And do they match up with the mission of the museum? I used to manage many of the technology exhibits at Pacific Science Center in Seattle, and I think the first thing to ask is what are you trying to teach to 3-8 year olds? Is your focus on teaching the wonder of technology or is it using technology to teach something else? Robots, logic games, enhanced reality... whatever it is, are you showing the tech or teaching a concept?
As for exhibit design, stability, and usability these are all tried and true in other museums through out the country. Hap controls makes great switches, track balls are more stable than touch screens, and assume the children will taste your entire exhibit, even the parts that don't move.
Basically, encase all your computer works in hand built cases, embed trackballs into cabinetry, and solder in external switches. Some of the best exhibits, especially for young kids don't necessarily need to be hands on. They could be things where computers, video cameras, create an imaginary physical environment the children can play in. A virtual video studio where they can act out a play and then watch themselves is very experiential and gets to use technology they might not have a chance to play with on a large scale.
So, think creatively about what you're trying to showcase and teach, then the design comes after.
Slashdot Mirror
And do they match up with the mission of the museum? I used to manage many of the technology exhibits at Pacific Science Center in Seattle, and I think the first thing to ask is what are you trying to teach to 3-8 year olds? Is your focus on teaching the wonder of technology or is it using technology to teach something else? Robots, logic games, enhanced reality... whatever it is, are you showing the tech or teaching a concept?
As for exhibit design, stability, and usability these are all tried and true in other museums through out the country. Hap controls makes great switches, track balls are more stable than touch screens, and assume the children will taste your entire exhibit, even the parts that don't move.
Basically, encase all your computer works in hand built cases, embed trackballs into cabinetry, and solder in external switches. Some of the best exhibits, especially for young kids don't necessarily need to be hands on. They could be things where computers, video cameras, create an imaginary physical environment the children can play in. A virtual video studio where they can act out a play and then watch themselves is very experiential and gets to use technology they might not have a chance to play with on a large scale.
So, think creatively about what you're trying to showcase and teach, then the design comes after.