Alt Design Office Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Hiroyuki Nobuto), a creative consultancy specializing in solving regional challenges through the fusion of art and technology, has entered a partnership with “Michi-no-Eki Kohan no Sato Fukutomi” (Address: 1506 Kubo, Fukutomi-cho, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture; Designated Administrator: Higashihiroshima City Regional Development Foundation) to launch a DX support project aimed at revitalizing the local community and enhancing the quality of tourism experiences.
The project, designed as a three-year plan, leverages proprietary AI systems and machine learning-based analytical technologies. It includes enhanced information dissemination, optimization of visitor movement flows, and the development of interactive content design. In its first phase, the team will extract on-site challenges through behavioral observation of facility users and redesign the value of the overall experience.
Notably, the project incorporates communication-driven design strategies, including dynamic signage that changes based on visitor interest, user-participatory surveys, and behavior-based improvement algorithms. The goal is not mere digitalization but a reconstruction of local experiences that draw out the charm of regional resources.
Future phases will roll out immersive experiences using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), pilot installations of experimental playground equipment, and the launch of an e-commerce (EC) platform that promotes local specialties.
[Background of the Partnership]
Located at 1506 Kubo, Fukutomi-cho, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, “Michi-no-Eki Kohan no Sato Fukutomi” is a tourism and community facility managed by the Higashihiroshima City Regional Development Foundation. Surrounded by abundant nature, the facility includes a farmer’s market, dining spaces, and a large-scale playground, making it a well-loved hub for interaction between local residents and tourists.
In recent years, digitalization of information acquisition and evolving tourism needs have brought new challenges such as experience design and spatial flow improvements. In response, Alt Design Office, which has a strong track record in DX support for public and private sectors in Japan and abroad, has partnered to restructure the facility’s branding and optimize its communication design.
This project leverages both academic and practical insights gained by Alt Design Office through collaboration with government agencies, universities, local governments, and corporations. In collaboration with the Center for Urban Resilience and Disaster Prevention at Osaka Metropolitan University, the team will also implement visitor behavior data analysis, multilingual strategies, and personalized AI-driven visitor experiences, contributing to a model for the next-generation “Michi-no-Eki.”
Going forward, the project aims to share progress and outcomes with stakeholders including local governments and tourism facility operators within and beyond Hiroshima Prefecture, with an eye toward becoming a national model case.
[Company Profile]
Company: Alt Design Office Co., Ltd.
CEO: Hiroyuki Nobuto
Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo (Bangkok office in Thailand)
Business Areas: DX consulting, brand strategy, AI integration, exhibition design, business tour coordination
URL: https://alt-design.tech/lp/
[Facility Overview]
Facility Name: Michi-no-Eki Kohan no Sato Fukutomi
Address: 1506 Kubo, Fukutomi-cho, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Designated Administrator: Higashihiroshima City Regional Development Foundation
Overview: A tourism and interaction facility featuring a farmer’s market, restaurant, and large playground, surrounded by natural beauty. Widely loved as a regional hub for both locals and visitors.
URL: https://kohannosato.co.jp/
[For Inquiries]
Alt Design Office Co., Ltd.
contact@alt-design.tech