The Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, FL is a place where humans study and interact with dolphins and other marine mammals, such as sea lions. They are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to research and education about dolphins and their natural environments. Many of the dolphins at the facility today were found injured, abandoned, or are descendants of dolphin actors.
My vision in this proposal is to allow visitors the chance to get a location-based education on the dolphins who live at the facility and to learn small pieces of information at each trigger point.
Element 1, Map:
This is a satellite view of DRC. Legend:
(waves) = lagoon
(camera) = photograph (all of which are mine)
(blue marker) = other points of interest
View DRC Walking Tour in a larger map
Element 2, Communication:
Guests at the Dolphin Research Center (DRC) often are there for a short time, visiting the Florida Keys from international locations. More involved programs such as interacting and swimming with dolphins take longer periods of time than many guests have during their stays. To create a narrative tour, I propose using the technology setup of iPod touch mobile communications devices and external cases with barcode scanners built in.
A guest can check out one of the iPod touch packages (iPod + external case + headphones) and walk leisurely around the facility. When a barcode sign is reached, the user may scan a barcode to hear an audio clip, see a photograph, watch a video, or read some text. All of these functions (scanning ability and pieces of media) will be stored within an application installed on the device, so no internet access is required. Audio will be played through the headphones, and video on the screen.
Element 3, Rules and Triggers:
The ability to take a leisurely tour somewhat negates the use of rules (aside from making sure the equipment package is undamaged) because of the nature of the setup. Visitors are encouraged to take their time and learn at whatever pace suits them. Signs clearly explain where the trigger points are, and barcodes are printed on them to allow tourists easy scanning to access the media features. Here is a mockup of what the signs might look like:
Trigger points will be set up at each of the lagoon locations marked on the map, to give a brief biography of each of the dolphins who live there, video shot of training or interactions, and short facts about dolphin behaviors or lives.
Element 4, Narrative:
The narrative I hope will evolve from this project is in line with the mission of the Dolphin Research Center and its spirit. The staff aims to educate and inform visitors by allowing them to interact with dolphins and providing informational sessions. I believe my proposed project will extend this concept into the technology age and allow for easier, more in-depth, and dynamic learning experiences as the facility evolves. Learning about the dolphin family and facts about behaviors of this animal will better educate the public and hopefully engender a deeper appreciation of nature at large.
Element 5, Assessment:
My narrative proposal makes use of the space by providing trigger points at designated locations going down the walkway between lagoons. Certain dolphins live in certain places, so it is a great way to learn about each animal, one or two at a time. My narrative allows visitors to gain a better appreciation of the place they are visiting, and the location is overlayed with an informal media presentation.
The Dolphin Research Center can be found online at http://www.dolphins.org/.
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