Chaperone Case Study - Science City, Kansas City

Background Information - 

Science City, in Kansas City, has consistently been voted Kansas City’s favourite family-friendly attraction and a top science centre nationally and internationally. Established in 1999, this 100,000+ sq ft indoor and outdoor venue boasts more than 320 hands-on experiences that encourage explorers of every age to experiment and discover the fascinating fun of science.

Multiple areas within Science City lend themselves to presenting a multitude of topics, including Water, Energy, Robotics, Brain, Illusions, DNA, and on and on.  Dedicated educators throughout the expansive venue are also happy to lead demonstrations, interact with guests, and inspire the next generation of science whizzes. 

The possibilities and activities are endless, which helps explain the worldwide popularity of Science City and the thousands of fantastic reviews displayed online.  

To learn more about Science City, please visit their website, here: https://sciencecity.unionstation.org/. 

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The Project -

Such an incredible location requires an equally excellent mobile application to enhance and expand guests' experience further. With that being the objective, the Science City team reached out to Dapper Labs to analyse the possibilities available with Chaperone. 

Given the distance between Dapper Labs, United Kingdom and Science City, United States of America, all initial communications were held online. However, after being given the opportunity to visit Science City first-hand, Dapper Labs really began to bring this project together. 

After several discussions and brainstorms, the conclusion both parties came to was that the Science City app needed to enhance the overall guest/visit experience and not interfere with it. This objective, alongside close collaboration with the Science City team, provided Dapper Labs with the information needed. Utilising a series of online collaboration tools, the Dapper Labs team developed an overall user journey, which was then built out in detail, exhibit by exhibit. With over 300 interactive and static exhibits, it was a great test of the Chaperone platform and our approach to creating dynamic apps. 

We held regular project/programme check-ins to ensure we were all on the same page and on track. Our clear content specification guidelines enabled the Science City team to create much of the content in-house, complimented by our own creative partners, ensuring content was optimised for the best user experience possible. From initial user journey inception to formal release into app stores, this project was completed within a matter of months. 

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Outcome - 

The outcome has been fantastic! Users are truly benefiting from the app which is enhancing their experience and encouraging repeat visits. Since the initial deployment, the Science City team have monitored uptake and usage by way of the Chaperone analytics dashboard. These insights have helped the team to promote - what is now known as the Science City Explorer app - to maximise adoption. This includes, featured access via their website and social media channels. Here’s how Science City themselves, describe their app and its features:

“Take learning, discovery and fun to a new level with Science City. Let the app be your guide in exploring over 100,000 sq. ft. of hands-on discovery with more than 45 scannable app access points, 20+ video presentations, quizzes, gamification and more. Learn the science behind some of your favourite exhibits. Engage with an interactive map. Watch animal feedings in Nature Works. Take an out-of-this-world tour of our solar system in Science on a Sphere. Learning about science has never been more fun – engaging videos and more than 20 presentations available only on the app. Plus! Don’t let your love of science stop here, take learning to new heights with the Science City at Home feature with Educator-led experiments – all FREE on the Science City Explorer app.

• A Sampling of 325 Interactive & Static Exhibits
• 45 Scannable App Access Points for In-Person Visits
• 20+ Engaging Videos & Presentations
• Test your Knowledge with Engaging Quizzes
• Interactive Maps of Science City
• Daily Schedules
• Continue Learning with Science City at Home App Feature”

Check out some of the incredible possibilities with the Science City Explore app.  This includes the interactive Energy Wall, the ‘Science of Energy’ exhibit. This interactive quiz takes visitors through a series of energy related questions. The visitor answers by using their phone to scan the part of the wall mapped with the various kinds of energy. Features like this bring exhibits to life with practical, easy to use technology which also includes video clips, AR, and text explainer overlays. 

‍“The Science City Explore app has been a great way to connect with our guests in ways that help enhance the experience they are having when they visit Science City. Taking a deeper dive into the science, learning more about our animals in Nature Works, expanding interactions with our exhibits and making science even more fun through games have helped make the app a huge success.” - Denise Day, Vice President, Education, Chief Science Officer (CSO), Science City at Union Station‍

"From the initial inquiry it has been a pleasure to collaborate with the Science City team to create and bring to life ‘The Science City Explorer’ app. The flexible nature of the Chaperone platform has enabled updates, trials of new features and new additions on a regular basis. The team have some great ideas for the future and we very much look forward to bringing more of the feature rich capabilities of Chaperone into the hands of the Science City guests." - Simon Turtle, CSO & CPO, Chaperone‍

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‍Future Plans -‍

So, what’s next for Science City? As science evolves, so do the exhibits at Science City, Kansas City. Similarly, with their exhibits enhancing, their app needs to keep up. With regular updates, we’re always looking to ensure their app continues to contribute to wonderful experiences to be had at Science City. Stay tuned for further updates on what is coming next! 

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You can download the Science City Explorer – Mobile App here.