Design a Panda Habitat

Smithsonian's National Zoo, 2003

The Design a Panda Habitat activity is the first interactive visitors encounter on the Conservation Central website (see below). We intended that the initial activity on the site should be highly interactive and creativity-centered. We designed the activity in particular to support family learning by encouraging parent/child collaboration. Try it yourself, ideally with a child, and note the conversations you have -- we design with these conversations in mind.

Conservation Central

Smithsonian's National Zoo, 2003

Our goal in developing Conservation Central was to develop the industry's leading Website broadening the visitor's focus from individual animals to the critical habitats that support biodiversity. We developed an integrated mix of learning activities, including activities to support family learning, and also to connect with middle school science and social studies standards. Named "Best Museum Website" at Museums and the Web 2004, and recipient of AAM's MUSE Award.

Art Inside Out: Storytelling Kiosk

Chilren's Museum of Manhattan, 2002

The Art Inside Out exhibit developed by CMOM introduces families to the creative process focusing on three contemporary artists. Storytelling Kiosk is installed in the section focusing on the work of Fred Wilson, artist and MacArthur Fellow. Drawing inpiration from Wilson's work, visitors arrange objects to create their own exhibit and record and share their artist's statement. The Art Inside Out exhibit was sited in New York Times as among "Best of 2002."

Family Learning Resources

Smithsonian's National Zoo, 2003

One of our primary interests is: how do we encourage families to extend their learning beyond the computer? High-tech isn't always the best answer. Judges at the "Museums and the Web" conference (where we won "Best Museum Website") appreciated our balance including low-tech printouts for parents, focusing on real-world activities such as nature drawing and visiting your local zoo.

Drive-a-Boat Harbor Exploration

The Children's Museum, Boston, 1996

Museum visitors are able to "drive" six different boats through the Boston Harbor by moving a real boat throttle in the exhibit. This state of the art interactive video installation is installed in a twenty foot long lobster boat created for the exhibit. A separate computer monitor shows the boat's changing location and speed on a map, while a subwoofer speaker produces a rumbling boat sound that responds to the boat's speed. Winner of Massachusetts Interactive Media Council (MIMC) Award, 1996, Best Kiosk.

The Greater Boston Treasure Hunt

The Children's Museum, Boston,1990

The object of this early (1990) interactive video program is to search for objects unique to Boston's diverse neighborhoods. Along the way, visitors are able to "drive" out to neighborhoods from the Museum, browse through shelves in shops, and meet the stores' shopkeepers. Nominated for
Computerworld/Smithsonian Award by former Apple CEO John Sculley.

Playspace: Storytelling Kiosk

The Children's Museum, Boston, 2000

Visitors can record their stories and create videos related to the exhibit topic -- including their own family experiences, cultural traditions, or daily natural science observations in the exhibit. A central goal is to encourage family learning, in which visitors talk with each other, compare stories, and remember similar experiences. Especially popular: "Sing a song with your child..." more info...