An interactive adventure in STEM
Interpretation and exhibit development to make science fun and inclusive.
HKD were appointed to work with the in-house team at Winchester Science Centre (WSC) to create “the most inclusive science centre in the UK”. The resulting transformation resulted in Sound, Hearing and Vibration, an interactive adventure in STEM.
Ben Ward Chief Executive WSC said “the initial concept designs presented by HKD delivered on ‘wow’ and pushed the boundaries of the project in a really exciting and unexpected way.“
To ensure the design stayed true to the Science Centre’s guiding principle – no decision about me, without me – the concepts were stress-tested for accessibility and fun via two consultation panels: an Accessibility Advisory Panel, and a Young Persons’ Steering Group, children aged 8 –12 representing the Science Centre’s primary user.
Our reorganisation of the centre looked at every aspect of the visitor journey to ensure people felt included, confident and open to learning and having fun.
Featured exhibit:
Save Humphrey!
Save Humphrey! is a five-part activity built around a pre-existing large working periscope. Visitors are challenged to reunite Humphrey the Humpback whale and his mother who have been separated from the rest of their family. Activities included looking at how sound travels underwater, the dangers of noise pollution, and how aquatic animals use sound to communicate.
This exhibit is linked to a family activity sheet that, when completed, can be taken to the shop for a small reward.
Each of the activities were designed for two or more people as a means to encourage collaboration when problem-solving and group participation in accessible activities throughout the gallery.
