Website: http://www.thebanmappingproject.com
The judges said:
"Among all the sites submitted for this category of judging,
the Theban Mapping Project was head and shoulders above everything
else. This is a sophisticated, rapidly loading, aptly designed
resource. The live "Valley" interactive is superbly
executed, and there is attention to detail at every corner, and
almost everything you might want to click on in "what's this
thing?" mode does something intriguing…. This is a fabulous
site! The content is deep and is continually updated with new
data. The visitor is provided with opportunities to tour the tombs,
to zoom in on images, to view video clips. The interface is clean
and easy. The navigation tools are logical and the download of
images are fast! Across all criteria, this site grabbed my attention
and kept it. I will return!"
Website: http://collections.mnhs.org/duluthlynchings
The judges said:
"Excellent, comprehensive access point for source materials.
A minimum of interpretation is presented, but rather full-text
versions of primary documents. The oral histories and the timeline
are terrific! The site is easy to navigate and accessible to both
general audiences and scholars alike. The content/topic is very
serious and the site is designed to address the nature of the
content, while at the same time providing engaging audio clips
accompanied by appropriate images from the collection.… Even
though I know very little about the subject matter, once I was
searching, I was going after all sorts of arcane details of incarceration,
and enjoying immensely looking at the original documents. I can
see where this would be a real asset for a historian and/or researcher
interested in the field, or in what Minnesota has to offer in
that regard. It's a nice digital library sort of initiative."
A Tip From the Producers:
"Painful subject matter, such as the tragedy in Duluth, demands
honesty and sensitivity. Keeping this in mind, we tested the site
extensively, and in a variety of ways. Early on, formal presentations
of draft text and layouts to community groups and internal staff
helped us define our voice. Later on, when the site’s navigation
was largely operational, we gave scripted walkthroughs for testers
to complete in one-on-one sessions. These greatly helped in honing
the layout and graphics for clarity and efficiency. We also circulated
a URL for an early evaluation version of the site to 100 members
of the community – professors, teachers, historians, community
leaders – who could give us overall guidance on the sensitivity,
efficiency and impact of the resource. Each type of testing gave
us valuable feedback, and we will be expanding on this for future
projects."
Kiosk
The judges said:
"Wow! This one was really a lot of fun. The kiosk-based
CD is clearly oriented toward the educational (K-12 esp.) market,
and this does an impressive job at trying to "capture"
the hearts and imagination of the viewer. Often this means focusing
on something goulish, or bloody, or somewhat sensationalistic,
and stinging jellyfish (to take one example) would fall into that
category... but the stinging aspect wasn't overdone at all. There
were many interesting lacunae to explore, such as the "whodunit"
sleuthing games and the "build-your-own stinger" routine….
Good, engaging kiosk for kids, fast paced enough to convey information
with exhibit. Has the kind of facts kids find engaging without
being overly "preachy" about the environment."
A Tip From the Producers:
"The media must strike a perfect balance. It has to 1). Attract
interest for individual and group interaction and enjoyment 2).
Provide a compelling and valuable experience that augments and
enhances the exhibit 3). Provide a satisfying experience, but
have a definitive completion within a limited time frame, so the
wait for equipment is not frustrating 4). Leave visitors wanting
more, so they will use the media again during this visit, access
the website, or return for another visit."
Website: http://www.exploratorium.edu/climate/index.html
The judges said:
"A really wonderful, colorful site, jam-packed with information.
The colorful design and interactive elements attract younger users
but the information is not dumbed down and can hold and inform
both kids and adults. …. It brings together the most current
data as related to global climate changes and gives the visitor
all of the tools necessary to interpret and inquire further. It
is very simple and easy to understand. There isn't much depth
to this site, but nonetheless I come away feeling satisfied."
Art |
History and Culture
| Science
| Promotion of
an Institution | Collection
Database or Reference
Two-Way Communication
Gold:
Theban Mapping Project
Silver:
Duluth Lynchings Online Resource
Bronze:
Alien Stingers Exhibit Kiosk
Honorable
Mention: Global Climate Change