Eco-friendly personality. /Courtesy Experience Grand Rapids
Go ahead, give it try! Twist. List. Go! GRCityTwist.com
Watch this helpful GRCityTwist.com Introductory Video
Art Enthusiast personality. /Courtesy Experience Grand Rapids
Craft Beer Lover personality. /Courtesy Experience Grand Rapids
As the coalition partners work together to create the GoSite information sharing space on Monroe Center near Rosa Parks Circle, much of the design considerations are focused on bringing existing content together in one welcoming, central location.
The innovative GRCityTwist mobile friendly website is an important new addition to the available options, encouraging users to discover things to see and do based on their personality and interests. While it is currently available to access online, it will also be a fun addition to the GoSite space, where visiting groups can “twist” together to decide their plans.
Launched in December by Experience Grand Rapids, the website targets 18 different interests, from "art lovers" to "thrill seekers," allowing people to customize their own afternoon out and about, or plan a weekend stay in the city. For example, craft beer enthusiasts can find breweries to explore, activities and nightlife related to craft beer, and unique accommodations to stay nearby.
"Compared to 2012, we saw an increase of 70% in new visitors to our ExperienceGR mobile site, which means more visitors are using smart phones and tablets to research the destination," says Experience Grand Rapids President Doug Small. "With the creation of GRCityTwist.com we are providing the visitor with a 24/7 concierge tool, right at their fingertips offering personalized suggestions in a digital format."
The website is useful to locals as well as visitors from outside the area, with links to multiple events, activities, places and more. It offers a comprehensive yet fun way to find things in favorite categories or take a chance on happening across something new, encouraging the community to get out and explore: other neighborhoods, different restaurants or a new bike trail for example.
And feedback is important in making GRCityTwist.com the best it can be. If there’s something that community members feel should be included in the options, there’s a "what's missing" link at the bottom of web page. This takes the user to a form that can be completed to help generate new content.
The website sorts up to 15 random responses each time, but if more suggestions are desired, users can spin again for additional options. When interesting suggestions are found, users click a button and add them to a personalized list. The website also provides directions to where they need to go and direct links for more details about the suggestions.
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