DJW Projects Ltd
Jersey Museum, Channel Isles
The importance of storytelling when building technical experiences
The technology behind the immersive modern museums, theme parks and attractions, is nothing without a justification based in storytelling.
That’ s the view of David Willrich, co-founder of DJW Projects Ltd( DJW) – Technical Consultants and AV systems Integration company which began life back in 1986.
David Willrich, who started the business with his wife Lynn, believes in harmonising storytelling and technology to get the most immersive experiences for visitors.
“ Technology continues to offer more for less as it develops,” he says,
“ If there is a high dependency on technology, the story has to be strong; this ensures that the authenticity of the subject and story stands above the technology being used to tell it.”
DJW exists to do just that, collaborating with creators ahead of designing a system to deliver the desired experience.
“ We like to start by asking the client and designers to describe what they want the visitor experience to be, without references to technology,” David continues.
“ As you learn more about the projects and budgets, it becomes quite easy to start discussing potential solutions”.
This emphasis on cutting-edge technology means the storytelling aspect of exhibitions should also evolve in order to keep up. We do this by having close relationships with the leading manufacturers of technology important to our industry and are invariably aware of new developments that are typically one to two years away. For the client, they have the confidence of being supported in their project by a manufacturer, meaning that if something should fail the incentive will be very high to resolve the issue.
It can be important to do an acoustic assessment / study to ensure that audio in the space will deliver a high-quality experience. In addition to acoustic modelling tools, we use 3D modelling to look at light paths for projectors and lights as well as sightlines for visitors; to help ensure we are creating the best possible experience.
This may seem more resource-intensive than the typical exhibition, but DJW has found the approach pays off.
It was how the team supported a recent project in Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Cox’ s Cave.
Having worked globally in diverse landscapes, varying temperatures, and humid environments, we were aware of the challenges we would face.
Visitors are guided through the cave system by an animated guide named Yeo, whose name derives from the local river system.“ Yeo’ s Journey” is a unique visitor experience celebrating one of Britain’ s natural wonders. Yeo takes you on a twenty-minute tour of the caves, from when the cave floor was a seabed, showcasing the power of water and the formation of the caves.
The experience allows people to make many discoveries, from the home of the rainbow— structures created by water
52