[Traveltrends] Creating Digital Experiences & Location Based Content with Gordon Ryan

Travelcast

When it comes to travel, the timetables are constantly changing, and people are in constant motion. Location-based services, triggered by real-time local users, will play a key role in shaping the next generation of travel technology.

There are two types of use cases according to Gartner for location-based services: static and dynamic. In the case of static use, all relevant information is collected beforehand, while in case of dynamic use, data is collected in real-time. Each of them presents interesting opportunities for an evolving mobile travel experience. Dynamic use cases require more robust technical capabilities, such as real-time analysis and spatial processing, so that they do not necessarily make sense in every context. They do, however, create incredibly interesting opportunities, which we are likely to see broadly implemented in the coming year.

By means of geofencing and the use of beacons (devices that track activity more specifically than a wide GPS location), travel companies already have the ability to know exactly where their customers are. This is important information because it gives businesses the opportunity to react. Imagine arriving at the airport and immediately being notified that your gate has changed, or offering a quick security line purchase pass if you're running late. Hotels can deliver customized restaurant recommendations depending on the location of the client. Apps that give directions within the airport or train station, make recommendations for connecting transportation or warn users if they are heading in the wrong direction. They could also help businesses to know whether there is a persistent area of customer confusion or a potential issue (such as an overbooked flight).

In this #Travelcast, I had the opportunity to interview Gordon Ryan (Managing Director of Expology). We spoke on the subject: Creating Digital Experiences & Location Based Content.

He is an exhibition Designer with over 12 years of experience in Design and Production Management of events and exhibitions and Museums. Gordon's earlier years were spent teaching furniture making, and working as a design consultant for contemporary artists in Ireland. He was Designer/Production Manager for Dublin Contemporary 2011 (Irelands' largest ever contemporary art exhibition) as well as Exhibition Designer for TurnerPrize in 2013.

At Expology, he works on a strategic level with clients to establish a good connection between projected objectives, and exhibition or experience deliverables - establishing robust design briefs, and effective conceptual response by safeguarding good team and client creative cooperation.