Dinosaur Explore

"Dinosaur Explore" explores embodied learning design in large public settings. In this project, I developed a design concept for a gamified learning experience where participants form teams to complete tasks and explore the mixed-reality dinosaur world. Developed using the physical version of the Design for Embodied Learning Experiences (D4E) Framework, the project demonstrates the potential of this framework and its tools for large-scale projects and teamwork.
"Dinosaur Gallery" from COSI
"Catching and Collecting in the Dinosaur Forest" from teamLab
"Dinosaur Explore" is inspired by two real-world exhibitions. The first is the "Dinosaur Gallery" from COSI, a science museum in Columbus, Ohio, which features life-size specimens and numerous fossils. The second is "Catching and Collecting in the Dinosaur Forest" an exhibit by the media design company teamLab, which offers a projected virtual environment where participants interact with digital dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals through a smartphone application. "Dinosaur Explore" aims to integrate both digital and virtual materials in exhibition design to enhance joint embodied learning.
Double Diamond Design Process
by UK Design Council
"Dinosaur Explore" is an application of the Design for ELEs framework, following the Double Diamond design process. This project has contributed to the further refinement of the framework. Having identified the main design challenge—creating learning experiences that utilize embodiment for high learning outcomes—this project focused on the Define and Develop stages. I defined the problem space and developed a design concept through the Solution Map and the System Diagram. Digital wireframe for the application idea was also prototyped using Figma. This project is currently in the concept stage.
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Read more about my design process and the project demonstration below!

Define Stage

Using the Design Space template, I scoped the four important elements for this project.

The learning experience will take place in a science museum, targeting kids and their families as learners. Family groups are the most common visitors to public informal learning settings, and this project aims to encourage joint learning for multiple participants, incorporating both collaborative and competitive play. For the learning objectives, I referred to an activity example from COSI's educator guidebook for the Dinosaur Gallery, focusing on dinosaur trackways. This activity, which serves as extra learning material for the Dinosaur Gallery, has the potential to be transformed into an onsite activity, guiding participants to explore and analyze dinosaur trackways to understand the behavior patterns of different dinosaurs.

Reflections on Problem Space

For large informal learning settings like museums, there are usually many exhibition stations with diverse learning goals. Designers can collaborate with educators and curators to organize the learning contents, understanding their structures and hierarchies, in order to develop a holistic plan for the learning environment design in large public setting. To simplify this part for this design practice, I focused solely on one learning objective (dinosaur trackways) initially.

Develop Stage

1. Solution Map

After defining the problem space, I began concept development through the Solution Map. Based on the learning objective – analyzing dinosaur trackways to predict their origins and the behaviors, I build two learning activities.

● The first activity, called "Whose Footprint," is designed around the concept that we can generally identify which dinosaur group made a track using clues such as the size and shape of the print. In this activity, learners will first gather information about the digital trackway projected on the floor. They will measure the print and document its shape and pattern using a smartphone application. Then, they will identify the owner of the digital trackway by comparing it to the physical dinosaur models in the museum.
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● The second activity, called "Speed of Dinosaur," involves learners first experiencing the actual speed of a dinosaur by following the moving trackways projected on the floor. A motion sensor on the phone will detect this speed and display it on the application. Learners will then calculate the dinosaur’s relative speed by measuring the trackways using the ruler tool in the application to gather data on footprint length, hip length, and stride length. Finally, they will use a formula to determine if the dinosaur was walking, trotting, or running.
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These two learning activities involve both physical and imagined embodiment. Since they are not single-time tasks, learners will repeat them to explore different kinds of trackways. Through these iterative tasks, learners will gradually develop an understanding of the learning concepts. To take advantage of embodied interactions in learning, these activities emphasize meaningful body movement. For example, to measure and document the features of the trackway, learners will use a ruler tool on the phone, functioning like a real tape measure. They will also use the phone as a sketchbook to draw the shape and patterns of the prints. Additionally, learners are encouraged to walk around, following the footprints and interacting with both digital projections and physical specimens in the exhibit.
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To enhance engagement and guide learners’ exploration of the dinosaur exhibit, the experience will be gamified. These learning activities will be delivered as tasks in the application, with rewards for completion. The design will support collaborative and competitive play for multiple participants, allowing visitors to form teams and assume different roles to complete tasks together. These elements will be further developed using the System Diagram.
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Reflections on Solution Map

● Overall, the physical version of the Solution Map template is easy to use. While it requires a large wall to display the templates, it is suitable for teamwork.
● The Solution Map is effective at relating meaningful behaviors and media design to the learning content. However, it does not provide opportunities for designers to consider social interactions between multiple participants. Future research can explore how to incorporate social interaction aspect into the Solution Map.

2. System Diagram

There are three main components of the media system: physical dinosaur models, digital projections, and a phone application. To visualize the media layout and user scenarios in large public settings, I used 2D and 3D materials for this "Dinosaur Explore" project. I also created a series of napkin sketches to illustrate the key functions of the application.
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● Function 1: Choose your role in the team
● Function 2: Accept tasks in your location
● Function 3: Select the task to start
● Function 4: Select the tool to do the task based on the instructions
● Function 5: See your reward collection

Reflections on System Diagram

● While sketches can suffice for less complex media systems (such as the Sun & Earth project for home use), 2D and 3D materials are useful for larger settings with more complex system layouts. Designers can quickly map out the system using these materials.
● For the next step, storyboarding, designers can leverage the physical system created using 2D and 3D materials from this step. They can act out the stories by manipulating different characters. This approach simplifies the storytelling process and provides an efficient way to consider the entire learning experience from the users’ perspective. (Storyboard is not developed in this project due to time limitation.)

3. Prototyping & Test

I developed the initial application prototype for Dinosaur Explore in Figma, incorporating five key functions. This prototype was then tested in person with five participants. Read about the test report.

‍General Feedback:
● Participants found the application intuitive and easy to navigate.
● The overall layout of the application was clear and logical.
● Participants enjoyed the gamified learning experience provided by the app.
● More task samples are needed to demonstrate the full potential and possibilities of the application.
● The UI design should be refined, with suggestions to use colors related to dinosaurs and earth, such as green and brown.
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