Joetsu Science Museum Element Shooter

Located in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, the Joetsu Science Museum is an interactive science museum based on the concept of "seeing, touching, and verifying for enjoyment" for both children and adults.
Last December, we installed a new item, the "Element Shooter," in the Living, Environment, and Energy Zone.
This displays allows you to "learn chemistry while playing" by aiming and shooting (selecting) elements from the periodic table displayed on a monitor, unraveling the world of elements and compounds. You can choose from two types of content: "Let's Learn About Elements! (Individual Element Search Mode)" and "Let's Create Compounds! (Quiz-Style Battle Mode)".
We handled everything from planning to production in a short period of about six months.

1. Requests from the science museum
While displays on elements typically consist of a "periodic table (showcase and actual elements)," there was a request to incorporate innovative methods that would enhance its appeal and attractiveness to children, thereby fostering their interest in the "mysterious world of chemistry" that shapes themselves, objects, cities, and even the universe.

2. City's request
In the initial stages of the design, there was a request to make effective use of the development in order to promote the city's slogan, "To enhance citizens' knowledge of natural science and contribute to the improvement of citizens' culture." There was a need for a facility that could be enjoyed by a diverse range of citizens, not just children, and to "create opportunities for diverse learning" through displays.

3. concept design
In addition to the symbolic nature of the newly installed items, which will attract attention, it was necessary to pay attention to their harmony with the existing concept design of the surrounding area and to consider the flow of people in the surrounding area.

○ Consideration of content and presentation
We've combined the periodic table with a shooting game to create an interactive content experience. By transforming the often rigid image of the periodic table into a game board-like concept design, we've made it more approachable, allowing users to unconsciously memorize element symbols and their placement on the periodic table while playing. This lowers the barrier to entry for chemistry, making it feel more familiar and accessible.

Communication Considerations
By adopting a "quiz competition format," diverse forms of competition and interaction were fostered. Children familiar with the game often managed to beat their parents and teachers. Intergenerational dialogue and shared time led to a deeper interest in chemistry.

○ Examination of explanations of scientific information
This book introduces the history of elemental exploration from ancient times to the present day through a manga-style explanation that adults can also enjoy. It weaves together fragmented knowledge that is often forgotten, such as "Lavoisier" and "alchemy," and allows readers to reaffirm how it connects to cutting-edge science and technology, including rare earth elements.

○ concept design review
By employing two 100-inch large monitors, we created an overwhelmingly impactful and visually stunning exhibit that harmonizes with the existing concept design, while also considering factors such as ensuring sufficient space for visitors to linger and move around, and maintaining visibility from the surrounding area, resulting in an eye-catching and exciting displays.