Techniquest: Extending the Digital Outreach of Science

Techniquest is Wales’ leading Science Museum.

Its cutting-edge exhibits, interactive experiences, and world-wide reputation attracts school children and families from across the country. The science hub’s experts also work closely with schools and teachers to provide services that complement formal education in Wales.

The Science Capital is Techniquest’s latest project. It promises to radically transform the science discovery centre and make science accessible to everyone in Wales.

Since the pandemic hit in early 2020, online accessibility and digital outreach of this experience has never been more crucial.

That’s where we came in…

Brief

Traditionally, school children have visited Techniquest through science trips. But as schools increasingly turn to online learning and resources, Techniquest needed a digital platform to house and distribute themed science content for classrooms.

Alongside in-person visits, this content would help teachers deliver fun, cutting-edge science content that would engage and help students understand all aspects of science.

Then COVID-19 hit.

With museums forced to close, the only way Techniquest could continue to engage with teachers and classrooms was virtually.

They urgently needed that digital outreach platform – and pronto.

#ThinkPurple Solution.

Sure, the pandemic accelerated the need for this project. And, of course time was of the essence, but our #ThinkPurple approach (in case you missed it: that means asking better questions to deliver the best results), means we can keep cool, work hard and get results – no matter what the situation.

But back to the solution.

We developed a Digital Outreach platform that lets schools access science content through pre-purchased access.

It’s simple, intuitive, and lets teachers easily get hold of relevant teaching materials and resources for their classroom. These include themed videos and teaching materials on a variety of science topics in both Welsh and English. Some materials are downloadable, whereas others are viewable only through the platform.

We also developed a bespoke Content Management system that allows Techniquest to manage its science content, resources, and users. It also generates single-use redemption codes that can be purchased through Techniquest’s existing ticketing systems.

We should also mention that we developed both the Digital Outreach Platform and the bespoken Content Management System for Techniquest in just one month. Yes, you read that right – one month.

It was good-to-go by September 2020, and it’s being piloted at a number of Welsh Schools as we speak.

The aim of this project was to deliver highly engaging and theatrical STEM themed shows and content to excite and engage pupils from across the whole of Wales – especially during times where in-person visits aren’t possible.  

“Vindico’s forward-thinking approach, and ability to work to an extremely tight deadline, helped us transform the idea into a digital solution that is now delivering content to pupils across Wales. The project, which is currently in its pilot phase, is already a great success. The positive feedback we’ve received has been overwhelming – and we can’t wait to see the full scope of this digital platform as the project evolves.”

– Gareth McTiffin, Head of Commercial Development at Techniquest