Boston Museum of Science: Interactive Exhibit
Boston Museum of Science
Team of 4 | Interactive Exhibit
Tools: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, laser-cutting, 3D Printing, design for manufacturability, Arduino
Overview
Designed and deployed an interactive electromechanical museum exhibit focused on water conservation. The system allowed users to make real-time decisions through a physical game interface, visualizing the environmental impact of their choices via sensor feedback and on-screen scoring. The exhibit was designed for high durability, repeatable interaction, and deployment to a public-facing environment.
Tools & Methods
▪ SolidWorks CAD & design for manufacturability
▪ Laser-cut and 3D-printed structural components
▪ Arduino-based control system
▪ Sensor integration & real-time feedback logic
▪ MATLAB-assisted software development
Exhibit enclosure with laser-cut puzzle interface and internalmounting geometry
Modular interactive surface designed for repeatable user interaction and durability
Mechanical Design & Fabrication
▪ Designed enclosure and interaction surfaces for repeated public use
▪ Selected materials and tolerances to withstand high-frequency interaction
▪ Designed for straightforward assembly, maintenance, and part replacement
Manufacturing drawings for laser-cut interactive surface and enclosure components
Exploded CAD view of puzzle piece
Personal Contributions
▪ Served as team lead, coordinating mechanical design, fabrication, and system integration across a 4-member team
▪ Designed and modeled exhibit hardware in SolidWorks, including enclosure, interactive surfaces, and mounting geometry
▪ Led fabrication sensors, actuators, and Arduino-based controls for real-time user interaction and feedback
▪ Contributed to software logic and scoring behavior enabling responsive, intuitive gameplay
▪ Oversaw testing and iteration prior to public deployment
Electromechanical Integration
▪ Integrated sensors to detect user input and physical interactions
▪ Arduino-controlled logic enabled immediate response and feedback
▪ System designed for reliable operation without active supervision
Arduino-based control system integrating sensors, actuators, and real-time feedback logic
System Deployment
▪ Exhibit displayed to public museum environment
▪ Successfully engaged 500+ visitors
▪ Approved by museum education