blug

1. The entrance with the 3 big vertical projection screens and the 3 evolution models of the human seemed interesting but posed a few problems. First of all the screens were sort of a waste and not fully taken advantage of and also, when one was behind them playing with the interactive screens he could not see the 3 models that actually would have been important to understand the material. It would be nice if something happened on the rear of the white screens as people navigate the interactive part. All of the interactivity should get out of the screen and interact with the actual environment and animate the parts or remains of the humans exhibited.

2. The Tree of Life interactive mapping is extremely confusing, I think that overall the problem is the amount of information that AMNH is attempting to deliver might be overwhelming and not intended for a general audience. i thought that again if it evaded the screen it would maybe be more interesting and the interface should definitely be semplified.

3. I thought that the little rear projection in the "ancient environments reading the past" display was extrememly successful and offered something new and interesting. I think more animation inside their displays would really make the information come alive.

4. Where there was glass on the floor and the different foot track of humans, i thought it would be fantastic if it could interact by making some subdle sounds or by displaying which human left what prints in order to really relate the material displayed with the lesson it tries to teach.

5. On the rocks displayed, probably the only somewhat boring material, i think where it talks about the drawings and carving techniques, it would be great if it showed a projection of the drawing on the actual rock or if (i know this one is over the top) people could draw their on through some tracking device. I think at that point, by reacreating the act, people would relate to it and actually want to read some of the material.

6. One big rear projection screen hangs in the middle of the second room. Not interesting, unless there was a way to introduce your own face into it.
This show is about OUR origins and therefore i think we being the last evolution so far of the species, we should be able to include ourserlves.

7. The interactive Migrations piece: when we touch the plastic country shapes (great button shape) there is no direct interaction. The button needs to do something, even just being pushed. The response on screen is not fast enough. I want to see a little man move from country to country, giving more info on the migration process. Like season and what type of human it was.

8. The problem with the display cases: There is too much information in the cases and i do understand there could be even more. I think it's too reading intensive and i dont want to read all that stuff. Not compelling display. I think the tools need to be contextualized and need to be able to tell their stories not with text. Not sure how yet.

9. The circular displays that you can touch: great textures. I think that you should receive feedback for touching the material or simply enough it could light up. It would be a great idea to spin the "wheel" and watch on the charted outiside ring the methamorphosis happening and some information about the transition. The inside material acts as a pointer/point of reference and this display could include some missing info.

1o. The speaker problem i think can be fixed by directional speakers. like the dome ones. while i would add some iconic sounds in a subdle way, like banging rocks, making tools, what they might have sounded like, animals that lived in that era.

11. The heads display. I personally didnt have a problem with it. People seemed to love that display and watch the video of the making which was very informative and not brain intensive. Maybe a small animation in the background of the case could implement it. Some visual clues of the transformation.

12. About the 5 eras of monkeys mural: something needs to happen when i touch the little reproductions. Maybe a sound, so 5 different sounds will make the thing come to life. The glass tags on the side could illuminate each era differently to also give a visual clue.

13. Round ceiling dome, could be used for audio or projection. Wasted space.

The shop was absolutely a wonderful environmet with a great vibe:

It was an amazing experience and an incredible excercise. Would love to do that again.
Unfortunately, i don't believe in evolution all that much.