Project Outline

Bognor Regis Virtual Galleries & Augmented Reality Experiences

Project Title: Bognor Regis Digital Heritage Immersion

1. Project Vision

To enhance and expand the interpretation of Bognor Regis's rich history and cultural assets by developing innovative digital experiences. This project aims to create accessible virtual galleries and engaging augmented reality (AR) experiences that bring historical narratives, forgotten landmarks, and local stories to life for residents and visitors, complementing existing physical heritage initiatives like the heritage boards.

2. Project Objectives

• Create Virtual Galleries: Develop online, interactive virtual galleries showcasing historical photographs, documents, artworks, and oral histories related to Bognor Regis. These galleries will be accessible via a dedicated website or app.

• Implement Augmented Reality Experiences: Design and deploy location-based AR experiences at key historical sites or points of interest across Bognor Regis. Users will be able to point their mobile devices at specific locations to overlay historical images, 3D models of lost buildings, or interactive narratives.

• Enhance Engagement: Provide new and dynamic ways for people of all ages to interact with Bognor Regis's heritage, fostering deeper understanding and civic pride.

• Promote Tourism: Offer unique digital attractions that encourage visitors to explore the town and discover its hidden stories, extending their stay and engagement.

• Complement Physical Heritage: Integrate seamlessly with existing and planned physical heritage boards, offering a multi-layered interpretive experience.

3. Key Activities

• Content Curation & Digitisation: Research, select, and digitise historical materials (photos, maps, documents, audio recordings) from local archives, museums, and private collections.

• Platform Development: Select or develop a suitable platform for hosting virtual galleries and deploying AR content (e.g., web-based AR tools, dedicated mobile app).

• Digital Design & Development: Commission professional digital designers and developers to create the virtual gallery interfaces, AR overlays, 3D models, and interactive elements.

• Testing & Refinement: Conduct user testing to ensure intuitive navigation, engaging content, and technical functionality across various devices.

• Marketing & Promotion: Launch a campaign to publicise the new digital experiences to residents, schools, and tourists.

• Community Engagement: Involve local historians, community groups, and schools in content selection and testing.

4. Target Audience

• Residents of Bognor Regis (all ages, particularly families and younger generations).

• Tourists and day-trippers seeking unique cultural experiences.

• Local schools and educational institutions.

• Heritage enthusiasts and researchers.

5. Expected Outcomes

• A publicly accessible virtual gallery showcasing Bognor Regis's heritage.

• Multiple engaging AR experiences at key locations.

• Increased visitor footfall to historical sites.

• Enhanced understanding and appreciation of local history.

• A modern, tech-forward image for Bognor Regis's heritage offerings.

• New opportunities for community participation in heritage interpretation.

6. Initial Resource Needs (Estimated)

• Digital Platform/Software Licenses: For virtual gallery hosting and AR development tools.

• Professional Services: Digital designers, developers, content creators (if not volunteer-led).

• Equipment: Potentially mobile devices for testing, scanning equipment.

• Marketing & Launch Costs.

This outline provides a framework for developing a detailed project plan and seeking funding for the Bognor Regis Digital Heritage Immersion.

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