Ecology Through Play

Relative Scale designed and developed two interactive touchscreen experiences for the Center that allow guests to participate in the wonders of nature – instead of simply reading about them. With school groups as their primary audience, these experiences are designed to be intuitive, educational, and highly re-playable.

In A Bear’s Journey, guests assume the role of a Florida-native black bear trying to make it through the year – one season, one habitat, and one decision at a time. With the goal of finding and storing enough food for their annual torpor, the bear must journey through different habitats while making important survival decisions along the way. A simple hunger meter keeps the stakes clear as guests learn how small choices can add up to big consequences in the wild.  

In Ready to Grow, guests choose between two Florida-native plants and gather the essential ingredients needed to power photosynthesis.  To collect the ingredients including sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, guests use intuitive touch gestures as an on-screen meter tracks their progress.  If they choose the carnivorous plant, they will even help it snag an insect. A quick win that makes photosynthesis understandable in a way that feels surprisingly fun.