Project Summary
This solo project focused on redesigning the digital experience for the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich, with the aim of making it more engaging, informative, and interactive, aligned with the values and practices of the Roman Catholic faith. The goal was to transform the website into a welcoming, inclusive platform that supports both spiritual connection and historical exploration.
With a timeline of three months, the project incorporated extensive user research, competitor analysis, and experimentation with emerging technologies such as AR and 360° virtual tours. The result is a revitalised online presence that caters to modern user expectations while preserving the reverence of the physical space.
Research & Discovery
Competitor Analysis
I conducted in-depth research into websites for other historic cathedrals, including Canterbury, Gloucester, and Norwich. This analysis provided insight into how these institutions are using digital platforms to engage diverse audiences, from tourists to parishioners.
Key competitor innovations included:
Norwich Cathedral: A virtual tour allowing remote visitors to explore interactively; in-person signs augmented the on-site experience.
Gloucester Cathedral: A mobile app for onsite exploration, unlocking history and hidden narratives without intrusive signage.
These comparisons made it clear that the original St John the Baptist website was outdated and lacking in user-friendly features by today’s standards.
User Testing
I performed usability testing on the original site, incorporating:
Heuristic evaluations
Open and closed card sorting
The results highlighted a major issue: users struggled to locate essential information. Navigation was inconsistent and unintuitive, creating friction for both casual visitors and community members.
Ideation & Experimentation
With limitations on in-building signage due to the Grade I listed status of the cathedral, I explored innovative, non-invasive solutions to deliver information, both remotely and in situ.
Technological Exploration
Lidar scanning and Scaniverse for spatial mapping.
360° imagery using Insta360 and Benaco to create immersive virtual tours.
Experimented with augmented reality to explore future ways of providing digital interpretation without physical impact.
These technologies allowed users to:
Explore the cathedral virtually before a visit.
Discover points of interest during their visit, especially valuable for those with limited mobility.
Access rooftop views virtually, promoting the cathedral’s tower tours in an accessible format.
Results & Impact
The final solution meets the brief to create a digital experience that is accessible, engaging, and deeply informative—all while respecting the historical and spiritual significance of the space.
Key Features
Virtual 360° Tour: A web-based experience allowing users to explore key spaces, supported by contextual information.
Information Architecture Redesign: Simplified navigation and improved content organisation based on user feedback.
Accessibility Considerations: Alternative access to tower views and guided content for users unable to physically visit or climb.
Future Potential: Integration of AR and interactive overlays for onsite mobile users.
