07.08.09

Cal Academy of Sciences mobile site

Apps, Education

Though the California Academy of Sciences is the oldest natural science institution on the West Coast, it’s also one of the most forward-thinking. It approached San Francisco-based Odopod looking for a mobile experience that would connect with its audience. Odopod focused on creating a site optimized for smartphone Web browsers but also created a complementary XHTML site for less-sophisticated mobile phones that would allow the Academy to reach nearly all mobile users. Rather than miniaturizing the existing site, designed for PC browsers, they focused on identifying uniquely mobile use scenarios, including a solid general overview of exhibits, events and programs, a set of features that assists users on the day of their visit and another focused on using social media. The site easily and simply communicates exhibits, events, announcements and closings with a map and basic contact information and provides users with live feeds from the museum’s Twitter, Flickr and Facebook accounts for constant access to the museum’s stream of consciousness.

Albert Poon, creative director; Britt Nelson, designer; Christopher Berry/Nathan Manousos, senior developers; David Bliss, technical director; Jonathan Denholtz, California Academy of Sciences, director interactive media; Sue Boyer, senior producer; Donovan Rittenbach, California Academy of Sciences, project manager; Blair Shane, California Academy of Sciences, chief marketing officer.

www.odopod.comwww.calacademy.org