Sheffield creative agency pioneers storytelling experience

A multi award-winning Sheffield creative agency is transforming the way in which we can interact with our surroundings after becoming one of the first companies in the region to secure funding through the South Yorkshire Digital Innovation Grant scheme.

Diva Creative, based at The Workstation, drew on inspiration from the success of augmented reality games such as Pokemon Go to explore new ways to experience places with great stories at their heart. Using time during lockdown to perfect the concept, Diva launched GeoStories, where individuals can experience a story at a location, along with Augmented Reality and audio content.

GeoStories uses smartphone technology to create interactive guided experiences using GPS triggers. People experience dramas associated with locations, drawing on the lives of the people who lived there and points of interest.

In addition to being a great storytelling tool, accessible via an app, the team recognised strong potential for the GeoStories concept and its future development. To seek support to progress the project, the company submitted an application to the South Yorkshire Digital Innovation Grant scheme to secure the vital funds needed to secure a consultant specialising in emerging technologies.

Amanda Pearce, a director at Diva Creative said, “storytelling is at the very heart of the way we communicate with others. We recognised that combining emerging tech such as augmented reality with GPS and features such as 360 video offer new, exciting immersive ways of engaging and entertaining consumers.

“After nearly two years of research and development we are ready to bring the product to market, and the funds provided by the Digital Innovation Grant really supported us on our journey. We are now investment ready and are in talks with a number of potential partners, with the potential for spin out.”

Anna Smith, programme manager, South Yorkshire Digital Innovation Grant scheme, said, “Diva Creative was one of the first companies in the region to benefit from the Digital Innovation Grant scheme and a terrific example that illustrates how businesses can embrace digital technology to stimulate economic growth and drive positive change.

“The work being developed by Diva is truly innovative and will not only help the company to expand but will also help to support the broader creative and cultural industries by creating a platform to showcase their work.”

Launched in 2000, Diva Creative specialises in producing thought-provoking, ethical campaigns, designed to bring about positive social change. The company works with organisations across the UK and counts the Department for Education, the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Children’s Commissioner amongst its client base.

The programme funds up to 50 per cent of projects with costs totalling £2,000-£10,000. It is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is delivered across South Yorkshire by Enterprising Barnsley, part of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

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