Be the Bug Interactive for the ABQ BioPark

Image for the post: 'Be the Bug Interactive for the ABQ BioPark'

Ideum is currently designing and developing an interactive for the new Albuquerque BioPark Botanic Garden's BUGarium that will allow visitors to "Be the Bug."

In October of this year, the Botanic Garden at the Albuquerque BioPark will be opening a new BUGarium – a building with a series of exhibits devoted exclusively to insects and other bugs. A few of us at Ideum recently got a peek behind the scenes.

Behind the Scenes at the Bugarium
Ralph and Catherine, BioPark experts, admire a rainbow stag beetle in the BUGarium’s behind-the-scenes lab.

Ideum is currently designing and developing an interactive for the new BUGarium that will allow visitors to “Be the Bug.” When they approach the Ideum Presenter 65 touch wall, visitors will choose from among three very different bugs. Once the visitors choose their bug, they will be presented with a life-sized mirror image of the bug which tracks and replicates their own movements using a Kinect sensor. After a few seconds admiring themselves as a giant bug in the “mirror,” visitors then take on the role of the bug and “fly” to forage or hunt for their food. The activity will be motion-based, so visitors will really get a feel of what it’s like to “Be the Bug.”

Behind the Scenes at the Bugarium
Interactive Designer Rafael discusses the flow of the activity with BUGarium expert Ralph.

On our field trip, we got to know a few of the critters on which the interactive bugs will be modeled, as well as a few other future BUGarium inhabitants. The “Be a Bug” interactive will debut in October 2015 when the new BUGarium opens. We are very excited to be working with this great local institution as they expand their educational offerings and facilities. To learn more about interactives Ideum has designed and developed, visit our Creative Services page.

Behind the Scenes at the Bugarium
BUGarium expert Ralph holds one of our “Be the Bug” models, an Atlas beetle.

Behind the Scenes at the Bugarium
Ideum staff gets up close and personal with a rainbow stag beetle.

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