Brief

A new interactive outdoor digital sign next to a 3D-printed copy of the Rök Runestone (one of the most famous runestones) was built in order to engage visitors in Vikings history.

Situation analysis
Midgard Historical Centre in Borre is located next to Northern Europe’s largest assembly of monumental grave mounds from the Germanic Iron Age and the Viking Age. The burial mounds in Borre constitute one of Norway’s most important national heritage sites, and it was a place of power and influence in Europe during the Viking Age. The Centre opened in 2000 with the primary task of creating and spreading knowledge about Viking Age in the Vestfold County.

From the very beginning, the center strived for an interactive presentation of the Viking history. First, they made variety of multimedia films and animations which were presented in museum.

For exhibition “Hauger, haller, hav” they wanted something special. With technic of 3D printing, a copy of Rök Runestone was built and placed outside. This raised a question: “How to interactively present runic inscription and engage visitors in Vikings history in harsh Norway environment?”

Solution
Midgard Historical Centre needed high quality, full outdoor digital sign with integrated touch screen. Their main concern was Norway climate. And they were right! LCD displays aren’t really meant for outdoor climate. Good thermal management is crucial for proper functioning. This is even more important in Norway, which is known for its harsh environment. The best solution in this context is using hermetically enclosed digital signs with thermal management based on air conditioning (HVAC). This imotion G6 unique technology can easily operate in almost every condition regardless of snow, sand, rain or high sun exposure.

To fully engage visitors’ informative animations only are not enough. People liked to be engaged in the process of storytelling. For this purpose, Infinitus integrated touch screen. In this way digital sign became visitors’ interactive tool which raised their experience to the next level.

Public display
Advanced all-in-one full outdoor (sun exposed) LCD digital sign imotion G6 46” with touchscreen was used to display interactive information.

Project was made in collaboration with 7reasons and their partner Ludwig Boltzmann Institute.