Ten state-of-the-art interactive digital touchscreens that aim to inform locals and visitors about the city were unveiled today in Manchester.
The MiGuides (Manchester interactive Guide) feature three screens that provided information on everything from events taking place to restaurants, shopping and transport details specific to the location of the screen.
Each kiosk will be cost neutral to the council as the screens, which were developed in conjunction with the council’s outdoor advertising body MediaCo, will be funded through advertising on the displayed on-screen when not in use.
The technology is believed to be unrivalled anywhere in the world and at the launch Nigel Murphy, Executive Member for Environment for Manchester City Council, was impressed by the kiosks.
“I’m delighted with the MiGuide-it’s absolutely wonderful. The versatility of it and the fun bits I think they sum up parts of Manchester,” he said.
“They’re interactive, fun, informative and different.”
The terminals were designed by Peter Saville, who put together many record sleeves for many of the artists at Manchester’s Factory Records including Joy Division and New Order.
The first terminal was unveiled in pouring rain in Exchange Square with the other kiosks set to be working in the coming days.
“The weather today is the perfect test -it works in the Manchester rain!,” Councillor Murphy continued.
“I am sure we will have snow in a few weeks and at the Christmas market people will give the terminals a good try out. The information that people can find when they are not sure where they are in the city just adds to it.
“The process has been about getting the technology right and making it look right because I think they fit in very well with the public realm in the area.”
Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, said that after the launch of the digital-friendly Visitor Information Centre in Piccadilly Gardens in 2010 this was the next step to offer visitors a unique experience.
“They [MiGuides] will provide the latest information to the thousands of people that pass through some of Manchester’s busiest locations.
“We want to ensure that the majority of visitors to the city centre are equipped with the tools to make the very best of their time here. The screens will keep tourists and locals alike up-to-date and in the know about Manchester’s exhibitions, attractions, transport, restaurants, shops and nightlife.”
The MiGuides can be found across the city centre with terminals in St Ann’s Square, Piccadilly Gardens and Market Street.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
