Case studies

In the summer 2013, Marwell Zoo organised a conservation project to boost awareness of the rhino’s dwindling numbers. Taking place around Southampton, the city centre was flooded with life-size fibreglass rhinos that had been painted by local artists.

Marine Engineering Connections turned a routine 40-minute sea crossing across the Solent into an exciting engineering journey. Passengers traveling to and from the Isle of Wight on board WightLink’s flagship ferry during the summer of 2013 were able to meet the engineers and explore the impact of marine and maritime engineering in a fun, engaging and educational manner.

An unknown pathogen ravages Scotland’s capital, turning the unlucky souls into bloodthirsty ambling beasts. You are one of the last uninfected citizens in a city under martial law, cut off from the rest of the UK. Now, with help from real scientists, you have only hours to decide how to save Edinburgh, and perhaps the world.

Lord Rix, president of Mencap, noted that hands-on exhibits can bring a space to life, and give a greater understanding and meaning to cultural heritage, and is especially important for people with learning disabilities. However, in many heritage contexts, exhibits incorporating interactive elements that are accessible to audiences use surrogates instead of original items, and are usually chosen by the curators rather than determined by the user-group.