The Rijksmuseum app, of which concept, design and content were done by NorthernLight, won the prestigious Heritage in Motion Award 2015 in the category apps for mobile devices. The jury praised the innovativeness, design and execution of the app: “The app uses innovative discovery methods that foster collaboration and intergenerational understanding. It is beautifully executed and well thought through.”
Heritage in Motion is a multimedia competition for the creators and users of films, games, apps and websites on themes related to Europe’s cultural and natural heritage. It is the second award NorthernLight’s Rijksmuseum app has won. Last year it was awarded the FIAMP Golden Award.
The app works as a magic window, revealing remarkable stories and surprising details about the Rijksmuseum’s collection as well as its architecture. The app includes nine tours in both long and short versions featuring information on various levels for 225 exhibits: an introduction to the object, an animated sequence that provides a magical window with more information (‘See more’) and a third level (‘Learn more’) at which selected museum experts and external specialists comment on the exhibit. The tours can both be done in the museum or at home using a mobile device. The experience is further enhanced by the unique sound design and 3D audio, offering the experience of navigating through 3D space.
The app contains a special family game, which can only be played inside the museum. This interactive quest takes families on a journey through the museum to discover secrets and unravel mysteries of paintings and artefacts. This part of the app is unique because every family member gets their own device, but within the family group devices are digitally linked to play together and jointly solve the mysteries. What makes this game special is the intensity with which all members of the family, young and old, get to work together.
Peter Slavenburg, director of NorthernLight: “We are honoured that the Rijksmuseum app which we designed and developed for the Rijksmuseum, has won the Heritage in Motion Award 2015. It underlines our ambition to create innovative interactive learning experiences for different generations of museum visitors. We believe that museums and heritage centres change lives in a positive way and are very pleased to contribute to this.”
