Ology
Making screen time productive in museums for children
my work
UX research, UI/UX design, visual design
TIMELINE
15 weeks
TOOLS
OVERVIEW
I designed a mobile app that helps kids with short attention spans interact with museums. With it, they pursue a scavenger hunt while still taking away new information from (but not limited to!) exhibits.
BACKGROUND
"Excessive screen media usage in children can have both positive and negative impacts on their development… [but] …screens have the potential to enhance education and learning."
Sudheer Kumar Muppalla et al.
While excessive reliance on screens raises concerns about harm to cognitive growth, screens can also serve as tools for learning when used thoughtfully. Striking a balance is key: leveraging the educational potential of screen media while mitigating its risks to support healthy development.
How and when do kids decide to learn?
I wanted to understand what motivates kids to engage with museums and learn, particularly those who often struggle to stay focused during visits. I completed:
Competitive analysis and secondary research
Expert interviews with an Exhibit Content Developer at the Boston Museum of Science and a designer at RLMG, a studio specializing in interactive installations for public spaces
User interviews with kids, parents, and teachers
My research boiled down into three key findings:
1
Engagement requires more than just interaction; kids need to see a personal connection
2
Guidance enhances learning. Structured activities can discourage superficial engagement
3
Exhibits often miss the mark as children see them as entertainment rather than educational
…which I synthesized into two key requirements:
1
Guide children through exhibits while ensuring they engage meaningfully with the content.
2
Help navigate the museum without feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from the learning experience.
The solution
A mobile scavenger hunt for young scientists interacting with the Boston Museum of Science, equipped with personalizations, gamification, and integration between teachers and students.
WORKFLOW 1
Completing a scavenger hunt
Complete scavenger hunts curated by the Boston Museum of Science
WORKFLOW 2
Creating a scavenger hunt
Create your own scavenger hunt and share it with the Ology community, or send it to your friends
WORKFLOW 3
Joining a community a scavenger hunt
Join public scavenger hunts to engage with a larger educational community
NEXT UP
SF Rec & Parks
