Using Movement to Captivate: Studio Play as a case study in creating immersive, meaningful experiences by removing the interface.

Paper
Jane Alexander, The Cleveland Museum of Art, USA, Theodore Watson, Design IO LLC, USA

Museums can employ innovative, active technology to develop barrier-free access to museum collections. The Cleveland Museum of Art presents the new Studio Play interactive space as a case study for developing visitor-centered, visually-focused engagement. The new Studio Play is a manifestation of human-centered design, focusing on ways that screens can become irrelevant as users employ technology to further their creativity and curiosity.

The CMA team, working with Design I/O, considered the intricacies of designing interactives that feel relevant for a broad range of audiences, from school age children, to teens, to adults. By focusing on technology as a platform rather than technology for technology’s sake, we have attempted to move past the screen-time debate into kinesthetic and action-based experiences. CMA and Design I/O designed a suite of experiences that allowed visitors to connect with the artwork in the museum, and to the creative process of making art. By adding sensor technology, and limiting a touch-screen interface, Studio Play creates an immersive experience for visitors.

Studio Play was designed to be barrier free; the transition between observation and interaction is seamless and effortless. The touch-screen interfaces that may limit access for nonreaders or frustrate non-tech-savvy visitors are gone. Instead, the technology is exquisitely responsive to user movement and is accessible for all.

Bibliography:
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