Governing the Nation
Overview
For the National Constitution Center's (NCC) Governing the Nation, a new permanent gallery, Trivium developed a suite of interactives that bring the three branches of government—and the people who fill them—to life. They encourage visitors to dive into the concepts of separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism, while uncovering the ways in which the American government functions.
As visitors enter the gallery, they are met with a large sculptural installation that combines 3D models, projected video, and lighting, setting the scene for what's to come once they move into the gallery. Each branch of the U.S government (legislative, executive, and judicial) has its own section within the gallery along with its own informational touchscreen interactive: Meet Congress, Meet the Presidents, and Meet the Justices. These interactives explore the history of each branch, allowing visitors to learn facts about those who have served along with key actions and decisions.
The Executive Branch section of the experience offers visitors a chance to roleplay as U.S. the president. Using a touchscreen as well as physical props like a phone, stamp, and stylus for signing, visitors are faced with the many decisions a president encounters daily and gain insight into how presidents have wielded their constitutional powers.
The final section of the gallery focuses on federalism—the way the Constitution divides and shares power between the national government and the states. It features an interactive projection that uses buttons, a lever, and a spin dial to trigger various animations. Visitors learn through these depictions how different approaches to federalism work through real-life examples.
Photo credit: Jason E. Miczek for The National Constitution Center
Approach
Our approach centered on close collaboration with NCC staff, including in-house content, graphic design, and AV teams, through regular reviews and feedback sessions throughout the project. We had in-office testing, along with prototyping and QA sessions with students to refine usability and ensure the interactives were engaging and fun. We also worked closely with the exhibit design team and fabricators to ensure that digital and physical designs were aligned and that all hardware was accounted for.
DELIVERABLES
- 3 Informational Touchscreen Interactives
- 1 Role-Playing Touchscreen Interactive with Physical Elements
- 2 Linear Pieces, one with interactive elements
- Two Web Interactives
Outcomes and Impacts
Governing the Nation helps visitors understand the three branches of the United States government, their distinct powers, and how they check and balance one another. Through the interactives and a large-scale media piece, visitors are introduced to key government roles and the individuals who have shaped the country, while also exploring how power is shared between the national government and the states.
Photo credit: Jason E. Miczek for the National Constitution Center
COLLABORATORS
- The National Constitution Center
- Luci
- Hadley Exhibits
- Becker & Frondorf
- Elia Architecture & Interiors
- Two Left Hands
- Flatiron Building Company
