Compass Card System – National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum were looking to join up their displayed collections and their archives. They wanted visitors to be able to create their own tours through the museum, being guided when appropriate and finding their own way when they were inclined.

In collaboration with the museum we identified key stories and themes that could provide the link between the archives and the items on show. We created a system that allows artefacts to be digitally collected from across the galleries. Visitors are provided with a barcode card which, at Compass Card points, they can scan and stamp. This both digitally collects the object into their online collection but also embosses an icon onto their card, creating a unique memento of their visit.

The online system can be accessed at home, or at the Compass Card Pods around the museum, where further story connections can be explored. From the visitors digital collection they can also examine more information about their collected artefacts, links to objects in the archives, and individually generated ebooks.