Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Films and interactive exhibits
Washington DC, USA
Overview
In 2022, ngx was part of the redesign of the iconic Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. A total of 56 media experiences were produced that foreground underrepresented perspectives and connect with the Smithsonian's evolving target audience. The work included film, original animation, and a full suite of digital interactives to augment interpretation of historic artifacts, such as the Wright Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module.
Scope Highlights
- User-Interface Design
- Extensive Prototyping
- Interactives
- Dynamic Sound Design
We’d like to thank our project partners:
Smithsonian photo by Jim Preston.
The new media interactives translate dense content into intuitive experiences that reinforce the distinct visual identity and messaging objectives of each gallery. Considerations of the audience informed graphic design choices, animation styles, case-study selections, narrative design, and the casting of voice-talent. For example, lesser known aviation pioneers are introduced through the narrative concept of a student scrapbook, inviting young audiences to see more of themselves in the work, and move beyond the institutional authority of a disembodied curatorial voice.
Smithsonian photo by Jim Preston.
A Museum for All
A priority for the Museum was to ensure all exhibits were extensively prototyped and evaluated to verify they met or exceeded interpretive and accessibility requirements. We closely engaged with the Institute for Human Centered Design and the American Disabilities Act to ensure exhibits that deliver on the POUR principles of accessible experience design—digital experiences that are Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.
Smithsonian photo by Jim Preston.
On-camera interviews and dialogue-oriented commentary were central to the production of the linear media scope. ngx’s team of editors, sound designers, animators, and videographers crafted films that delivered on the vision. Real-time problem-solving allowed those exhibits to remain on schedule through a dynamic regulatory landscape.
Smithsonian photo by Jim Preston.
Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino.
Smithsonian photo by Jim Preston.
