Vidhai Digital Vithika – UP Vidhan Sabha

Project Overview

Content Strategy and Content Curation of 165 plus years of history in interactive and digital format for the Biggest, Finest and First Legislature of India – Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha.

Introduction To UP Vidhan Sabha Experience Center

The Digital Museum of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly immerses visitors in the rich and illustrious history of the Legislative Assembly spanning over 165 years. It encompasses key milestones such as the establishment of the Legislative Assembly, the formation of the first Legislative Assembly, Uttar Pradesh’s significant role in shaping the powerful constitution, political transformations, important legislative acts, and the modern-day Legislative Council. Additionally, the museum offers insights into the future plans of the Legislative Assembly, providing a comprehensive panorama of its journey.

Through innovative projection mapping techniques, the museum vividly portrays the crucial aspects of Uttar Pradesh’s legislative history, capturing the viewer’s imagination. The Holocube showcases the significance of the Legislative Council and its contributions, with narration by esteemed members of the Legislative Council. Uttar Pradesh is renowned for its historical and religious sites, several of which have been designated as World Heritage sites. To offer a captivating experience of this enchanting land, visitors can embark on an aerial journey aboard a helicopter. This bird’s eye view provides a comprehensive glimpse into the history and religious heritage of Uttar Pradesh, offering a visual feast for the senses. Visitors can also capture cherished memories with their favorite political personalities, including the President, Prime Minister, Governor, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister, and Leader of Opposition, through mixed reality photoshoot opportunities that add to the excitement of the visit.

Background Of Project

The inspiration for this interactive experience stemmed from the visionary mindset of Mr. Satish Mahana, the esteemed Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. Drawing upon his creative and global experiences, he conceived the idea of an experiential space within the Vidhan Sabha building in Lucknow. Through our conceptualization and execution, his vision materialized into reality. The primary objective was to establish a knowledge hub, fostering public understanding and appreciation of this esteemed legislature. The focus was on shedding light upon the significant individuals, places, and events that have shaped its history, leading up to its present-day prominence. Furthermore, the intention was to continuously evolve the space, embracing new dimensions in the future.

To accomplish this, the administration allocated approximately 2000 sq ft within the Vidhan Sabha building for renovation into an immersive experience center. The aim was to ensure that the technology and content utilized met the highest global standards, creating an exceptional visitor experience. The envisioned center would seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technology, captivating exhibits, and engaging content to provide a world-class experience comparable to renowned centers across the globe.

Requirements

• Immersive Experience: The client expects the digital museum to provide an immersive experience that transports visitors into the depths of the legislative history of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The client desires a comprehensive coverage of over 165 years of legislative history, encompassing significant events, political upheavals, the formation of the first Legislative Assembly, and the role of Uttar Pradesh in shaping the Constitution.
• High-Quality Technology: The client emphasizes the need for high-quality technology and content that matches global standards to ensure a world-class visitor experience.
• Future Plans: The client expects the project to showcase the future plans of the Legislative Assembly, indicating a forward-looking perspective.

Solution Provided

The solution provided for the digital museum at the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha is a cutting-edge and immersive experience that brings the legislative history to life. Through the integration of innovative technologies such as projection mapping, Holocube presentations, and aerial journeys, visitors are taken on a captivating journey through over 165 years of legislative history. The carefully curated content showcases the establishment of the Legislative Assembly, significant political events, the role of Uttar Pradesh in shaping the constitution, and the modern-day Legislative Council. Selfie opportunities with esteemed political personalities add excitement and engagement. The solution adheres to high global standards of technology and content, creating a world-class experience that informs, educates, and inspires visitors about the glorious legacy and future plans of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha.

Methodology and Approach

The methodology and approach for this project involve a structured and systematic process to ensure the successful development and implementation of the digital museum for the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. The first step is to gather comprehensive requirements from the client, including their vision, objectives, and desired outcomes. This is followed by conducting thorough research and analysis to understand the legislative history, significant events, and cultural aspects that should be covered in the digital museum. The next phase involves the conceptualization and design of the museum, determining the layout, interactive elements, and technology integration.

Conceptualization, Design and Implementation

Based on the research and analysis, develop a conceptual framework for the digital museum. Determine the layout, interactive elements, technology integration, and content presentation strategies. With the help of an in-house and collaborative team of designers, content creators, and technology experts create a cohesive and engaging design plan.

Architecture and Interiors

The architecture and design of the museum creatively blend contemporary elements with the original Vidhan Sabha architecture, characterized by white marble and sandstone. The interiors incorporate visually appealing aesthetics that harmonize with the existing architectural style, creating a seamless and aesthetically pleasing environment for visitors to immerse themselves in legislative history.

Content Curation

Curate the content that will be presented in the digital museum, including historical artifacts, images, videos, audio recordings, and textual information. Ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the content by collaborating with subject matter experts, historians, and relevant authorities.

Technology Selection and Integration

Identify the appropriate technologies and tools that will enhance the visitor experience and support the desired interactive elements. This may include projection mapping systems, Holocube technology, Mixed Reality(MR), touchscreen displays, and other immersive technologies. Integrate these technologies seamlessly into the overall design of the digital museum.

Key Features and Experiences

1. Entrance and Passage:

• Backlit mural of Vidhan Sabha: A visually striking mural of the Vidhan Sabha building, illuminated with backlighting, creating an impressive entrance.
• Digital Foundation Stone: A digital representation of the foundation stone, symbolizing the historical significance of the Vidhan Sabha.
• Graphic panels: Informative panels presenting content on the early historic 11 buildings in 4 cities preceding the Vidhan Sabha, providing context and background.

2. Gallery 1 – History of Vidhan Sabha:

• Continuous touch screen: An interactive touch timeline showcasing the history of the Vidhan Sabha, starting from the Indian legislature’s history and primarily focusing on the Uttar Pradesh Legislature.
• Projection-Mapping: A captivating projection mapping display on a Vidhan Sabha sculpture, offering a creative and event-wise light and sound show that highlights key moments from the Vidhan Sabha’s history.
• Live Size Holocube: A life-size Holocube featuring a depth 3D video of current eminent personalities of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, allowing visitors to virtually interact with them.
• Wall of Images: A wall displaying images of notable events held in the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, providing a visual narrative of its historical significance.

3. Gallery 2 – Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker’s Eye View:

• Immersive experience: A small room offering an immersive experience of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha from the viewpoint of the Vidhan Sabha Speaker’s chair, giving visitors a unique perspective of the legislative house.

4. Gallery 3 – Places of Uttar Pradesh:

• Hologram: A captivating hologram showcasing a 3D 360° video of the Vidhan Sabha building, highlighting its architectural details.
• Virtual Helicopter Ride: An exhilarating virtual helicopter ride that takes visitors on a captivating journey over popular cities of Uttar Pradesh, including Praygraj, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Ayodhya, Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, and Mathura. Visitors will experience a hydraulic-based helicopter simulation, complete with aerial views, surround sound, and narrations of the popular historic monuments and pilgrimage sites.

5. Gallery 4 – Current Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Personalities in Mixed Reality (MR):

• Mixed Reality (MR) experience: A dedicated space where visitors can interact with mixed reality technology to take photographs with their selected personality from the current Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, placing themselves in a selected location for a memorable photo opportunity.

6. Gallery 5 – Exit Passage and Archives Library:

• Display and Touch Screen: An exit passage featuring a display and touch screen offering access to the Archives Library and displaying videos related to Vidhan Sabha interiors, people, events, and important monuments of Uttar Pradesh. Visitors can explore this informative resource before concluding their museum visit.

Results and Impact

The museum has a long-lasting impact on the people of Uttar Pradesh and others, enriching their knowledge, fostering civic engagement, preserving heritage, and promoting a deeper understanding of the legislative process. The digital museum at the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha has resulted in significant impacts on the people of Uttar Pradesh and others from this generation, as well as for future generations.

1. Increased Awareness: The museum has played a crucial role in increasing awareness and understanding of the rich legislative history of Uttar Pradesh. Visitors, including the people of Uttar Pradesh and others, gain valuable insights into the formation of the Vidhan Sabha, its role in shaping the constitution, and the significant political events that have taken place over the years.
2. Educational Value: The museum serves as an educational resource, providing a platform for learning and knowledge acquisition. Through interactive exhibits, touch screens, projection mapping, and holograms, visitors can engage with the historical content in an immersive and informative manner. This experience enhances their understanding of democratic processes, governance, and the importance of legislative bodies.
3. Preservation of Heritage: By showcasing the architectural beauty and historical significance of the Vidhan Sabha and other notable places in Uttar Pradesh, the museum contributes to the preservation and promotion of the state’s cultural heritage. It instills a sense of pride and appreciation among visitors, encouraging them to cherish and protect their heritage for future generations.
4. Inspiration and Empowerment: The museum inspires and empowers individuals, particularly the youth, by highlighting the contributions of eminent personalities and showcasing the democratic process in action. It encourages civic participation, stimulates interest in politics, and fosters a sense of responsibility among the citizens of Uttar Pradesh.
5. Technological Advancement: The museum’s incorporation of advanced technologies such as projection mapping, Holocubes, virtual helicopter rides, and mixed reality experiences sets a benchmark for innovation. It demonstrates how technology can be harnessed to create engaging and immersive museum experiences, inspiring future developments in the field.

Overall, it serves as a valuable resource for present and future generations, ensuring that the legacy of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha and its historical significance continues to be appreciated and celebrated.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Completing a project of this magnitude within a short time frame requires effective time management, meticulous content curation, seamless technological integration, careful design aesthetics, and thorough testing. The lessons learned from these challenges emphasize the importance of teamwork, effective project management, collaboration with experts, and user-centric design principles. Here are some of the challenges faced and the lessons learned during the process:

1. Time Constraints: The primary challenge was managing time effectively to ensure all aspects of the project were completed within the given timeframe. This required meticulous planning, setting realistic milestones, and efficient allocation of resources.

Lesson Learned: Prioritization and effective project management are crucial in meeting deadlines. Breaking down the project into smaller tasks, establishing clear timelines, and fostering strong communication and collaboration among team members helped streamline the workflow and ensure timely completion.

2. Complex Content Curation: The project involved curating content spanning over 165 years of legislative history, including historical events, political figures, and architectural significance. Gathering, organizing, and presenting this vast amount of information in a coherent and engaging manner was a significant challenge.

Lesson Learned: Thorough research and collaboration with subject matter experts are essential for accurate content curation. Adopting a systematic approach to collecting and verifying historical data, along with effective content structuring and storytelling techniques, helped present the information in a compelling way.

3. Technological Integration: Implementing advanced technologies such as projection mapping, holograms, touch screens, and virtual reality experiences requires expertise in hardware and software integration. Coordinating and synchronizing these technologies seamlessly was a complex task.

Lesson Learned: Engaging experienced technology partners and conducting thorough testing and integration checks are critical. Regular communication and collaboration between the design team, content creators, and technology experts helped identify and address any technical challenges, ensuring a smooth and immersive visitor experience.

4. Design Aesthetics and Integration: Matching the aesthetics of the museum with the original Vidhan Sabha architecture, which features white marble and sandstone, required careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of architectural harmony.

Lesson Learned: Collaborating closely with architects and interior designers who specialize in historical and heritage preservation played a key role in achieving the desired integration. Balancing the design elements, textures, and colors to maintain the authenticity and visual appeal of the original Vidhan Sabha architecture was crucial.

5. User Experience and Testing: Ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience across all exhibits and interactive elements required rigorous testing and iteration. Identifying and addressing any usability issues or technical glitches was essential to create a satisfactory visitor journey.

Lesson Learned: Conducting user testing sessions with a diverse group of individuals helped identify areas of improvement and refine the user experience. Regular feedback loops and iterative design processes ensured that the exhibits were user-friendly and accessible to all visitors

Conclusion & Recommendations

The establishment of the digital museum at the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha has been a significant achievement, showcasing the rich legislative history of the state in an engaging and immersive manner. The project successfully achieved its objectives of increasing awareness, providing educational value, preserving heritage, inspiring civic participation, and embracing technological advancements. The museum serves as a valuable resource for the people of Uttar Pradesh and visitors from around the world, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the legislative process and the state’s cultural heritage.

Recommendations: Based on the experience gained during the project, the following recommendations are proposed:

1. Continuous Updates and Maintenance: The museum should establish a plan for regular updates and maintenance to ensure that the content remains relevant and the technological components function optimally. This includes keeping the historical information up to date and incorporating new developments in legislative processes.
2. Visitor Feedback and Evaluation: Implementing a system to gather feedback from visitors and conduct periodic evaluations will help identify areas for improvement. Understanding visitor preferences, satisfaction levels, and suggestions can guide future enhancements and ensure a seamless and enjoyable museum experience.
3. Outreach and Marketing: A comprehensive marketing and outreach strategy should be developed to create awareness about the museum and attract a diverse range of visitors. This can include targeted advertising, social media campaigns, collaborations with travel agencies, and leveraging digital platforms to reach a wider audience.
4. Research and Collaboration: Encouraging research and collaboration with scholars, historians, and experts in related fields can further enrich the museum’s content and enhance its academic value. This can involve hosting conferences, seminars, and workshops to promote research and knowledge exchange.