Robot Park

A science exhibit that teaches visitors how to program by controlling a robot.

ROLE: Researcher, designer and builder.

CHALLENGE: To create a more effective interface for the exhibit. Worked with museum staff and creator of the exhibit, Michael Horn.

PROCESS: I spent two sessions observed visitors interacting with Robot Park, noting where they got stuck using the exhibit.

For example, almost all visitors ran into problems with commands like "Repeat" which required adding a separate number piece under the rest of the commands.

SOLUTION: Among the changes I made to the exhibit was to modify the interface object from flat puzzle-like pieces to interconnecting blocks.

Compared to the original design, blocks were more inviting for the visitors to use - encouraging them approach and explore the exhibit.

IMPLEMENTATION: I built a fully working prototype of the new physical interface, creating interconnected and rotating wooden blocks.