Concept

For the Investigate Labs at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, Pendulee provided a comprehensive science exhibit design strategy. The project centered on the “Citizen Science” concept. Citizen science invites visitors to step out of the role of observer and into the role of active scientist.

Tasked with uniting the “Nature Lab” and the “Micro Worlds Lab,” we designed a visual system that established the spaces as “cousins, not twins”. While the rooms inhabited the same building, they honor distinct scientific disciplines. This had to occur while maintaining a cohesive museum landscape overall.

Process

Interpretive Graphics and Strategic Brand Integration Working within the University’s rigorous style guidelines, we utilized environmental graphic design to “activate” the labs. Our contributions to the science exhibit design included:

• Custom Museum Wall Murals: We designed two large-scale, colorful murals. They serve as the visual anchor for each lab, blending technical imagery with an approachable, artistic aesthetic.
• Integrated Lab Signage & Wayfinding: From collection drawer labels to custom lab equipment icons, we created a granular signage system. This system guides visitors through citizen science and molecular biology.
• Branded Science Furniture: We implemented custom elements like the Science Forum table wrap and dinosaur-themed coatrack icons, ensuring the “citizen science” theme extended to every functional touchpoint in the space.