Accessible Adventures: Redesigning the Science Centre Experience
Heureka Science Center specialises in creating exciting, hands-on exhibits where kids and families can experience the joy of discovery together. A visit to Heureka offers experiences for different senses; however, not everything is accessible without the ability to see or hear. Nowadays, the smartphone is the most important personal tool for members of disadvantaged groups, as it can provide interpretive aids such as audio descriptions and subtitles.
How could visitors with hearing or vision limitations get more out of their visit to Heureka by using their own smartphones?
How could a parent facilitate the experience of a family member with an impairment?
In addition to improving the on-site visitor experience at Heureka, how could we lower the barriers to visiting in advance?
The challenge is co-hosted by Heureka Science Center and Aalto Online Learning - Online Hybrid Lab.
Why join the hackathon?
- Possibility to innovate for a good cause
- Free participation, including free entrance to the Heureka exhibitions during the event and coffee/snacks & dinner on Thursday
- Winning solution will take part in the global DigiEduHack competition and implementation can be discussed with Heureka
- Chance to meet new people, network with likeminded individuals from different fields and expand your professional horizons
Questions?
tuuli.metsakoivu@aalto.fi
Who can join?
14 - 15 NOV 2024
Register by 07 NOVOnsite
Tiedepuisto 1, 01300 Vantaa, Finland - Finland
Access and Availability
Challenge and goals
- Defining types of offerings available through smartphones (both on-site and in advance)
- Outlining necessary technical requirements
Expectations and requirements for the solutions and participants
It is important to take into consideration that the content in some of the exhibitions changes. An ideal solution would not be too tied to changing content or, at the very least, should be easy to update.
There should be a good balance between using technology to help visitors get the most out of their visit, but not distracting them from the immersive, physical experience at Heureka.
It may not be possible to implement or change everything, but we are committed to continuous development and collecting feedback.
Available Support
During the hackathon participants get an inside look into how the operations of the Heureka Science Center are designed. What better way to innovate than in the heart of the action? During the hackathon participants can freely explore the science centre.
Online and hybrid learning experts from Aalto Online Learning - Online Hybrid Lab bring their expertise in human-computer interaction, user-centred design, gamification and learner-centricity.
Schedule
-
Thursday 14.11. 10:00
Challenge Start
The hackathon begins at Heureka. -
Thursday 14.11. 22:00
Day 1 finish
At 22:00 the working time for Day 1 of the hackathon finishes. Participants return home to sleep and rest. -
Friday 15.11. 9:00
Day 2 begins
At 9:00 Day 2 of the hackathon begins and teams get back to work. -
Friday 15.11. 17:00
Challenge Finish
The hackathon finishes at Heureka.
Prizes
- Winning team will further develop their solution and take part in the global DigiEduHack competition
- The winning solution can be implemented or developed further with Heureka (when applicable, depending on the feasibility of the solution)