Connecting Stories Interactive

The “Connecting Stories” exhibition opened on the Mall on April 29, 2023, at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. “Connecting Stories” was designed to encourage visitors to explore the museum’s collection and develop personal connections to the stories and artwork preserved by the museum.

The interactive experience at the museum’s Freer Sackler Gallery offered visitors an engaging journey through the rich tapestry of Asian art, via a carefully curated selection of objects, images, maps, and interactive displays. Via a digital touchscreen and a colorful, animated projection, audiences could discover some of the symbols, patterns, and designs seen across the collection and learn about how their meanings change in different contexts. On a second touchscreen, National Museum of Asian Art staff and volunteers shared stories of their personal connections to objects in the collection.

We designed our two interactive pieces to enhance visitor engagement by deepening their understanding and appreciation of the gallery’s treasures. The first horizontal touchscreen unveiled the intricate motifs and symbols recurring across artworks, offering visitors an immersive exploration of their meanings and significance. The complementary vertical touchscreen panel invited audiences to explore the perspectives of gallery staff, tapping on headshots to discover their insights into selected artworks. Additionally, our motion design for the exhibit’s screensaver mode enhanced the space’s ambiance, projecting captivating visuals onto the gallery walls and ensuring an enriching and immersive experience for visitors.

Bridging the gap between audience and artifact, these interactive installations served as dynamic tools for deciphering and interpreting the complexities and cultural significance of Asian art. The experience fostered a deeper connection with the artworks, enriching visitors’ Freer Sackler Gallery experience.