What Does It Take to Transform Museum Storytelling?

Sarah Edel Hayes • Oct 8, 2024

Discover how Thomas Fikken, Guide-ID’s Business Development Manager, is reshaping the visitor experience with the Podcatcher Pro – where innovative audio technology meets the art of storytelling.

You may already be familiar with Guide-ID’s Podcatcher Pro, but behind this innovative museum technology is a driving force – our Product Owner, Thomas Fikken. Thomas plays a pivotal role in ensuring that every detail of the Podcatcher Pro meets the needs of our clients, but his journey to Guide-ID is just as intriguing as the product itself.

Before diving into technology, Thomas’s career began in a different field. With a background in Business Administration, he developed a passion for improving existing companies, focusing on change management, efficiency, and effectiveness. It was this curiosity and desire for meaningful impact that led him to transition from a business analyst role to product management at Wehkamp, where he honed his skills in blending software with logistics. Yet, it was the search for a deeper purpose – something that could influence the world in a more direct way – that eventually led him to Guide-ID.

“At Guide-ID, we help create stories and experiences, and I play a key role in enhancing our product offerings. This is where I truly feel at home – understanding technology and how it can be applied in practical ways," Thomas explains. "My role merges both the hardware, like the Podcatcher Pro, and the software that drives it, creating something truly special for our clients."

As Business Development Manager, Thomas's daily work is a dynamic mix of innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving. One day might involve designing a completely new museum layout, while another could be focused on creating specialised solutions such as audio-guided tours for visually impaired visitors. “Working with developers to continuously improve our product is just part of it,” he says. “I also keep close contact with Customer Support and Sales to stay connected with client needs and make sure we’re always meeting and exceeding expectations.”

What makes Thomas an expert voice on the Podcatcher Pro? He’s been involved in the development of this cutting-edge audio guide from the ground up. From the very beginning, he worked alongside Guide-ID's founder, Frits Polman, and tech teams to shape the Podcatcher Pro into the world’s smartest audio guide, integrating client feedback and the latest advancements in technology.

The Podcatcher Pro itself is a sleek, intuitive audio guide system that transforms the museum experience for visitors. Unlike traditional audio guides, it’s designed with simplicity at the forefront – just scan a beacon connected to a point of interest and the story unfolds, tailored to the visitor’s language and preferences. Whether it’s immersive sound quality, automatic audio triggering, or the ability to connect to wireless earbuds, the Podcatcher Pro is built to deliver a distraction-free experience.

What sets it apart from previous models? Thomas shares, “We’ve focused on making the Podcatcher Pro more intuitive and inspiring, with features like automatic language selection, improved audio quality, and the ability to support group tours with a single device. These upgrades allow museums to engage visitors in new ways – whether it’s through individual or collective experiences."

Looking ahead, Thomas envisions even greater potential for the Podcatcher Pro, especially with the integration of AI and multi-layered audio capabilities. “By combining automatic triggering with interactive solutions, we’re on the brink of creating a next-level experience for museum-goers. Museums of all sizes, even those operated by volunteers, can benefit from the efficiency, ease, and innovation we offer.”

Museums like the Birmingham Museum Trust and Märkisches Museum Berlin are already leveraging the Podcatcher Pro to enhance their visitors’ experiences. From improving accessibility to creating dynamic, interactive tours, these institutions are using the system to bring their collections to life in ways never before possible. For Thomas, his role at Guide-ID goes beyond business development – it’s about making a meaningful impact in how museums share their stories. And with the Podcatcher Pro, both he and Guide-ID are helping to bring those stories to life for diverse audiences around the world.

To learn more about the Podcatcher Pro and how it can elevate your museum's storytelling, click here for an in-depth look and to connect with Thomas directly.