We design interactive exhibitions and learning experiences for museums, science centres, and visitor attractions. On this page, we’ve gathered answers to common questions about exhibition design, digital storytelling, interactive technology, immersive experiences, and how to create engaging museum experiences for children, young people, and adults.
Timelines vary, but most museum exhibitions take between 6 and 18 months from the first idea to final installation. Projects that involve extensive research, historical material or advanced technology may take longer. We always recommend starting concept and script development early to establish a clear direction before design and production begin. A structured process with defined phases ensures that everyone knows what is happening when. When we work with museums, we always create a detailed schedule at the start of the project.
We see curators and subject specialists as an integral part of the team. They hold the knowledge and stories that give the exhibition its academic and thematic depth, while we translate this into audience-friendly communication and experience design. The collaboration takes place through workshops, script reviews and visual iterations where academic quality and audience understanding are balanced. We also ensure that specialist teams retain ownership of the narrative while we create a clear, accessible structure for visitors.
Children and young people contribute valuable perspectives on what is engaging and relevant. We often set up user testing, idea workshops, observations or pilot versions of interactive elements where the target group can test both form and content. This provides insight into what works in practice, not just in theory. Involving children early leads to a better experience for the whole family and makes it easier to meet both learning goals and audience expectations.
A strong visitor centre combines clear storytelling, powerful visual expression and interactivity that engages different audiences. Many centres use a mix of physical design, digital installations, immersive film experiences and spaces that invite reflection or activity. The most important thing is that content, technology and spatial design work together to reinforce the message. A modern centre should also be designed so it can be updated over time without major investments.
Budgets vary widely, from a few hundred thousand NOK for small rooms or upgrades to 10–50 million NOK for larger centres. The cost depends on ambition level, size of the space, choice of technologies and the degree of customisation. We always begin with a needs analysis that provides a realistic framework before the concept is developed further. From there, we can propose a phased plan that allows the centre to be built step by step if desired.
The key is to create several layers of interpretation at once: an intuitive level for children, a reflective level for adults and a deeper level for experts and enthusiasts. This can be achieved through a variety of installation types, multimodal formats and thoughtful use of graphics, sound and dramaturgy. When this balance is achieved, you get a centre that is accessible to many without losing thematic depth. We always work with clear target groups and audience testing to ensure quality.
Experience centres create identity, activity and a sense of belonging in new areas. They can make a place attractive for residents, businesses and tourists. For municipalities, they provide an arena for learning, communication and public dialogue, while developers get an anchor attraction that strengthens visitor flows and increases the value of the surrounding area. A strong concept can also foster collaboration between culture, business, research and the local community.
The first step is a concept phase where we map the target group, the identity of the place, the desired content and the level of ambition. We then develop an initial concept that shows possible experiences, spatial solutions and technologies. At this stage, it is important to clarify potential partners, budget models and funding opportunities. This phase provides a strong decision-making foundation and helps establish political or strategic support.
We always begin with insight into local stories, nature, industries and future plans. We then develop a narrative and concept based on the unique qualities of the place, rather than using a generic experience format. Through workshops and dialogue with stakeholders—schools, businesses, politicians, volunteer organisations and residents—we ensure that the centre reflects the needs and goals of the community. The result is an experience centre that is anchored both culturally and strategically.