The Power of Water Redesign.
Client: The Aquatarium, Brockville, Ontario, CA
The Aquatarium is a non-profit science and interactive education museum in Brockville, Ontario. The project involved observing the user experience in the designated space 'Power of Water' and generating design recommendations to enhance it. The primary goal of the project was to improve the user experience and make the information conveyed to the users more effective. The project was carried out by myself and my classmate Varun, as a UX researcher, my major tasks included the preparation of a data collection template, observational research, competitive scan, data/information collection, analysis, and generating design solutions/recommendations.
Project Details.
Project Facts.
Project Duration: 4 Months
Client: The Aquatarium, Brockville, ON
Project type: Group Project
Responsibilities.
Observational Research
Quantitative & Qualitative Data Analysis
Competitive Scan
Recommendations For Redesign
Presentation
About the Power of Water.
The Power of Water exhibit at the Aquatarium is a captivating exploration of the profound impact of water on the St. Lawrence River and Seaway, highlighting the narrative of lost villages and floods. This UX design case study delves into the challenges faced by the exhibit in effectively communicating its story and proposes innovative solutions to enhance visitor engagement and understanding.
Story of Lost Villages.
The St. Lawrence River and Seaway hold a rich history shaped by the relentless power of water. Through centuries, this vital waterway has witnessed the rise and fall of villages, the construction of hydroelectric plants, and the transformation of landscapes. The Power of Water exhibit aims to unravel this compelling narrative, showcasing the ecological, historical, and economic significance of water in our lives.
Research Methodologies.
As a researcher investigating the Power of Water exhibit at the Aquatarium, I employed a comprehensive approach to understand visitor engagement and exhibit effectiveness. Observational research was instrumental in gaining direct insights into visitor behavior and interactions within the exhibit space. By observing how visitors engaged with the narrative of lost villages and floods, I gathered qualitative & quantitative data on their levels of interest, areas of confusion, and emotional responses. This method allowed me to capture real-time feedback and identify specific challenges faced by visitors in comprehending the exhibit’s thematic content.
Additionally, I conducted a rigorous competitive analysis to benchmark our exhibit against similar attractions. This analysis provided valuable insights into industry trends and best practices in narrative delivery and emotional storytelling, helping me identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
Observational Research.
During the observational research conducted for the Power of Water exhibit at the Aquatarium, a structured template was employed to systematically capture and analyze visitor behavior. This template served as a valuable tool in guiding observations and ensuring consistency in data collection. The template included predefined categories such as visitor engagement, narrative comprehension, navigation patterns, and emotional responses. Throughout each observation session, detailed notes were recorded with timestamps to document specific behaviors and interactions observed among visitors. Visitor demographics were also noted to provide context and understand how different visitor segments interacted with the exhibit.
After each session, key findings and insights were summarized using the template. This systematic approach facilitated data analysis and informed the development of actionable recommendations to enhance the exhibit’s impact and visitor experience.
The use of this structured observational research template was instrumental in capturing meaningful insights into visitor behaviors and experiences within the Power of Water exhibit, supporting evidence-based decision-making for exhibit enhancement.
The observational research revealed several issues with the exhibit. Users struggled to understand the exhibit’s layout, the information was not presented clearly and concisely, the lighting and aesthetics of the space, and miscommunication of information. Users also faced difficulties in navigating the exhibit and were confused about where to start. The data collection process also helped us identify the pain points and areas that required improvement.
Competitive Scan.
Kidspark,
Ontario Science Centre.
- Offers a safe and engaging water play area with attractions like splash pads, water tables, and science demonstrations.
- Focuses on safety with regular checks, maintenance, and lifeguard supervision.
- Provides interactive exhibits and information panels to educate visitors about water
Water at Work,
Children’s Museum.
- Features unique water attractions including waterfalls, dams, and pumps for interactive play.
- Ensures safety through monitoring, maintenance, and adherence to safety guidelines.
- Offers interactive displays and signage to educate children about water behavior.
Splash, Children’s Museum of South Dakota.
- Provides an interactive and visually appealing water play area with fountains, climbing walls, and ball blowers.
- Emphasizes safety with lifeguard supervision, regular maintenance, and clear instructions.
- Incorporates fun elements like splashing water to enhance engagement.
Water exhibit - Kids Quest Museum.
- Features a variety of water vessels and exhibits for scooping, pouring, and tracking water motion.
- Lacks visual aesthetics and clear signage, leading to user confusion.
- Could benefit from improved storytelling and educational elements.
Water works - Kohl Children’s Museum.
- Offers diverse water activities like launching balls and building boats.
- Features vibrant visual aesthetics but lacks general information signage.
- Needs to enhance safety measures and educational communication.
Wonders of Water - Port Discovery Museum
- Allows children to explore water properties through stream tables and ship-building activities.
- Focuses on visual appeal but requires clearer information delivery.
- Could improve engagement through enhanced signage and activity simplification.
As researchers conducting a competitive scan for the Power of Water exhibit at the Aquatarium, we aimed to understand the competitive landscape within this specific segment of the aquarium. This scan focused on identifying key players in water play areas for children, gathering information on their exhibits, activities, and educational resources.
Our final framework categorized competitors based on major attractions, safety and security measures, available play tools (such as pulleys and toys), visual aesthetics, information delivery methods, and user reviews. By conducting this scan, we gained valuable insights into competitors’ strategies, engagement tactics, color themes, communication approaches, and user feedback related to their spaces.
Key Takeaways.
Design Recommendations.
Showcase of Design Recommendations.
