Well-designed experiences have the power to shift perspectives, start conversations, and open minds. Why not use them to highlight the topics that matter most?
15 years ago, Enigma helped to build an interactive climate change exhibit at London’s Science Museum. Unfortunately the issues it featured are more relevant now than ever before so we're looking back at how the 2008 ‘Science of Survival’ exhibit brought climate science into the physical (and digital) space, breaking crucial ideas and initiatives down into tangible, memorable experiences.
"I want to inspire people to want to know more, because we can solve the problem if everyone gets involved," Ewan Murray from the Carbon Trust told Reuters when the exhibit was launched. His voice was used to narrate part of the exhibit, and his words still ring true today.
Here’s how we helped make climate science accessible at the Science of Survival exhibit:
'Choosing the World You Want in 2050'
Rather than telling people what to think, Science of Survival presented them with questions through interactive activities - and let them make choices for themselves.
From a design and production standpoint, Enigma helped to create areas with six distinct themes: water, food, entertainment, transport, home, and family. By visiting each section, visitors got a hands-on look at how their choices and actions may impact the health of our planet in the year 2050.
Through 8sqm of print and 18 interactive graphics in 223sqm of museum space, visitors of all ages could envision their own sustainable future. We asked the questions; Have you ever designed your own superfood? How about creating your own eco car? People did just that, and saw their creations come alive in their very own versions of ‘Future City.’
Virtual guides also helped bring the science to life. Animated characters Dug, Tek, Buz and Eco (from the year 2050) explained cutting-edge innovations like the now widely used Toilet-lid Sink, and the Q-drum, a portable container for transporting water in drier countries. Introducing these out-of-the-box ideas through the characters added colour, humour and engagement to an already family-friendly space.
"The whole thing has a kind of do-it-yourself feel," said Melissa Prince, one of the curators of the exhibition. "Families should come away without a feeling of right or wrong, but instead with ideas of ways science and technology can help us in the future."
RELATED: Decarbonisation at ADIPEC 2023
Experiential Design Beyond Four Walls
After its run at the Science Museum in London, the 'Science of Survival' exhibition was deconstructed and rebuilt using local country support, in locations including Paris, Tokyo and London on a five year museum tour. We’re proud to have helped create an experience that went on to resonate with visitors around the globe.
As the climate challenge persists, the way we live our lives continues to have an impact. Enigma, as the creators of experiential activations, attraction designers, and peer to peer marketing professionals, we continue to grasp the opportunity to successfully engage visitors, inspire curiosity, and prompt action. We also consider and encourage sustainable choices every day.
Enigma just attended MWC 2024, where the GMSA claimed that carbon emissions of mobile network operators fell 6% between 2019-2022, despite rising connectivity demands. This is linked to energy efficiency improvements in networks, data centres and offices, electrified fleets and generators, and a 19% rise in renewable energy sources since 2019. Read about how important events like MWC are to underpinning the way we live and work here.
For over 30 years Enigma has been putting Brands in Focus. You can take a closer look at our experiential marketing principles here, contact us here, or follow the link below for stats on the effectiveness of in-person events.
