Designed for cities, local authorities and associations as much as for individuals, the Genius Loci solution is a technology product for showcasing local heritage that combines the best of physical and digital. Genius Loci consists of a pairing between a physical medal to be fixed as close as possible to the point of interest, and a digital space entirely devoted to the place.
Hidden treasures only the locals know
Thanks to Genius Loci medals, visitors can scan a simple QR code to discover the hidden stories behind places. Each Genius Loci medal tells a unique story, created by locals who know their region best.
Genius Loci’s approach is to offer “the best of both worlds”: the power and flexibility of digital, combined with a physical dimension, at an affordable cost. Why choose this hybrid approach — physical AND digital?
Tourist panels
Physical tourist panels are very expensive (on average more than EUR 2,500), sometimes disfigure the place they seek to showcase and stand up poorly to time and the elements: cold, rain, UV from the sun… With the space available, every word must be weighed, which limits creativity or even the ability to offer detailed content. Purely physical signage is not a viable solution for showcasing territory at scale, outside particularly remarkable monuments.
Mobile apps
Mobile apps are interesting in theory, because they use the full potential of digital. From the user’s point of view, however, it is not ideal: visitors must download the app from the store in advance, enable geolocation… to know where the points of interest are. That requires preparation. Even if the content or routes are excellent, there is a risk they will never be discovered.
- The advantage of Genius Loci is that content can also be discovered in context, sometimes by chance during a walk. A simple scan of the QR code reveals the content on site, without needing to install an app or even prepare in advance.
- Our interface was carefully designed to offer the best possible user experience (UX). For visitors and contributors alike. It is very simple to create content on Genius Loci, even using a simple smartphone.
- This allows cities to entrust all or part of content creation to the local population, who can cover a much larger or denser territory than with professionals alone — and pass on their passion through rich, emotional content.
