The Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories museum experience

State of Kansas, Topeka, KS

Kansas Health and Environtment Laboratories

With the dream of a brand new testing laboratory for the state of Kansas starting to take shape, former KHEL director Myron Gunsalus approached Upland about ways to incorporate a museum experience into the plans. The team worked hard to form this loose vision into an educational exhibit meant to educate and inspire the next generation of scientific heroes, culminating in a beautiful, tactile experience to greet every single visitor who walks through the front doors of the lab.

Some inital exhibit work in the entryway had previously been done by another design firm, but we picked up the project and created the bulk of the exhibits throughout the space.

This exhibit is currently finished and awaiting installation in its soon-to-be-completed new home!

Section of the KHEL museum experience showing the tall graphics, reader rails, and artifact cases.

A High-Impact Experience

Unique forms, bright colors, eye-catching graphic design, and touchscreen interactives highlighting state scientists as heroes engage visitors of all ages. The Upland team worked directly with the state of Kansas scientists and educators to make a simple, fun, accessible experience on a tight time frame.

Colors and materials were carefully chosen to pair seamlessly with the anticipated building finishes. The exhibit design was considered from every angle-including above-as the recently completed exhibit will soon become the centerpiece of the yet-to-be-completed building's two-story lobby.

A detail of the clear acrylic printed graphics

Large case for scientific instruments, touchscreen interactive

A closer detail of the scientific instrument display case

Exhibit Interactives

We designed and developed three unique touchscreen interactive programs that teach visitors more about the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratory and its people.

Touchscreen showing the science experiment interactive

Contaminated Water Simulation

KHEL provides many critical public services including monitoring drinking water across the entire state of Kansas. This interactive encompasses the various steps that happen after a water main break. Visitors will watch breaking news clips and virtually test a water sample for E. Coli. The interactive provides a rare look at what happens behind the scenes in keeping Kansas safe!

The unit with the large case for scientific instruments

Progressive Question Game

Part of the exhibit is a showcase of older scientific instruments that have been used throughout KHEL's history. We designed and developed a multiple-choice question game to help visitors learn more about the various artifacts in a unique and interactive way.

Unit that focuses on the people of KHEL and the interactive touchscreen that displays interviews

KHEL Staff Interviews

KHEL wanted to showcase the scientists and staff that work tirelessly to protect the people of Kansas. This interactive displays interviews with KHEL employees to provide insight about what it means to work in public health.