create learning environments for use in the classroom.

Ben Goodway, Head of Brand and Creative at Jisc, said: “Gooii consistently finds a way to bring our ambitious challenges to life and I am pleased we collaborated with them on this project. The result was an immersive, networked AR environment that was so popular at our event we had a queue of people waiting to try it out. Not only was it fun and innovative, Gooii completely understood the purpose behind the project and brought it to life in an engaging way. We ended up donating over £1500 to our rewilding partners because of delegates engaging with and learning from the environment.”

The brief

Jisc asked us to create an e(co) garden exhibition entirely in Augmented Reality with a variety of different virtual areas. Its purpose was twofold; to engage with delegates on how we can use technology in a much more sustainable way, and to showcase how AR can be an engaging and collaborative learning and teaching tool. To greater enhance the feeling of connectedness, all the headsets needed to be linked, so whatever one person was doing in the garden was visible in realtime for everyone else in the garden.

Key deliverables

• An interactive Mixed Reality app
• Gooii consulted on the production and visual style of the holographic films, which Jisc commissioned Suited and Booted Studios to create.

A shared learning experience via a full-scale Augmented Reality exhibition

Cultivate a virtual garden

Visitors could generate seeds and plant them as part of a collaborative activity. The seeds would grow over the course of the event and people could return to see their collaborative efforts, how their seeds had grown and into which plants and trees. In addition, as the garden grew, wildlife such as rabbits, birds and butterflies would return to the garden. This was a magical experience that could only be achieved using our advanced Augmented Reality technologies. For every seed planted by delegates, Jisc donated to Trees for Life to support their rewilding project in Scotland’s Highlands.

Virtually clean up the rivers and waterfalls

We also built an AR waterfall and a polluted rock pool. Visitors would walk around picking up litter, such as plastic and glass bottles, and put the waste into recycling bins. As they cleared the pool’s pollution, the aquatic wildlife would return, with fish swimming around you in AR. The waste would slowly return and the wildlife would disappear. This helped demonstrate the ongoing effort required to protect our oceans and sea life.

Feel the wind of a virtual turbine

The ‘Wind Farm’ area featured a wind turbine. When a button was pressed, the turbine would start spinning, an AR battery would fill up with energy and power surrounding virtual street lamps. Because everyone’s headsets were networked, everyone would see and hear the generator when it started up. Additionally, as visitors were also wearing a Subpac subwoofer bass backpack, they could feel the vibrations of the wind turbine.

Watch futuristic holographic films about sustainability

Each ‘area’ contained a holographic educational film about technology’s impact on the environment. They provided information on ecology, technology and how our habits can impact both. Filmed in a futuristic ‘Blade Runner’ style, each video ended with an interactive quiz in enabling visitors to test what they’d learned. You can watch the (e)co garden’s holographic films created by Suited and Booted Studios on Jisc’s YouTube channel.

How we developed the Jisc (e)co garden using 5G and AR

Front and back end app development for the Augmented Reality exhibition

Renders of the physical area where Gooii placed the AR experience:

The project was developed using a mix of 3D models and video using real-time development platform Unity. Our in-house team designed, developed and built the AR experience at our offices in Nottingham. This work included both the front end app development that you see in the headset, as well as the backend work that stores the locations of the planted seeds so they can be shared across the AR headsets.

A sketch of the layout for the Augmented Reality exhibition space:

Design sheet for the ‘seed’ button:

Using the HoloLens 2 headset to bring the exhibition to life

The HoloLens 2 projects holograms into real world space. This is very different from VR, where everything is in a digital space. The location can then be used to provide Mixed Reality environments. As the headset projects holograms, this is different to how people use the Meta Quest devices or Apple Vision Pro, which require the user to look through a screen or camera.

Headset networking using 5G

The headsets were networked using a 5G set up created by Cradlepoint. Using 5G enabled us to share the delegates’ experiences across the devices. This meant they could see the collaborative horticultural efforts of planting digital seeds in the garden, clearing the rock pool and starting the wind turbine.

We then ‘rebuilt’ the stand for Digifest at the ICC Birmingham. Therefore, when the stand builders were putting up their physical stands, we were there constructing a virtual exhibition space in what was the largest physical stand at the conference.

Benefits of using AR experiences for exhibitions

Augmented Reality exhibitions offer a dynamic way to engage visitors, amplify educational experiences and bring a new level of interactivity and excitement to the world of exhibitions.

Enhanced visitor engagement

AR exhibitions captivate visitors by providing interactive and immersive experiences. They enable you to fully immerse your visitor in your brand. This heightened engagement can lead to a more memorable, long-lasting and impactful visit. This is exactly why Augmented Reality is a brilliant technology to use for the leisure and tourism industries.

Create new digital activities that aren’t limited to physical space

AR can transform a physical space by adding digital layers that blend seamlessly with the environment, creating a surreal and visually stunning experience. AR exhibitions allow us to do things that aren’t normally possible with a physical stand. These include planting, speeding up time, creating water areas, having wildlife and adding a large, loud wind turbine.

Limited cost or complex logistics

Virtual exhibitions can be created without the cost or complex logistics associated with most exhibition stands. Not only would it be almost impossible to create the (e)co garden physically, it would require a huge budget to do so. With AR we make dreams a reality at a fraction of the cost.

Adaptable content that can be reset

For the (e)co garden, we created shared experiences that could easily be reset. Using AR to display the information allowed us to create dynamic and easily updatable content. Exhibitions can be adjusted, expanded or modified without the need for physical changes, keeping the content fresh and relevant.

Sustainability

There is less waste at the end of a virtual exhibition, as the majority of the stand is digitaland, and any physical structures used as part of the garden were hired in and either returned to storage or were to be re-used after the event. There is also no requirement for storage, other than on a server, and the stand can be rebuilt in new locations.

Augmented Reality gamification

AR ‘gamification’ marketing combines games and gaming elements with AR to bring fun to non-gaming contexts. It is designed to attract, engage and retain customers. It increases engagement rates by motivating visitors to achieve a goal or complete a task. Visitors are encouraged to actively participate rather than passively observe. Interactive elements, challenges and quizzes make the experience more engaging and educational.

Storytelling

AR can bring narratives to life through animations, re-enactments and visualisations, making the exhibition more captivating. We can also capture digital actors who are always on time, are never sick and always deliver the perfect performance.

Using AR to transform education technology

Augmented Reality has the potential to revolutionise education technology by enhancing traditional learning methods and creating immersive and interactive learning experiences.

In contrast to conventional learning approaches, the use of VR and AR technology to build training environments brings about better user engagement, immersion, enthusiasm and safety for learners. Pupils have the opportunity to explore the interior of an ancient pyramid or receive training in operating intricate machinery or medical apparatus. The range of potential real-world applications is vast and diverse. Using AR we are able to deliver AI educational experiences and demonstrate the educational establishments of the future.

How we used AR headsets for Jisc’s other educational projects

Magic Leap Augmented Reality headset:

As part of Jisc’s VR and AR supplier framework, in 2020 we also developed content for the ‘Magic Leap Augmented Reality Headset’. It looks like a VR headset, but 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.

As part of this initiative, we also worked with Jisc on its Education 4.0 project. We developed an AR student dashboard, featuring Nigel the AI chatbot, a fully immersive experience from the perspective of a history and geography undergraduate of the future.

Here’s an example of what the student experience could look like:

We then created the interface for the headset, enabling users to communicate with holograms of their tutors (a bit like wearing Iron Man’s helmet). It also enables students to check their heart rate, watch video messages and check the weather. Utilising the power of AR, our weather app simulated the real-world weather, so if it was raining outside, we made it rain in AR. We also incorporated a wellbeing app, including calming sounds and projections of clouds to help regulate breathing.

How to use AR exhibitions in your industry – bring your brand to life

The events industry is becoming more and more competitive, so exhibitors need to stand out from the crowd. Creative Augmented Reality exhibitions create eye-catching and memorable experiences and are designed for a variety of different industries. Think about how you can build an immersive experience around your customers’ wants, needs or problems.

In-store marketing and advertising AR experiences can enable virtual product or service demonstrations and create a pipeline of new leads of people who have virtually tested it. Manufacturers can transform expensive large-scale exhibitions into interactive and full-scale product demos.

It also enables you to demonstrate your business process, manufacturing line or customer journey. You can step away from the flowcharts and diagrams and create something that your customers can immerse themselves in.

Get in touch if you’d like to discuss how we could develop an Augmented Reality exhibition for your next event. Discover some of Gooii’s Augmented Reality projects.

The Cambridgeshire Open RAN Ecosystem (CORE) project: developing emerging technologies to improve mobile capacity for UK’s 5G Open RAN project

Gooii is proud to be part of the government’s £88 million investment in innovative open 5G connectivity solutions across the UK. 

We have been invited to take part in one of 19 projects that will benefit from the funding, which has come from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The Cambridgeshire Open RAN Ecosystem (CORE) project will be led by digital connectivity programme Connecting Cambridgeshire, on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council. 

Gooii will work with a consortium of partners to develop emerging technologies that will improve mobile capacity in busy areas of the UK, or ‘High Demand Density’ locations.

What are High Demand Density (HDD) locations?

Areas of high-density data usage are often referred to as High Demand Density (HDD) locations. 

Busy areas where many people use their devices at the same time present challenges for mobile networks. The funding hopes to develop new innovative solutions that will contribute to the connectivity of HDD locations and the overall connectivity of the UK. 

Sporting venues and tourism organisations within the 19 areas will be used as a testbed for new mobile technology. The project aims to develop 5G Open Radio Access Networks (RAN) across these HDD areas. 

Let’s have a quick look at what these terms mean and how we’ll be using them to develop the technology.

What is a RAN?

A Radio Access Network (RAN) provides access to and coordinates the management of resources across the radio sites. It is the RAN that sends signals to a device when it connects to a network.  

Traditional RAN solutions tend to work with one supplier across one location, which can often cause a barrier for smaller emerging companies to break into the mobile network market.

What is Open RAN technology? 

Open RAN is to do with the ‘openness’ of mobile networks. It diversifies the market of mobile connectivity providers by increasing the amount of different suppliers that can enter into the RAN ecosystem. 

Enabling lots of different companies to work together makes the network a lot more flexible. It also encourages innovation and can lead to the adoption of new technologies more rapidly than traditional, closed networks. Here is a helpful Open RAN guide for more information. 

Using Open RAN to improve connectivity in busy locations

The overall project aims to show how Open RAN can help build mobile networks to deliver reliable connectivity in very busy locations.

It will also encourage lots of different companies to work together to achieve the same goal across the UK. The 19 different projects will showcase the resilience of Open RAN technologies by initiating trials of open 5G networks in major urban centres. These will include Glasgow, Cambridge, Liverpool, Bath, and the City of London, as well as seaside resorts Blackpool and Worthing. 

Iconic sports and entertainment venues such as Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, the National eSport Arena, Shelsley Walsh motorsport venue and Cambridge Corn Exchange will also take part.

Cambridgeshire Open RAN Ecosystem (CORE) project

Gooii is proud to be working alongside a range of partners on the CORE project including:

• Connecting Cambridgeshire
• Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
• Gooii
• AWTG
• Benetel
• Ontix
• Wolfram
• University of Surrey
• University of Cambridge

The above project team has been tasked with developing a 5G Open RAN platform in Cambridgeshire. Together we will work alongside mobile network operators and develop hardware and software that will seamlessly interconnect.

The new hardware and software will test the capabilities of the new Open RAN network and encourage new companies into the UK market. Some partners will introduce radio units. Others, like ourselves, will develop community-oriented products. These will aim to support the local tourism industry and test how well the network can handle different amounts of data. 

Gooii will develop Extended Reality technologies at Cambridge’s Corn Exchange

Image credit: Cambridge Corn Exchange

Gooii’s role will be to explore the capabilities of Open RAN at Cambridge’s Corn Exchange, a theatre and concert venue that hosts bands and comedians. 

We’ll be delivering Extended Reality (XR) prototypes to test this 5G Open RAN network and explore how it can benefit the entertainment and tourism industry. 

Currently in the Research and Development stage of the project, we’re researching new XR technologies. These will focus on Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality experiences.

What’s particularly exciting about this is that we’ve been afforded the freedom to experiment with these new technologies. We’re enjoying creating and testing prototypes and pushing our creative ideas even further. 

We’re proud to be part of a project that strives to diversify the supply chain of the UK’s Open RAN network and are excited to see how the scheme develops. 

Keep up to date with news on the project on our social media – LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. 

Committed to sustainable design

Gooii’s Environmental Management System (EMS) has been certified by Green Small Business. 

As technology drives global progress, its impact on the environment must be minimised. It is essential for technology businesses to consider the carbon emissions of network infrastructures and the overall energy consumption of the whole internet ecosystem. 

Companies that are paving the way for innovation within the tech industry must consider how they can reduce their environmental impact and ensure energy-efficient design and ethical supply chains. 

How Gooii will reduce its environmental impact

We are committed to building energy-efficient digital solutions in order to minimise their emissions. We are committed to reducing the impact of our projects and are always considering the environment when purchasing equipment. 

Amongst many other commitments, we will:

• Review the environmental performance of the providers we use for web hosting and other cloud services.
• Ensure we only use providers using 100% renewable-powered data centres with a clear commitment to carbon net zero.
• Adopt and implement a data retention policy to avoid unnecessary data storage. 

We’re continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our organisational strategy and operating methods, with regular review points. We’re looking forward to finding new ways to make Gooii a better, greener business.