The Inclined Plane, one of greater Johnstown PA’s destination tourist attractions, was undergoing a major reconstruction and renovation program. Visitors to the Inclined Plane curious about the vertical railroad had no access to information about it or its relevance to the region.
We developed informational interactive kiosks at the Inclined Plane entrances and visitor’s center, capitalizing on the 15 minute delay in departure times. The kiosks provide accurate and comprehensive information regarding the history of the Inclined Plane, its purpose, engineering, and economic significance. The kiosks are linked via a fiber optic cable, which runs from the top to the bottom of the hillside. This allows web access to other tourist attractions and enhances the overall ride experience, and general traffic to the site.
The project grew into a themed reworking of the attraction. In addition to kiosks we also produced a souvenir interactive CD-ROM and a video tape. We supervised the development of the “Rollie the Raccoon” mascot. We designed a life sized costumed character and initiated the introduction of a Rollie plush toy. We also produced an audio program to enhance the overall ride experience using a digital audio narration system that is played while the incline cars are in motion.
Another phase of the project focused on improvements to the Gift Shop, including the acceptance of credit cards and upgrading product displays and lighting to improve traffic flow.
We developed a tiered “Friends of the Inclined Plane” sustaining membership program to help insure the future of the historic attraction. The membership levels include the Deisher Society at a premium level in addition to the many “Friends” levels. Monies from the “Friends” and “Deisher Society” programs are deposited into the Community Foundation and are available to the Incline Plane, Inc. to be used as necessary.
The artwork produced for the kiosks was also used in the redesign of the Inclined Plane web site. And we trained the Incline staff to maintain the site. From a mascot to a kiosk we can help with any comprehensive communications project you might have, call us for a consultation.
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