NODEM 2014 Proceedings

Service Design for a Unique Experience at Ajanta Caves, India
On reaching Ajanta, depending upon the services that the visitor has opted for, they could proceed towards
the caves with a hands-free device (wristband+ headset), a video interactive device or nothing at all.
Figure 4. Visitors with interactive devices
Source: Author
The Bus-ride is used in a subtle way to give out primary information about the Caves that lie ahead. It tells
about the Major sights, the facilities available to the visitors, helps in navigation and tells them how to create
their “I-was-here” marks and leave behind a Emo-Trail.
On reaching the Caves, the users could disperse and trek till the caves and experience the place. The Light and
Sound show is interactive and the amount of energy used is generated by the very footfall of the users at this
site. Special shows and narratives could be held here from time to time. Also the concept of an Ajanta Festival
could be brought in.
Once the visitors go back, they can refer to a log account of their visit on the Ajanta website. They could also
answer queries of travellers to Ajanta and share their “I was here” marks across different platforms.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my project guide, Dr. Pramod Khambete for his generous inputs; IDC, IIT Bombay for the
opportunity to work on a project like this. Ar Abha Narain Lambah for introducing me to the beauty of Ajanta
Caves and Mr. Deepak Bhavaskar for allowing me a sneak-peek into the Ajanta Visitors Centre which was then
under construction.
References
UNESCO Archives- Periodic Reports
http://www.peterjwild.org/papers/Del%20I15.5.pdf
http://www.myindieye.com
http://www.place-hampi.museum
http://www.mysorepalace.gov.in/360_Eng/
NODEM 2014 Conference & Expo
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