The Deutsches Museum in Bonn is a museum with exhibits and experiments of famous scientists, engineers and inventors. Its central themes are research and technology in Germany after 1945, and it is part of the Deutsches Museum in Munich.

The issue

The museum wanted a tool to educate their visitors about the working principles of linear particle accelerators, and to drive engagement of their visitors. The complex topic of physics research had to be simplified, in a way that allowed the young visitors to understand and engage with the research.  

The solution

The solution is an interactive 3D video game app titled Drift Tube. The app included an animated explanation of the working principle of a linear particle accelerator, and a fun game where museum visitors (particular younger ones) learn about the complex theoretical concept in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.

Simplify complicated topics to support learning

Apart from an animated explanation of the working principle, and a Q&A section explaining in detail what a particle accelerator is, the app mainly centred around an exponentially magnified 3D render of a nickel or electron particle flying through a particle accelerator.

Gamifying learning

The game involves flying the particle through the accelerator from the perspective of the particle. This is done while “operating” the particle accelerator through the activation of particles by changing the polarity of electrified drift tubes, and adjusting the position of the flying particle. This makes the working principle more tangible.

To add on to the fun, an element of competition is introduced through a “best player list” with the option of future time-bound championships or further user engagement (via capturing contact information of users).