The idea for the exhibit was inspired by the Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE competition, awarded in 2017, in which teams developed feasible medical “tricorders” like those used in the Star Trek television series. This exhibit highlights the ways in which these experiments are pushing the development of medical technology forward.

The experience includes three modules that engage visitors in different ways of learning about medical technology. In the first module, “Scan Yourself,” visitors use fingertip sensors to track their heart rate, skin temperature, and galvanic skin response. The second module, “Build a Medical Scanner,” invites visitors to design their own 3D diagnostic device to focus on specific health scenarios. At the last module, “Diagnosis,” two visitors become collaborating physicians to examine a patient with a mystery illness.

Implementation

I created the experience by leaning into the design and aesthetic of science fiction faux UI and implemented a design system that evoked that futuristic mood while still remaining clear and visible as to how the visitor should interact with the experience. Through a consistent visual language of buttons, text, and iconography, I created each of the three experiences to feel uniquely different while still feeling cohesive and telegraphing expectations. This experience used biometric sensors to augment the interaction, which provided unique challenges to creating an interactive that responds to the visitors temperature, heart rate, and conductivity.