At the first story of a route, it's a good idea to introduce the user to the experience they are about to embark on, including, for instance, the format, narrator, main characters, and theme. Most importantly, however, is to get them excited about the experience!
The first story differs a bit from the last and all intermediate stories. The main difference is that it has an extra part: introduction to the tour.
- Introduction to the tour - only the first story
- Introduction to the place - on all stories
- Site-specific story - on all stories
- Wayfinding and teaser - on all stories but a bit different on the last
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1. Introduction to the Tour
Here, you should introduce the user to the format of the experience itself and prepare them well for their journey. It's a good idea to touch on the following areas:
- Format and practicalities; how does it work, how long is the tour, and where does it end?
- Narrator; what is your motivation for conveying this tour? The personal aspect is important!
- Main characters and theme; what are we going to learn about today and who are we going to follow?
- The most important thing, however, is that we get the user excited about the experience.
Example
Welcome to our first stop, the Gefion Fountain, and the story of The Soldier. Are you ready for an adventure?
My name is Eva, and today I will tell you the story of The Citadel in a way you probably haven't heard before. Today, we won't follow a tour group or be confined to guidebooks; we're on your time, and I'm with you all the way.
The tour takes 1-2 hours. We will pass by 11 points, which will take us around The Citadel and deep into the fortress's history. [...]
Today, we will travel back to 1744, and follow in the footsteps of a young man who lived here at The Citadel. The man's name is Hermann, and he was a private soldier in the second company of the Danish army.
2. Introduction to the Place
Where should the user stand and where should they look?Actively guide the user's gaze; there should be a reason they are standing there and not just listening from home. The location should be directly connected to the story.Is there a place they can enter, or a bench they can sit on? Read more about crafting a good introduction for a story.
Example
Today I will show you the hidden stories that are hidden in the seemingly mundane. Just look at the Gefion Fountain in front of you. It depicts an old myth about the goddess Gefion. According to Norse mythology, it is Gefion we have to thank for having solid ground under our feet.
3. Site-Specific Story
The actual story we want to tell should be anchored in the surroundings and based exactly where the user is standing.
A good story should be under four minutes, engage the senses, and follow a coherent narrative. Learn more about crafting a good story.
Example
The year is 1744. Denmark is not at war, but the treasury is nearly empty after repeated wars against Sweden. Winter is coming, and the wind is tearing through the bare trees. Hermann and his company are on their way home from eight months of deployment in Norway.
4. Wayfinding & Teaser
Here we need to get the user excited about the next story and explain how to get there.In the first story, it might be a good idea to inform the user that they can always look at their phone if they are unsure of where to go. Read more about wayfinding and crafting a good outro.
Example
If you're unsure of where to go, take a look at your phone. You can open the next part of our story about Hermann when you've crossed the bridge and are standing in front of the statue on the left side of the path.
Full Example
Find the first story from Soldier, taking place around The Citadel in Copenhagen, below.
Welcome to our first stop, the Gefion Fountain, and the story of The Soldier. Are you ready for an adventure?
My name is Eva, and today I will tell you the story of The Citadel in a way you probably haven't heard before. We will not follow a tour group or be confined to guidebooks; we're on your time, and I'm with you all the way.
The tour takes 1-2 hours. We will pass by 11 points, taking us around The Citadel and deep into the fortress's history.
Today, I will show you the hidden stories that are hidden in the seemingly mundane. Just look at the Gefion Fountain in front of you. It depicts an old myth about the goddess Gefion. According to Norse mythology, it is Gefion we have to thank for having solid ground under our feet. With the help of her four giant sons, whom she transformed into oxen, Gefion plowed a piece out of Sweden. This created Zealand, whose inhabitants have waged war against the Swedes across the strait for centuries. The myth marks the beginning of our story about The Citadel, which has defended the Danish realm against the Swedes, among others, for over 350 years.
Today, we will travel back to 1744, and follow in the footsteps of a young man who lived here at The Citadel. The man's name is Hermann, and he was a private soldier in the second company of the Danish army. Through Hermann, we will learn more about the conditions of the soldiers and understand what it meant to be part of the military in the mid-1700s.
We are now about to move towards The Citadel. You should follow the gravel path past the church with the Gothic expression. Continue along the water and stop when you come to the first bridge on the right side. I will continue telling the story as you walk.
The year is 1744. Denmark is not at war, but the treasury is nearly empty after repeated wars against Sweden. Winter is coming, and the wind is tearing through the bare trees. Hermann and his company are on their way home from eight months of deployment in Norway.
The soldiers are facing a tough time at The Citadel with a miserable salary and relentless discipline from their superiors. Now they look forward with dread to a cruel winter where the frost bites into their bones. Despite a turbulent journey in a fierce autumn storm, the ship with Hermann and his company has arrived at Copenhagen Harbor.
[soldiers marching]
Like you, Hermann's company is now moving on foot towards The Citadel. Hermann has high expectations for the future. But I'll let him tell you...
Hermann: "It will be good to get back to The Citadel after that terrible boat trip. The Citadel has become like a home for me, just as it has been for many in my family. I have lived here for two years, and I have a feeling that this third year will be good.
I got to know The Citadel when I was very little. Back in Holstein, my grandfather always told me exciting stories about life as an officer at The Citadel. He started as a private soldier, like me. He rose through the ranks and had a distinguished career in the military. That's also my plan, to become an officer and make my family proud. My grandfather always said that one should be true to one's family."
Have you reached the first bridge? Then you've been quick! The next part of our story is just on the other side of the bridge. If you're unsure of where to go, take a look at your phone. You can open the next part of our story about Hermann when you've crossed the bridge and are standing in front of the statue on the left side of the path.
