Destination guides are ideal apps for Android and Apple phones, putting local information literally at travellers' fingertips. Whether you're dropping in for a day or staying a fortnight, local guides can help you get much more from your visit.
We discovered 'Virtual Swanage' (also referred to as Swanage Mobile Guide) by searching the Android marketplace from a phone, using the term 'Dorset'. There's not a lot of competition for localised apps in this part of England.
The free app is produced by Brian Dorey, owner of Apexweb web design agency, which is, unsurprisingly, based in Swanage. That it's built by a designer is obvious - the interface is clear and clean, with gorgeous photos of the Dorset resort.
The most effective guides anticipate visitors' questions. Where can we park and how much will it cost? Which restaurants offer the best value for money? Are there any local events we shouldn't miss?
Virtual Swanage provides easy navigation for users seeking answers. Unfortunately, clicking on the icons soon demonstrates the limitations of this app. It's not really an app at all, more a series of links to the main Virtual Swanage website.
Not that there's necessarily anything wrong with this approach if it gives the user the information they want. Our first question was about parking costs, which the 'News' section told us had recently been updated. Even more usefully, the web page it took us to indicated that parking prices were correct as at 9th Jan 2011. So the £2 all day fee for parking on a weekday at Durleston Country Park seemed a reliable guide.
Unfortunately, on arrival we had to pay £4 for 4 hours parking, and more if we'd wanted to stay longer. It was no surprise that prices had increased at the start of the holiday season, but a guide needs to be up-to-date if it's to be trusted.
The other information linked to via the guide, such as where to stay, to eat, and local events, is really just a directory. There don't appear to be any recommendations or indications of venues offering best value. We wanted to know the best place for ice cream, but the guide didn't help with our decision making.
Despite its shortcomings, Virtual Swanage is a good indicator of what's possible in the new world of mobile applications. It promises more than it provides, but by pulling together local information for visitors into one place, it's a useful resource. We rated it 3 out of 5.
We look forward to seeing more Dorset businesses producing apps for Android and Apple phones. If your firm has one and you'd like us to review it, please get in touch.
