Space Needle: Building An AR Mobile App For The Seattle Landmark

Learn how SPD Group managed to build a modern mobile application that uses Augmented Reality and 4D for Space Needle and Seattle. If you want to learn more feel free to contact us!

Overview
The Space Needle is an observation tower in Seattle, Washington in the United States, which was completed in 1961 and since become a must-see landmark in the state. In 2000, multimillion-dollar renovations were completed for the tower to add the SkyCity restaurant, the SpaceBase retail store, and the Skybeam as well as overhaul the Observation Deck, add lights, and repaint.

Currently, the tower has three levels, with every level providing different experiences for visitors. For example, the highest level has a zoom camera, which takes photos and videos of a visitor from a distance of 1,500 feet (or 500 meters). A mobile app would enhance that experience and make it more convenient. In January 2018, our long-term client partner contacted us to build a mobile application for the Space Needle tower. Our team was excited to take on this project!

Business Goal
The app was set to improve attendance numbers for the Space Needle as well as enhance the visitor experience and increase engagement. A mobile app would introduce new user experiences and provide a convenient way for visitors to get their photos and videos from the Space Needle. Without an app, the flow for visitors was not so smooth; a regular photographer was hired to take photos. After visiting the Space Needle, visitors provided their contact information through a touch screen near the exit and received their photos via email. Introducing the app would automate this process and add some brand-new Augmented Reality features.

Technical Challenges
The initial deadline was limited to six to seven months; the client wanted to launch a finished app as soon as possible. We decided to build the application using React Native, which allows the building of cross-platform mobile solutions. This framework was not very popular in early 2018. Thus, sometimes it was impossible to find certain libraries; this caused some tasks to take extended periods of time to complete.

Read the full case study here: https://spd.group/cases/space-needle-ar-mobile-app-for-the-seattle-landmark/