Hello, this isKototsuki Design.
In this post, I’d like to share a case study of the “tourism information website” we created for a certain temple, a project I participated in as part of the team through an agency.
For this project, we handled everything from design and coding to the implementation of a static website designed with post-launch maintainability in mind.
A key feature of this project is that the website is integrated with the “tourism brochures” distributed on-site.
We also made a point of ensuring we could consistently support the project—from experience design to implementation—even in cases where the agency or client was unable to finalize every detail of the design.
Complementing the brochure’s information and enhancing the experience
Tourism brochures are a highly reliable medium that remain in the hands of people who have actually visited the location or picked one up at a tourist information center.
However, the size of the printed page is limited, and there are constraints when it comes to conveying information that involves the “passage of time,” such as video and audio.
In designing this website, we focused on how to effectively utilize web-specific elements—such as video—while maintaining compatibility with the brochure.
“Learn about a place from the brochure, then fall in love with it on the website. That’s the kind of seamless handoff we wanted to create.”
If the brochure serves as the “trigger,” then the website is the place that provides the deeper sense of satisfaction that follows.
By clearly defining these respective roles, we aimed to create a smooth flow that leads from print to digital, and ultimately to a return visit to the destination.
Visual Organization to Put Video in the Spotlight
When structuring the design, my primary focus was on “subtracting information.”
The YouTube videos—carefully curated by the temple over many years—possess an overwhelming dynamic energy that photos and text alone cannot fully convey.
I deliberately excluded decorative graphics and complex animations, opting instead for simple animations and generous white space. This white space is not merely empty space; it serves as a “background” to highlight the serene atmosphere of the location conveyed by the video, and as a “path” to naturally guide the viewer’s gaze toward the landscape—the true star of the show.
When asked, “Why is this space necessary here?” we derive the rationale by working backward from the atmosphere of the location itself.
This is the design philosophy thatKototsuki Designholds dear.
Built as a static site designed for use while traveling
In terms of implementation, we chose to build it as a static site that does not rely on a system.
There is a clear reason for this, derived from actual usage scenarios.
Tourists often check information on their smartphones while holding a brochure in one hand.
Even while on the move or in areas with unstable signal reception, users should be able to quickly and effortlessly access the information they need without any stress.
“Pages load instantly while traveling. That simple fact is, in itself, the ultimate form of hospitality.”
The fast response times and light load characteristic of a static site are not merely a technical choice, but a consideration born from our pursuit of convenience for travelers.
Summary: Connecting Media and Accurately Conveying Appeal
Through this project, we reaffirmed the importance of deeply understanding the unique roles of each medium and connecting them through technology.
From the tactile experience of a brochure to the dynamic experience of the web—and finally, to the tangible action of actually visiting the temple. Within this sequence, we provide a “reason” backed by logical justification through design and implementation.
Accurately translating the inherent charm of that place into the medium of the web. We hope that this “meaningful creation” will help foster new encounters with visitors.
- I want to create a website that works in tandem with brochures and other print materials
- Are you struggling with how to showcase the appeal of tourism or your region on the web?
In such cases, we may be able to provide comprehensive support from design through implementation. Please feel free to reach out, even for a brief consultation.
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