Interactive Experience Developer

Job Description

Job Description

The Strong explores play and the ways in which it encourages learning, creativity, and discovery—making us the ultimate play destination. As a contributing member to the dynamic and creative exhibits team, the Interactive Experience Developer designs and produces digital-enabled interactive experiences that engage and inspire museum visitors.

This position requires a talented digital media designer with strong conceptual skills, a technical background, and experience with developing software, UI / UX design, and component electronic systems. The Interactive Experience Developer will conduct industry research to inform iterative design processes, prepare prototypes of interactive concepts, and develop, create, install, maintain, and update exhibit-related electronic interactives. Staff are expected to stay current with industry trends and effectively manage workflows within defined budgets and timelines

All museum staff are expected to cooperate with one another in furthering the museum’s general objectives and in completing museum projects. Similarly, all staff consistently maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude, act with integrity and in accordance with the highest ethical standards and demonstrate a loyalty to the museum in all public contacts. Guests and colleagues deserve our best efforts every day.

Essential Duties :

The specifications described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Collaborate in a creative environment to design, develop, produce, and maintain digital-enabled interactive museum experiences.
• Design and program interactive systems that integrate physical and digital interfaces, including software development, hardware integration, touch screens, micro-controllers, alternative input devices, arcade-style controls, media design, animation, audiovisual effects, and by any other means that engages users to explore and play.
• Develop a strong working knowledge of The Strong’s interactive design principals, emphasizing interpretive goals, aesthetics, intuitive and accessible interfaces, adaptable ideation, standardized hardware systems, long-term maintenance needs, and innovative problem-solving.
• Produce interactive prototypes that demonstrate functionality, software integration, UI / UX design, and component requirements using appropriate means and methods.
• Assemble and configure exhibit interactive systems including wiring, soldering, patching, and software / hardware integration.
• Perform routine maintenance and system updates on existing interactives to ensure ongoing reliability and guest safety.
• Research and prototype new technologies for exhibit applications, including evaluating cost and technical feasibility.
• Maintain accurate inventory and archival documentation of exhibit-related digital media, software, hardware, specifications, and configurations.
• Work with the AVP for Exhibits to define project scope, timelines, and budget estimates.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to coordinate the production, procurement, and implementation of exhibit interactive experiences.
• Attend exhibit team meetings, staff training sessions as required.
• Assist with fabrication, installation, and maintenance tasks for both permanent and traveling exhibits.
• Contribute to the upkeep of exhibit spaces, production areas, and storage in accordance with museum safety and cleanliness standards.
• Participate on project teams and museum committees as assigned.
• Foster positive, cooperative communication with internal teams, external partners, and museum guests.
• Remain current with industry trends, best practices, and innovations in related exhibit fields.
• Engage in the museum’s annual review process to set and achieve performance goals that align with the organization’s strategic objectives.
• Recommend and support improvements to processes, exhibit development, and technologies that enhance the visitor experience.
• Complete all tasks with strict adherence to all internal and OSHA safety guidelines, policies, and procedures in compliance with all federal, state and local laws.
• Have lots of fun with a one-of-a-kind team that never stops playing!

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :