Nigel Murphy
A network of interactive digital touchscreens is going to be unveiled in Manchester.
The 10 digital kiosks aim to give residents and visitors information at their fingertips through its MiGuide (Manchester interactive guide) screen.
The screens provide location-specific information about everything from events, attractions and nightlife to shopping, food and drink, accommodation and transport. For example someone in Market Street looking for somewhere to eat will be offered a wide range of options, with directions and distance and transport details if necessary. They will also be able to search by type of cuisine.
MiGuide will also feature the latest news headlines from the Manchester Evening News.
The kiosks themselves have been designed by Peter Saville and are powered by magneticNorth‘s digital screen management system Cord:
“We’re looking forward to seeing the reaction of residents and visitors to the MiGuide screens and believe that they’ll bring a welcome and useful addition to the way in which people experience the city centre. We hope the project sets the benchmark for digital wayfinding that other cities can aspire to,” said Adam Todd, creative director at the Manchester-based agency.
The network, being introduced by Manchester City Council and its outdoor advertising partner MediaCo, will be funded through advertising and is cost neutral to the council in a model believed to be unique in the UK.
Councillor Nigel Murphy, Executive Member for Environment for Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is intent on becoming one of the world’s leading digital cities and one aspect of that is innovations such as MiGuide which use the latest technology to improve people’s experience of the city. It’s not just about getting around the city – it’s about getting the most out of it.
“These digital kiosks will be an informative, useful and engaging addition to our city centre streets and I’m confident they will prove popular.
“What people will see when they use the screens now is just the start. In the months ahead the content will keep growing and we’ll keep looking at imaginative ways which people can use the screens to interact with the city.”
The 10 kiosks will be launched very soon and are located at:
Withy Grove at corner with Exchange Square
New Cathedral Street at corner with Exchange Square
New Cathedral Street at corner with St Mary’s Gate
Market Street West near Cross Street
St Ann’s Square
St Ann’s Street near Deansgate
Piccadilly Gardens West near Lever Street
Piccadilly Gardens East near Market Street
Market Street East near High Street
Market Street at junction with Brown Street
