First to the Future – Royal Air Force Museum

The role of the RAF is constantly changing to ensure they remain relevant and can respond to any situation. New problems, new planes and new roles all needed to be communicated in an engaging and future facing way in the refurbished gallery at the RAFM.

We created a range of interactives across three areas.

Communications Mission uses twelve screens and a range of physical interaction methods to help communicate the variety of roles the RAF undertakes. From surveillance and intelligence gathering to cyber communications. This range of fast paced games and challenges was developed in consultation with the ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) Unit to ensure that where possible the interactives are as accurate as possible.

The Debate Space is a four meter wide touch sensitive table. Nine overhead projectors show content on the table and work together to create a giant interactive surface that acts as a forum for evidence gathering, conversation, and debate. Launching with the topics of drone warfare and the use of artificial intelligence, the table helps groups of students, cadets and visitors learn about the format and function of debate as well as investigate the two sides of these controversial subjects.

Design in Action allows visitors to concoct their own aircraft using parts of iconic RAF planes from throughout the ages. Visitors do this on a large digital drafting table, dragging and dropping various wings and engines etc., to design their own custom creation. They can then fly their plane and test it against one of three missions in the neighbouring pilot pods.