Armagh Observatory & Planetarium

Client Requirement

The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is located close to the city centre of Armagh and covers approximately fourteen acres of land known as the Armagh Astropark. Within the Astropark, visitors can explore various structures, such as the Hill of Infinity and the Human Sun Dial. Visitors could also use their previous limited app alongside their AR markers during their visit.

On our initial visit, we had the pleasure of meeting the Planetarium’s project manager and scientists. It was a great experience to tour the premises, exchange ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of their vision. From our conversation, we discovered that they were keen on designing an interactive app to amplify the Astropark adventure. Furthermore, given the Planetarium’s frequent school visits, they planned to construct an outdoor area where children could learn about space.

Our Approach – Armagh Observatory

The lead designer gathered ideas and developed concepts for outdoor trails for both kids and adults in Astropark. We created mood boards, mock-ups, and visuals to showcase the possibilities of how it would look in the park. We also worked on determining the routes and how to utilise the entire site best.

The Planetarium team carefully reviewed and decided on a space-themed trail for children in the form of a storybook. The trail would feature large sculptures, an interactive workbook, and colourful markers to engage young visitors. An app with audio, augmented reality elements, and mobile games would also be available. The adult trail, would then provide educational content with augmented reality to enhance the experience.

At Brilliant Trails, the design team worked on the sculpture design simultaneously with the chainsaw carvers who were creating the large sculptures. The Planetarium team was also part of the process and provided updates and input on the sculpture’s progress. Together, we worked collaboratively to ensure a seamless outcome.