Students from the University of Winchester have designed an app to improve visitor experiences at the city's cathedral.

In response to growing visitor demand for more engaging and interactive experiences, the project aimed to integrate modern technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) while preserving the cathedral's historical essence.

A total of 62 second-year students spread across various digital technologies programmes took on the task.

Working in 13 teams, they acted as innovation consultants, presenting proposals to cathedral marketing manager Lauren Bolter-Booth.

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The winning team members flanked by cathedral marketing manager Lauren Bolter-Booth (left) and Dr Sabine Bohnacker-Bruce (Image: University of Winchester) The presentations outlined a comprehensive project plan detailing key app features, what software would be required and a timescale for the project

Security and data protection measures, as well as a disaster recovery strategy, were also integral components of the proposals.

Ms Bolter-Booth said: “Many students had gone above and beyond, having visited Winchester Cathedral to take photos, gather details, draw maps, record videos - all in the spirit of creating the best app.

“The winning team, Group 5, had created an extremely impressive app, including features such as 'virtual choir', navigated tours, AR camera feature and more, communicating this with the upmost professionalism in their well-rehearsed presentation.”

Group 5, consisting of Tyler Moore, Ronny Chen, Joshua Glover and Alexander Hilliker, recently received their winners' certificates from Ms Bolter-Booth during her visit to the university's West Downs Centre.

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The project was part of a module named BS2201 Integrated Projects, exemplifying the university’s commitment to providing practical experience to its students.

Dr Sabine Bohnacker-Bruce, who leads collaborative projects between the Faculty of Business and Digital Technologies and Winchester Cathedral, highlighted the mutual benefits of such collaborations.

She stated: "We work with our external partners to give students opportunities to tackle real-life issues and projects and to develop their professional skills.

"At the same time, our partners profit from students’ fresh perspectives and ideas.

"These collaborations are mutually beneficial, and we are always keen to work with local and regional partners."