PROJECT DESCRIPTION

"Connected Sky/Cielo conectado" pioneers a new era of interactive art, connecting two museums across the US-Mexico border in real-time. Through cutting-edge technology, visitors at La Nube STEAM Discovery Center in El Paso, Texas, and La Rodadora Children's Museum in Juárez, Mexico are seamlessly integrated into a dynamic virtual world of play. Set within a vibrant 30-foot digital sky, playful gestures become the language of cross-border collaboration, enabling participants to co-create and manipulate virtual graphics.

The goal of the experience centered around creating a unique and inclusive cross-border experience that strengthens bonds through the power of shared play. Directly addressing the socio-political tensions at the US-Mexico border, the project leverages the sky as a symbol of unity. Visitors use their hands and bodies to co-create dynamic imagery. Before their eyes, virtual fireworks ignite, rainbows bloom, and constellations and clouds emerge, all born from their physical movements.

With playful intuition at its core, the experience tapped into children's natural ability to create games, using elements like keeping a virtual balloon afloat to encourage spontaneous engagement and exploration. By prioritizing immersive, shared play and non-verbal engagement, the experience cultivates cross-cultural understanding and demonstrates the power of design and technology to bridge communities.
 

PROJECT INFORMATION

Primary Role of the Designer: Designer as craftsman

Client Relationship: A retainer relationship

Intention of the Project: Introduction of a new product, service, or program

Typefaces:  

Paper: 

Materials: 

CREDIT INFORMATION

Creative Director: 

Art Director: 

Designers: Maeryta Medrano, AIA - Gyroscope Principal-in-Charge; Tim Phillips - Gyroscope Creative Director; Theo Watson - Design I/O Creative Director; Emily Gobeille - Design I/O Creative Director

Researchers:

Developers: Nick Hardeman - Design I/O; Theo Watson - Design I/O

Copywriter: 

Illustrator: 

Photographer: Photos courtesy of La Nube STEAM Discovery Center

Producer: 

Printer: 

Other Credits: