Making Trails

Burton Barrel Roll app

We've been working with Making Trails since their first trail, Burton Swans, in 2020. Since then we've been creating a new app to showcase each new trail, working on a new style and design to complement the theme, and new features to help visitors enjoy the trail.

Making Trails creates public art sculpture trails across the UK, designing unique regional art trails to raise awareness of the profound benefits of art in public spaces. Their trails attract more visitors, boost community interaction, and get people exploring the town. Each trail features numerous art installations, enhanced through specialised iOS and Android apps developed by Haywyre.

The challenge

Create an interactive app that works across Android and iOS devices and enhances the trail experience. Features include a map showing sculpture locations and the ability to 'unlock' barrels via a code to reveal rewards and more information.

Collect valuable data on visitor numbers and origins (postcodes) to assess the impact of the trails, stored securely.

A fresh new look that matches the Making Trails brand while incorporating Burton Barrel Roll-specific visuals and colours.

The solution

Using our existing Making Trails app framework, we created a user-friendly app that benefitted from past user feedback. Consistent navigation and intuitive layout. Fun features: interesting facts about locations, information on artists, who sponsored each barrel. Unlocking a barrel unlocks rewards — colouring sheets, discount codes, giveaways. Voting system for favourite barrels.

Features include: the map (on the homepage and a larger map on the Trail map page), a barrel profile page, location facts, a rewards page showing all unlocked rewards, and motivation to keep exploring.

Outcome

• Over 700 downloads in the first few days
• Smooth launch with no technical issues reported
• Modern, vibrant design that reinforces brand identity
• Effective marketing tool which attracts and engages visitors
• Dynamic, user-friendly interface
• Secure data collection supporting future trail planning