Bitmorph was an immersive, interactive experience installed at the Ontario Science Centre in the Summer of 2016. It was created to engage families and visitors by gamifying learning using cutting edge digital media. Bitmorph terminals dispersed through the five major areas of the Science Centre gave patrons access to a card from a dispenser with a distinct code. Scanning it created a creature on the screen of the terminal, rendered in a retro 8-bit aesthetic. The more terminals patrons visited within the curated exhibition, the more their character morphed, and took on characteristics depending on the section they were in.
The installation was incredibly successful with 110,000 scans, 27,000 characters evolved at multiple modules and 30% of visitors visiting the website afterwards.
Bitmorph terminal installed at the Ontario Science Centre.
This project was an experiment created as a partnership between the Ontario Science Centre and the RTA New Media program at Ryerson University. Bitmorph was imagined, designed and realized by students of the RTA New Media program, with support from RTA faculty and staff and guidance from experts at the Ontario Science Centre. Students worked on every aspect of the project including content creation, electronics, programming and fabrication.
I was involved in the initial phases of the project building bridges between the Science Centre and the New Media program. I then worked with David Bouchard - RTA colleague, collaborator and Bitmorph project lead, on the early student recruitment and project definition phases. David then lead an experimental collaboration course with Science Centre experts guiding New Media students through the project development process.
Once David and the student team received approval for the prototype I rejoined the project to support replication efforts lead by Ashley Lewis. The piece was installed and supported over the summer by David Bouchard and New Media student Lucas Teng.
The course has evolved into a regular offering through the New Media program at Ryerson.
Bitmorph was a fun experience for all ages!
The pepper's ghost hologram effect causes characters to float in the kiosks.