Varkaus: UX as the embodiment of a whole region

The City of Varkaus has ambitious strategy and growth targets. The city’s aim is to become an important economic center in its region. International companies such as Stora Enso, Sumitomo and Andritz operate in Varkaus, and connections to the outside world via water, land and air are good. The challenge Varkaus faces is one common to many smaller cities right now: how to boost growth when people tend to move to larger urban areas and capital cities? One initiative to make the city more attractive to both locals and travelers is a center for innovation, experiences, and business.

We worked with the clients to design a physical experience for the center that serves local needs, attracts investors and has a sustainable business model. The concept needed to create excitement locally but also help to start building a business ecosystem and, later on, work as a pragmatic design brief for the architect and builders. What the City of Varkaus didn’t want was a new shopping mall.

Finding something new was our task.

The concept we co-created with entrepreneurs, the third sector, artists, citizens, and travelers utilizes the region’s strengths and is based on the real needs of its businesses and people. The core is a modular science center, event venue, and food production & restaurant court. The key idea is to promote learning through seeing, experiencing, creating and playing. The experience combines the physical with the digital and depending on the visitor profile, unfolds in different ways. Shopping opportunities for the visitor are embedded in the main functions.

To inspire dialogue and challenge our own thinking as well as that of others, we performed a broad scan of trends covering a variety of themes such as food, travel, play and digital. Futures foresight was utilized to ensure the concept is fresh and relevant not only today but for the coming years as well.

The business and operating model for the center is low-risk and financially feasible. Its close connection to the local market means the center will have a beneficial impact on the local economy through exhibitions, events, tourism, and food production. The science center will encourage the youth in the area to consider careers in science and engineering.

The core team consisted of 12 members. In addition to consultants from Futurice, the team included food expertise from Papua Suklaa and science center expertise from Heureka Overseas Production and much more.

The project created the desired buzz and excitement within its first three months. Feedback from both local people and the media was extremely positive. Work by the core team continues. The city has secured the interest of an investor, and there are ongoing discussions with local entrepreneurs to base businesses at the center.

The concept has roots in the traditions, strengths and history of the City of Varkaus, but it also looks into the future and far beyond the borders of the city or province. The Varkaus Experience Center is for all of us.