The Mobile Digital Lab recently made its way to Delamont Country Park, bringing two days of immersive technology, digital wellbeing and hands-on experiences to the Newry, Mourne and Down area.
Working in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMD), the two-day programme on Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th September brought together around 30 participants, with sessions designed for tourism groups, staff, carers, wellbeing participants and people with learning and physical disabilities.
The first day focused on tourism, with participants getting the opportunity to explore how digital technology can create engaging and immersive visitor experiences.
One of the highlights was a ThingLink VR Medieval Village , giving participants the opportunity to explore a virtual environment and see first-hand how immersive technology can be used to bring destinations and experiences to life.
The session demonstrated how technologies such as Virtual Reality can provide new ways for people to discover places, stories and attractions, while also offering exciting possibilities for the tourism sector.
The afternoon then moved to a technology showcase for NMD staff, featuring VR headsets, smart glasses and AI-powered iPads, providing an opportunity to explore some of the latest digital technologies in a relaxed and hands-on environment.
Day two turned the focus towards digital wellbeing, with sessions exploring how technology can be used to support relaxation, mindfulness, learning and new experiences.
Participants were able to try Virtual Reality, smart glasses and AI-powered iPads, including an introduction to AI glasses and a range of digital wellbeing experiences.
The afternoon session welcomed a group from the Down Residential Project, supporting people with learning and physical disabilities. Participants took part in a First Steps session alongside a mindfulness app experience, demonstrating how digital technology can be introduced in accessible and engaging ways.
The feedback from participants throughout the two days was extremely positive, with Virtual Reality proving particularly popular.
Participants described their experiences as “Excellent”, “Can’t improve on perfection” and “Everything”.
Other comments included “Hands on experience”, “Relaxation”, “Art mindfulness” and “More of the same”, reflecting the range of ways participants engaged with the technology.
One participant also commented “I’m new to all of this”, highlighting the opportunity the Mobile Digital Lab provides for people to discover new technologies and experiences in an accessible and supportive environment.
“We’re living the dream …”
A special thank you goes to Ciara Burns, Patricia Cloughley, Collen Morrison and Nicola Whyte from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for their support and coordination in helping to bring the Mobile Digital Lab to Delamont Country Park.
We would also like to thank the elected representatives who attended during the programme and took the opportunity to see the Mobile Digital Lab and experience some of the technology first-hand.
Their support and engagement helped showcase the opportunities that emerging digital technologies can provide for communities, organisations and local services across the Newry, Mourne and Down area.
The strong response at Delamont Country Park demonstrates the appetite for hands-on digital experiences, with participants expressing a clear interest in seeing the programme continue and expand.
The Mobile Digital Lab will continue its programme of deployments across the region, bringing digital technology, immersive experiences and practical workshops directly to communities, organisations and groups.
To find out more about the Mobile Digital Lab, arrange a workshop or explore a deployment in your area, contact your local MiniDigiHub partner or visit www.mindigihub.com.
