Interactive Ball Run and Pinball Exhibit Enhancements

Project Background and Design Goal

The Works Museum motivates users, specifically in grades K–5, to learn engineering through hands-on exhibits like the ball run and pinball. Our team has been dedicated to creating new, modular components to increase these exhibits’ engagement, durability, and safety. The goal of this project is to design and implement age-appropriate, modular components that will be integrated into the existing exhibits to increase engagement for users in grades K-5.

Design Constraints

• SAFETY: Must be safe for children grades K-5 to use.
• DURABILITY: Must not fracture or degrade under use.
• ENGAGEMENT: Must keep users interested longer than current exhibit.
• FIT: Must operate concurrently with The Works Museum setup.
• MAINTENANCE: Must be easily maintained by staff.
• BATTERY LIFE: Electronics must last at least one week of use before recharging.
• AGE RANGE: Must be simple yet engaging for users in grades K-5.

Design Outcomes

• Developed six independent, modular components
• Added fixed, interactive features to improve engagement, function, and overall exhibit experience.
• Produced designs that meet safety, durability, and age-appropriateness requirements.
• Delivered components that integrate into the existing system and support longer, more engaging use.

Download the project summary (PDF file).