Anderson-Abruzzo International
Balloon Museum

A multi-surface system translating archival content into interactive exploration of hot air ballooning

INTERACTIVE DESIGN — SYSTEM DESIGN — MUSEUM INSTALLATION

Context

The museum required a system to present archival content across large-scale interactive displays, balancing accessibility with the complexity of historical material.

Existing formats limited engagement, with static displays failing to support exploration across physical space.

Problem

• Archival content lacked structure for interaction

• No cohesive system across display surfaces

• Interfaces disconnected from spatial experience

• Accessibility required across varied users and familiarity levels

Approach

System over surface

Built a unified framework connecting content, interface, and environment across
all displays

Interaction as navigation

Designed interaction as the primary method of exploration, reducing reliance on traditional UI

Scalable architecture

Established a system adaptable across installations, audiences, and evolving content

Execution

System Overview

A unified interaction system designed to connect archival content, interface behavior, and physical space across multiple display surfaces.

Three people in conversation in front of an exhibit about Rocky Aoki at a museum, with digital displays including a black-and-white portrait of Rocky Aoki, an American flag, and images of Earth.

Interaction as Navigation

Interaction replaced traditional navigation, allowing users to explore archival content directly through touch and spatial context.

A person using an information kiosk touchscreen display at a museum, showing a black and white photo and biography of a historical figure. In the background, there is a digital display with a yellow globe icon and a partial view of a globe.

Content Structure

Content was organized into a flexible system that supports both high-level browsing and deep exploration, allowing users to move seamlessly between overview and detail.

Touchscreen display at the World Sports Aeronautics Federation showing profiles of athletes from the United States.

System Behavior

The system responds to user input, location, and context, adapting content and interface states across multiple displays. Interaction on one surface informs behavior on others, creating a continuous and connected experience.

Screenshot of the Alabama Balloon Museum Hall of Fame webpage showing five profiles of renowned individuals in aviation. Each profile includes a portrait, name, year of recognition, country flag, and an explore button. The individuals are James (Jim) Winker, Andre Richard 'Dick' Wirth, Isaburo Yamada, Ed Yost, and Count Ferdinand Adolf Zeppelin.

Impact

The system created a cohesive experience across multiple displays, improving accessibility and enabling users to explore archival content more intuitively.

By unifying content, interaction, and environment, the installation transformed static material into an interactive system that supports both casual discovery and deeper engagement.

Two people viewing a photo exhibit at a museum or gallery, with a large digital display showing multiple black and white portraits of Hall of Fame Ballooners.

A system designed not as a single interface, but as a connected experience across space.

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