π¨ Art Gallery Exhibit β UX Research in Action
π‘ Problem Space
How can we design an interactive exhibit that teaches complex STEM topics in an intuitive, playful, and accessible wayβwithout overwhelming visitors?
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Museum UXR & Maker Space Technician
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Sarnoff Museum & TCNJ Art Exhibit
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Physics Department, Biology Department, TCNJ Art Gallery, AIMM Faculty, TCNJ Maker Space, The Radio Corporation of America (RCA),
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Cara Giddens - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-giddens-2159a7136/
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I worked as a Maker Space Technician and UX Designer to transform a traditional gallery space into an interactive, research-driven exhibit. Our goal? Bring STEM concepts to life through immersive storytelling, user-centered design, and feedback-driven iteration.
This project merged art and science, combining AR (augmented reality), kinetic lighting, and touch-based interactions to guide visitors through molecular biology and the physics of color.
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Tested interactive elements like Lighting design, AR games, and joystick pedagogy. Designed and fabricated the exhibit to ensure curiosity and clarity with the use of digital fabrication (laser printings of acrylic flowers, etc.). Examined interactivity of the exhibit through tours by conducted surveys from the tour groups.
The UXR Process
The UXR Process
1. Discovery & Contextual Inquiry
Observed how visitors interacted with traditional gallery signage and static displays
Interviewed students and community members on their expectations for interactivity
Insight: Many visitors felt disengaged with static content and preferred hands-on learning.
2. Prototyping & Testing
Prototyped an AR-guided experience where visitors could interact with light installations based on real scientific data
Tested with small groups and collected qualitative feedback via in-person interviews and surveys
Tools Used:
Figma | Arduino | TouchDesigner | Google Forms | Direct observation
3. Iterative Design
Simplified instructions after users showed confusion with the joystick navigation
Refined lighting transitions to feel more immersive and responsive
Collaborated with Biology faculty to ensure scientific accuracy was maintained alongside usability
πΌοΈ Key Exhibits & UX Highlights
π Exhibit: The Light Lab
Led weekly design sprints with student researchers and faculty
Aligned physical exhibit limitations with UX constraints and ADA accessibility standards
Acted as a bridge between the art, science, and tech teams to maintain cohesion and user-centered goals
𧬠Exhibit: Molecular Musings
Visitor dwell time increased by 2.3x compared to previous static exhibits
Feedback loop informed future exhibit design at the Sarnoff Museum
Recognized as a model for interdisciplinary, research-informed gallery experiences
π§ Exhibit: Neural Pathways
Translating technical STEM concepts into intuitive design requires deep empathy and iteration
Balancing creative vision with user testing is essentialβwhatβs βcoolβ isnβt always usable
Collaboration across disciplines can unlock solutions you never imagined alone
Challenge: Communicate how colors and wavelengths affect perception
UX Solution: Visitors moved light beams to create unique chromatic patterns on screen
Outcome: 88% of surveyed visitors reported it increased their understanding of how light affects mood
Challenge: Explain DNA replication through physical space
UX Solution: Used haptic sensors and floor projections to guide participants through each stage
Outcome: Improved recall in post-visit questionnaires by 27%
Challenge: Visualize how the brain processes visual input
UX Solution: Visitors triggered neural simulations by interacting with color-coded tiles
Outcome: 70% of users stayed longer than at static exhibits; many expressed a desire to learn more afterward
π€ Collaboration & Leadership
π Impact
π What I Learned
Sarnoff Museum
Collaborated with Physicists and Art Directors to open the museum after two years of being closed! We prepared the experience of each exhibits mechanism: rotating display of industrial lightbulbs and a pushbutton mechanism for glowing electrons (demonstrating how TVs had color in the 60s)!