Inspired by students from Delta Woods Middle School in the Blue Springs School District, the latest winning concept from the Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains competition, Light Lab, explores how light shapes our world through interactive experiences.

Light Lab occupies nearly 3,100 square feet on the ground floor of Kansas City Science City and features nine interactive exhibit zones, each focusing on the science, energy, and creativity of light. Visitors can engage with the following experiences: Color Fusion, Vein Vision, Spectral Inspector, Cosmic Comms, Laser Quest, Refraction Action, Harness the Light, Vivid Van Glow, and Silhouette Shuffle. Each zone provides unique opportunities to discover how light—and the electromagnetic spectrum—affects our daily lives.

Ravenswood Studio collaborated closely with the museum team to develop the exhibit according to the students’ vision and expectations. Multiple light, digital, and physical interactive elements were created for each section. The key to success for this project was extensive prototyping and testing to ensure the durability and longevity of the interactive experiences.