In the beautiful Vallée de Joux, the Espace Horloger (EHVJ), first opened in 1996 in an old watchmaking factory, is a unique museum in the Vaud region of Switzerland. It’s dedicated to showing off high-end watchmaking skills. Visitors get to touch and interact with displays that teach about watchmaking professions, from electroplating to bracelet making.

Immerse yourself in the Espace Horloger de la Vallée de Joux, a sanctuary where the artistry of fine watchmaking is vividly brought to life. Traverse through the annals of time, from the pioneering days of the 15th century to the forefront of contemporary horological innovation. As a visitor, you have the unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the exhibition, uncovering the diverse professions that form the backbone of watchmaking. Engage with our interactive games, including memory challenges and quizzes, designed to enrich your understanding and enjoyment. Our intuitive application is the gateway to this captivating world, infusing your journey with a blend of traditional elegance and a modern, dynamic touch.

The collaborative endeavor between EHVJ and Immensive SA was a strategic partnership aimed at elevating the museum experience through a meticulous two-phase approach, with a significant emphasis on software innovation.

Phase 1: Espace Métier

The initial phase focused on the fundamental transformation of hardware and software components. The replacement of traditional tables with state-of-the-art 55-inch 4K screens was pivotal. However, the real innovation lay in the software adaptation, designed to showcase various horological professions with an immersive and intuitive interface.

In the context of the ‘comptoir horloger,’ the emphasis lies not only on the presentation of watchmaking professions but also on cultivating a space for shared experiences. This unique space goes beyond the conventional exhibition approach, transforming into a dynamic hub where visitors can collectively engage with the world of horology. At the heart of this concept is a large screen designed for collaborative exploration, encouraging group interactions, and facilitating a deeper understanding of the intricate world of timekeeping.

The inclusion of multiplayer games adds an interactive layer, transforming the ‘comptoir horloger’ into a social nexus, where enthusiasts can test their horological knowledge or simply enjoy a leisurely moment together. Furthermore, the integration of this space into a multifunctional piece of furniture serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it seamlessly blends into the exhibition’s aesthetic, and on the other hand, it functions as a practical workbench. This dual role allows for live demonstrations of horological craftsmanship, providing visitors with a firsthand glimpse into the meticulous artistry that goes into creating timepieces.

In essence, the ‘comptoir horloger’ transcends its traditional role, evolving into a vibrant and interactive zone that not only educates on watchmaking professions but also fosters a sense of community and shared exploration within the realm of horology.

Phase 2: Individual Showcases with Touchscreens

In the second phase, the collaboration expanded to introduce individual showcases featuring diverse watches. The emphasis on software was paramount, with the creation of an interactive interface, the Immensive PopupExperience. This application not only presented diverse watch designs but also facilitated the intuitive exploration of specific watchmaking information through touchscreens.

The various screens are connected to showcases and provide additional information about their contents. These screens serve as interactive hubs, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the exhibits housed in the corresponding display cases. The integration of digital displays not only enhances the overall visitor experience but also adds a dynamic layer to the traditional exhibition format. Each screen acts as a portal, unlocking a wealth of supplementary information, enriching the narrative, and providing a more immersive encounter with the displayed artifacts.

Emphasizing the complementarity between traditional and digital exhibitions, one might even say that it dispels the notion of a mere ‘bullshit’ dichotomy between the two. Instead, it highlights how the amalgamation of conventional and digital approaches creates a synergistic environment, offering a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the showcased items. This fusion enables museums to cater to diverse audience preferences, ensuring that both traditionalists and tech-savvy individuals find resonance in the exhibition’s narrative, fostering a truly inclusive cultural experience.

Software Innovations

• Interactive Digital Storytelling: Immensive SA’s software solutions enabled the creation of interactive digital installations, utilizing technology to narrate the intricate history of watchmaking. Visitors could engage with captivating narratives, bridging the gap between heritage and modernity.
• Multilingual Accessibility: The software was designed to cater to an international audience, supporting multiple languages. This ensured that visitors from various backgrounds could fully comprehend and enjoy the exhibits.
• User-Friendly Content Management System (CMS): A cloud-based CMS was integrated, providing an efficient and user-friendly platform for managing and updating content across the individual showcases. This empowered EHVJ to keep information current and relevant.

The software innovations played a pivotal role in enhancing visitor engagement, offering a dynamic and educational journey through the history of watchmaking. The seamless integration of technology not only modernized the museum but also made horological heritage accessible in a contemporary and interactive manner.

The success of the collaboration hinged on the intricate balance between hardware and software advancements. Immensive SA’s expertise in creating immersive software experiences ensured that the technological upgrades went beyond aesthetics, providing a transformative and educational encounter for visitors exploring the rich world of horology at Espace Horloger de la Vallée de Joux.