Creating Spaces
as Dynamic as the Web

In today’s digital age, users expect interactive and personalized experiences online. They want content that is current, relevant, and actionable. But what happens when they encounter media in public spaces? Often, the content is static and out of sync with users’ expectations and the current conversation.

Bluecadet’s extensive experience in both digital products online and on-site has given us a unique perspective and solution to the problem of static and outdated media in public spaces. Our team has the tools and expertise to leverage the same content management systems (CMS) that power websites, ensuring that on-site media remains dynamic and engaging. Whether it’s a touchwall at a museum or a dynamic touch surface at a tourist destination, our use of CMS allows us to keep content current and relevant, meeting the high expectations of today’s tech-savvy users. 

Although media in public spaces often have the ability to change content, many of the content management systems used for this purpose are outdated and limited, resembling the basic systems of the early web. However, CMSs have come a long way since then, evolving from simple text editors to complex systems capable of managing large-scale websites and digital content. With features like e-commerce capabilities, social media integration, and advanced analytics, CMSs have become a critical tool for creating engaging and dynamic experiences in public spaces. Today’s CMSs are designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with drag-and-drop interfaces and customizable templates, making it easier than ever to create and manage dynamic content in any context. 

Here are a few projects that showcase how we have harnessed the power of content management systems to power digital experiences.

Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

At the National Air & Space Museum, we constructed a massive 200 square foot touchwall and developed both iOS and Android applications, in addition to an organizational website driven by a single install of Drupal. We integrated Drupal with several systems, such as the collections database (TMS) and the ticketing and event management system, enabling administrators to make changes to artifact records or touchwall features that would simultaneously apply to all digital properties.

Independence Visitor Center

At the Independence Visitor Center, for example. Alongside developing their website, we also built a 16-foot touch surface powered by a single install of Drupal. The IVC wanted to display up-to-the-minute information, from event updates to real-time ticket availability. With our expertise in CMS, we were able to create a solution that not only met their needs but also allowed them to monetize the screen through an advertising mode. Our team even provided analytics to help validate the impact and cost of their ads.

Henry Ford

At Henry Ford we developed an integrated suite of 9 interactive columns. These columns are designed to display dynamic content in real-time, ensuring that visitors have access to the latest information. Additionally, we incorporated an event mode, which allows the columns to serve as a backdrop for a variety of programming held in the space. The content is easily updatable, providing an environment that complements and enhances the overall experience.

Bear Bryant College Football Hall of Fame

At the University of Alabama, Bear Bryant College Football Hall of Fame, our touchwall showcases the complete history of the University of Alabama football program, from its inception to the present day. Within the CMS administrators can easily update the wall to showcase current players and games, as well as add new stories, context, and content to their storied past.

These are just a few examples of how we at Bluecadet utilize content management systems to keep our experiences current, dynamic, and engaging. It’s safe to say that every project we undertake involves a content management system, whether it’s Contentful, Sanity, Drupal, or WordPress. These tools allow us to not only maintain but also enhance the quality, relevancy and impact of our work.