V&A Dundee - Bridge Builder

Timeline: 8 months
Client: V&A Dundee
Value: £12k
Aim: To build an interactive for families that shows the use of different bridge types in different locations.
What we did: We were involved very early on in the development of this activity , from concept sketches to user testing days , we tested and developed the 3 bridges , these were tested in various materials using different manufacturing techniques , the final pieces were cnc engraved in solid beech.

The EYE
A new way to interact with 3D objects
Timeline: 3 months
Client: Glasgow Science Centre for CATACURE
Value: £5k
Aim: We worked on a larger project for GSC to produce two small exhibitions on their top floor. As part of an exhibition about CATACURE, we were asked to make an exhibit housing a transparent viewer so that visitors could interact with a model eye.
What we did: The model eye is housed in a white backlit box and the transparent screen is placed in front of the eye. FifeX designed, prototyped and produced the box.
The transparent screen is clever and can either allow light through so that you can see what is behind - in our case a model eye, or you can put graphics on it and reduce all of the light or the light in certain places. In our case, we used this to focus the users attention on certain parts of the model as they clicked through the screens.

To make the screen work, it's crucial to get the backlighting right and to ensure adequate space around your model for any associated explanation - there was a lot of playing about with spaces and positioning. The final exhibit works well and allows visitors to look at a seemingly 2D screen-based interactive whilst viewing a 3D model.

Screen was purchased from http://www.crystal-display.com

Columbus Space Lab
Model of Space Station Lab
Timeline: 2 months
Client: Aberdeen Science Centre
Value: £20k
Aim: To design and produce a model of the Columbus lab on the Space Station. It should allow the centre to store and display small workshop activities.
What we did: The initial challenge was to work out the size of the unit and the construction method. To look like the real Columbus module, it should have a completely circular perimeter. FifeX designed the unit and built one section as a prototype - this was installed onsite to check it all fitted and to confirm materials.
The rest of the unit was then constructed during December 2016. Set-dressing was a big part of this job to ensure that the lab looked realistic. The whole lab was clad inside and out to look realistic and we included features such as handles, bungee cords, hooks, lighting and various small interactives with a lot of flashing LEDs and large toggle switches!

A large TV at the end of the lab allows the centre to show movies or slideshows. Tables in the lab allow storage of activities in Gratnell trays and a small kitchen unit has a display of space-food.

Further activities will be added in time and hopefully, it will be a venue for some exciting events at the science centre.

Visit the Client's Website Aberdeen Science Centre

10 Interactive Humpback Whale Exhibits

Timeline: … 6 months

Client: Palma Aquarium

Value: £65k

Aim: … to design and build a brand new exhibition full of interactive exhibits that help the visitors understand some of the unique characteristics of humpbacked whales

What we did: … FifeX designed all of the exhibits both hardware and software , we worked with the aquariums team to develop the ideas into finished exhibits , with the centre piece exhibit of a 3m x 2m world migration map with over 1500 individually controllable leds embedded into corian.

The talented and enthusiastic team at FifeX created for us the interactives for Palma Aquarium’s humpback whale exhibition. The design ideas were challenging requiring some pioneering ingenuity which FIFEX calmly took in their stride. The team were a pleasure to work with and we appreciated their spirit and fearless approach. They were always at hand to answer questions and provide solutions and their interactives added a new dimension to our exhibition and are being much enjoyed by the many visitors putting them to the test. We look forward to working again in the future with this highly motivated, extremely talented and creative team.

Bespoke glass structures with amazing magnetic patterns

Timeline: 1 month

Client: Edinburgh Science Festival 2011

Value: £2k

Aim: We were contracted to assist in the development and build of 2 interactive exhibits for use during the Edinburgh Science Festival.

What we did: Because of the tight time-scale and budget we suggested that for the Ferro Fluids exhibit we use a material that we had in stock and designed a very simple frame for holding the different shaped glassware (supplied by the client) by making 4 of the same unit and using existing stock we were able to keep the costs to a minimum.On the Cornflour disco exhibit we were asked to source the required electronics to make the experiment work , we selected off the shelf modules and combined them into a control unit that allows the frequency and amplitude of the audio signal to be adjusted by the user and provided a timer controlled on/off button . We also assisted in the design of the mechanical parts for this exhibit as the client was looking for a way to make the exhibit harder wearing while keeping the ease of set up. We designed a very simple system that allows the client to change the cornflour mixture in a matter of seconds while retaining the simplicity of the experiment

Testimonial: "I first came to Fifex because their website offered that the company could be involved at any stage of development. I found them to be very flexible and understanding of our needs - they were exactly the company we required at the time. Fifex were able to understand the purpose of our interactives with insight, offering excellent solutions to the problems we presented to them. The final product was of a high standard and I would recommend their services to anyone looking for bespoke interactive and museum installations"
Matthew Wright, Edinburgh International Science Festival

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/

QUANTIC
Making the invisible visible
Timeline: 2 months
Client: Glasgow Science Centre
Value: £40k
Aim: To produce a permanent exhibition based on the work of an exciting collaboration between a number of Universities around the UK. QUANTIC scientists are interested in various aspects of physical science and engineering - this project would showcase their work and engage the public in this area.
What we did: We worked with the Science Centre's in-house design team to produce a plan that would work on their budget and timeline. Extrusion frames provided a good solution for most of the units - keeping the design modular but also clean and simple. 3-layer plywood tops provided strength but gave enough space for cables and access. The design came together quickly, allowing us to move onto prototyping in enough time to get everything ready.
The work on the individual exhibits started straight away. We worked with a number of GSC's other contractors to bring together augmented reality software as well as some more conventional software applications to form the whole exhibition.

FifeX took on general buttons and interfaces but also a large optics table and an 8x8 DMD array with 64 independent servo motors - this required significant prototyping and testing.

FifeX took control of the overall assembly and installation of all aspects of the work.

External Link to Client's Website: Glasgow Science Cente

Dunfermline Abbey - Abbey Model Table

Timeline: 6 months
Client: HES
Value: £3k
Aim: To replace the existing acrylic models with new 3d printed units and refinish the table
What we did: We took some client supplied cad data and in conjunction with the old models we created a full set of 3d files , we then prototyped various filament choices testing for robustness and wear , the final set where then printed and the table was completely repainted.

3 Interactive Tables

Pulleys , Blowers and gears

Timeline: 3 months

Client: SMM

Value: £12k

Aim: To build 3 differently themed interactive tables that taught people about Gears, Pulley and Air.

These were designed to go into a new exhibition space within the museum and the topics are related to the previous activities of the Denny Ship Tank works.

What we did: Designed 3 different activities and made each one colour coded to the clients colour scheme , the tables had to be movable and compact while the activities had to be engaging for a variety of visitor groups

The 3 exhibits feature a variety of production techniques and materials including 3d printing and cnc cut HDPE plastic.

Augmented Reality Sandbox

Timeline: 2 Months

Client: Dynamic Earth

Value: £12k

Aim: To design and build and enclosure and calibration system for the Augmented Reality Sandbox software

What we did: The brief was to build a sturdy mobile unit that was easy to move and needed no calibration. We designed a aluminium stand with all the hardware fixed securely , we wrote custom software and added control buttons to allow for easy setup of the exhibit with no keyboard required , this means the whole unit can be wheeled into a classroom and ready to go in minutes. We have also made another version of this exhibit for the Edinburgh International Science festival that was designed for a festival in Abu Dhabi

GSC SEPA
What's in the air around you?
Timeline: 3 months
Client: Glasgow Science Centre for SEPA
Value: £25k
Aim: GSC were working with SEPA to produce a small permanent display on floor 2 of GSC. FifeX came in to produce the hardware and electronics. We teamed up with Luma 3D on one of the games.
What we did: GSC have their own in-house design team and we worked with them to get the look and feel of the exhibition including the tables and backboards. Prototyping was required on some of the more complex components.
Tables and basic structure were made in birch ply with white Corian and a laminate. The exhibits fitted into this and graphics were printed on top.

On the tables we did some work with Corian to produce little resin encapsulations - these were housed in Corian rings - and we made a matching holder for these all to sit inside.

The abacus and 'air quality' game were made in various materials and are set into desks mounted against the wall. The 'air quality' game is a puzzle and produces sounds and lights when pieces are placed correctly - for this, we used backlit Corian showing icons for each correct answer.

The whole backboard functions as a touch panel with different areas triggering animations and pictures onscreen.

Whitelee Wind Farm Visitor Centre

Wind Tunnel and Energy Bike

Timeline: 2 months

Client: Scottish Power

Value: £15k

Aim: To upgrade the existing energy bike interactive and build a large wind tunnel exhibit

What we did: We replaced the electronics in the energy bike and gave the whole exhibit a face lift , on the wind tunnel we designed and prototyped the blower and control system. The tunnel was designed to transported in pieces and assembled on-site

Kingdom Of Funghi

Timeline: 4 months

Client: Aberdeen University

Value: £22k

Aim: To produce a full exhibition in ASC to tell the story of how important Funghi are in medical research

What we did: We designed a stand that was robust but kept the cost down so that the budget could be focused on the content

We designed an arcade machine to house a game provided by the client and produced a number of av activities , simple interactives like jigsaws and lift up flaps were included and even a place to take a selfie

Fort George
Bastion of Britain Casemate Exhibition
Timeline: 3 months
Client: Historic Scotland
Value: £25k
Aim: To produce a new exhibition in one of the casemates at Fort George. Designs had been completed and FifeX was to produce these including the creation of two interactive exhibits.
What we did: We worked with Historic Scotland and their design team to work out a way of producing what they needed within their budget. The design had to be modular and also moveable as it was expected that the exhibition might move to the adjacent casemate in the near future.
A prototype unit was created in which we were able to demo various paint finishes and materials as well as show a series of options for the lighting. Final details were arranged before production started.

At the same time, we worked on the concepts for the interactives which were to be incredibly simple but fun and tie in with the key messages of the exhibition. This had to go in parallel with the development of the content. The final designs demonstrate both the size and structure of the walls of the fort and thought has been given to the life of the exhibits - in particular, we produced spare parts for the bits that might go missing!

The final installation took part in two stages and we worked with their onsite team to ensure everyone was happy. A mid-summer visit during its first season was carried out to ensure things were working properly.

External Link to Client's Website: Historic Scotland

Foreshore Finds

Timeline: 6 months

Client: Museum Of London

Value: £60k

Aim: To replace an old exhibit with a modern maintenance free exhibit

What we did: We designed an exhibit mainly in hard wearing corian , the water flow and function of the dams was very important to the client and these were prototyped and tested before the build of the final exhibit , all parts of this exhibit were designed to keep the maintenance down to the minimum and be as hard wearing as possible

Surgeons Museum

Rib Spreader , Laparoscopy and Knot Tying

Timeline: 3 months

Client: Surgeons Museum - Edinburgh

Value: £8k

Aim:To work with the clients design team to create 3 interactive exhibits to compliment objects displayed in the museum

What we did: We designed an exhibit that allows visitors to experience what it’s like to open a patients rib cage using a rib spreader , this

was a challenging design as it has to show how much force is required and be able to stand up to the amount of visitors the museum sees

We used an actual rib spreader for this and actual tools for the laparoscopy exhibit that allows users to experience key hole surgery

The final exhibit allows visitors to try their hand at tying some of the knots used in surgery

NWEET Energy Bike

We can Reduce and Save

Timeline: 2 months

Client: Northamptonshire County Council

Value: £4k

Aim: To produce and deliver a bike that could be a semi-permanent display. The bike should allow people to power three devices and should not require power itself.

What we did: We get asked to make quite a few energy bikes these days but this one was a little bit different. The client wanted the bike to be completely independent of power and for the devices to only be powered by the energy people could generate - so no batteries, no approximations, just straight power!The bike works using an alternator and a training stand - the bike is a real bike and nothing is hidden away from view. Users can power a radio, a fan or a small heater and you can guess which is the hardest!The bike sits on its own plinth which has hand holes for moving if required.

External Link to Project Website: http://www.nweet.co.uk

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.nweet.co.uk

TREE

A cutting-edge exhibition for a cutting-edge eco-centre

Timeline: 1 year

Client: Tullis Russell Environmental Education

Value: £100k

Aim: To produce a semi-permanent exhibition spanning four topics. Exhibition to be completely bespoke and include activities, lessons, graphics and worksheets. FifeX to produce exhibition content in consultation with client and education specialists and to design, develop and deliver the whole exhibition from beginning to end.

What we did: TREE is a cutting-edge environmental education centre built on the site of an old social club within the grounds of the Tullis Russell Paper Mill.The building has been built in the most up-to-date building methods to be as envornmentally friendly as possible. As part of the project, TREE needed a cutting edge portable exhibition and FifeX worked throughout 2013 to design, build and deliver this.Working around four main themes: Climate, Biodiversity, Energy and Resources, the design team which included Stuco and The Ecology Centre in Kinghorn as well as FifeX's own team, produced the displays and a small introduction unit.The units are designed to look like flowing paper and everything on them is curved in white - making them was fun. The glossy paper look contrasts with the oak boards and the bright CMYK colour scheme to create an exciting appearance.Each of the units is completely bespoke with interactive content, games, challenges, graphics and illustrations all with finely-tuned themes and text. The activities include exciting games such as RUBBISH, where people have to recycle enough items to make something new and LUNCH, where people can compare what is in their lunch box, through to the CARBON COUNTER, which gives users a small receipt-style print out of the carbon footprint. Games like YOUR PLANET YOU DECIDE require more thinking time and are great group activities.To compliment the materials here, The Ecology Centre have produced introductory information for teachers, workshop programmes, worksheets and activities to go alongside the units and follow-up activities for the classroom to make sure that the whole experience has more of a lasting impact!Some of the individual exhibits are detailed separately - the photos below show various angles of the exhibition.

External Link to Project Website: http://www.thetreecentre.org/

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.thetreecentre.org/

Catacure - How Do Cararacts Affect Your Vision

Catacure Viewer

Timeline: 3 months
Client: Glasgow Science Centre for CATACURE
Value: £5k
Aim: We worked on a larger project for GSC to produce two small exhibitions on their top floor. As part of an exhibition about CATACURE, we were asked to make an exhibit to show the affect cataracts have on vision.

What we did: We designed a rotating viewer using grey corain , the labelling is done by engraving the corian and then filling the engrave , a backlight panel is designed to line up with the exhibit and show the affect of the different levels

Wood

Great Gas Journey

Timeline: 2 months

Client: Wood

Value: £6k

Aim:To develop a board game to allow the teaching of the Gas network

What we did: We designed a board game using pneumatic fittings and pipe , the players get to “buy” fittings and lengths of pipe and have to try and move the gas the furthest , once they have selected their pipes and fittings compressed air is sent through the board to show the path of the gas

What's in the box?

Timeline: 1 month

Client: Dundee Science Centre

Value: £800

Aim: To produce some small interactives to sit on top of a larger structure which we made as part of a new installation.

What we did: Box Clever and other interactives were all simple ideas and were put together from concept and delivered within a matter of weeks. The deadline was very tight.Recently featured in The Courier, Box Clever asks users to guess what is in each of the three boxes without opening them.Even the staff don't know what's in the boxes and they have had some amazing guesses!

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.sensation.org.uk/

Small Table-top exhibits for NMS

Timeline: 2 months

Client: NMS

Value: £1500

Aim: To create two small interactive experiments for the Get Energised project - this exciting project was a fantastic programme where school groups could investigate Scotland's energy needs and look in detail at renewables. Throughout a day's session, groups can learn, experiment and ultimately compete in a design competition. FifeX's kit had to be portable and reliable for a heavy use.

What we did: The budget was quite tight so we worked to the client to design the parts for 3D printing - all the moving parts were printed - this allowed us to be able to quickly replicate replacement parts as required during the project.Once the design and prototyping work was done, the relatively cheap cost of producing the parts was a real bonus for the client. We've used the 3D printer on a few projects now but the bright yellow components for this project really stood out and formed a vital part of the project.

Testimonial: "FifeX produced a number of unique pieces of equipment for us to use during renewable energy sessions with secondary pupils. FifeX have been excellent at responding to our feedback, updating and changing the design as the project has evolved. Teachers, upon seeing the equipment for the first time, always praise the design and operation of the equipment, and often want to borrow it themselves!"
Sarah Cowie, NMS

External Link to Project Website: http://www.nms.ac.uk/about-us/schools-programme/get-energised/

Which Radiotherapy

Royal Society Summer Science

Timeline: 2 months

Client: Guys and St Thomas Hospital

Value: £8k

Aim: Build a portable exhibit that was to used at the Royal Society Summer Science festival , as ever with RS exhibits the topic was very complex and making that into a fun and intresting interactive is always a challenge

What we did: We designed a portable unit that used a backlighting system to show the various processes used in radio therapies , the unit was completely self contained and built to be light and portable while still visually appealing

Power Generation

Timeline: 3 months

Client: Pitlochry Visitor Centre

Value: £15k

Aim: We were asked to produce exhibits about power generation for part of the exhibition on the ground floor.

What we did: Working with Campbell and Co., we worked up ideas for a few exhibits which were whittled down to the three that we made. The client was SSE and they had a very clear idea about what they wanted to show. Designs were produced and mock-ups of certain parts. Two of the exhibits were classic mechanical exhibits and the third was an electronic game where users investigate a power line and see what happens if they get the transformers the wrong way round!The mechanical exhibits were designed to be completely real and work was put in to ensure that they were do-able by users of all ages. We show users the effort required to light a standard halogen bulb and they can compare this to an LED. There is also a magneto where users actually light a bulb by physically turning a magnet inside a coil.The exhibits were installed onsite as part of the initial installation.

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.pitlochrydam.com/

Biodiversity

Living Landscapes

Timeline: 4 months

Client: Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

Value: £8k

Aim: To replace an existing display on site with a modern interactive showing the areas of Biodiversity in Edinburgh

What we did: The whole unit was designed in 3d to fit within the existing frame , the challenge was to have 5 large rotating triangles within a very tight space , there are only a few millimetres of a gap between the tip of the triangles and the front cover. The design aesthetic was to have as a little a gap between the triangles so that the graphic of the map was seen as a complete image. Using various sensors , encoders and stepper motors we can turn each of the triangles precisely into place

Vision For the Future

Touring Exhibition

Timeline: 2 years

Client: Millimetre Wave Group at University of St Andrews

Value: £25k

Aim: What if you could see through terrorists' clothes to detect hidden weapons? Or look to see how a volcano is changing underneath all the cloud and smoke? Advances in millimetre wave imaging technology allow you to do just that. The aim of the project was to address all these questions in a touring exhibition. All the usual criteria were important like portability, ease of setup and robustness.

What we did: The touring exhibition was developed over quite a long time with a lot of prototyping and the final result was a hugely successful exhibition that is still in use today.All the way through the process we consulted with education professionals - aiming to tie our messages into the curriculum wherever possible. We engaged professional evaluators to speak to our audiences and find out what worked and what didn't.The exhibition includes many elements such as graphic and software design - there are presentations, an IR camera, various imagers and small interactives as well as some working radars and large-scale interactives.Different elements of the exhibition can be used for different purposes and it breaks down into small touring workshops that can be transported using just a normal-sized car.

Testimonial: "I have worked with FifeX on a number of outreach projects to showcase our research to the public for almost ten years now, ranging from table-top interactives for school workshops to full sized exhibition pieces for display at science museums. FifeX have always been there when it mattered, particularly in the few weeks and months after installation when damage by the public has occurred! The staff are committed to getting the job done, both during and beyond the project timescales and I have always been impressed by their dedication to each individual project's success."
Dr David Macfarlane, Research Scientist and Vision for the Future co-ordinator. University of St Andrews

External Link to Project Website: http://www.vision4thefuture.org.uk

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~mmwave/

What Ahab Never Saw

The Life of Deep Diving Mammals

Timeline: 6 months

Client: Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at the University of St Andrews

Value: £20k

Aim: To produce a custom exhibition for the Royal Society Summer Exhibition. To work with the client and create the concepts right through to producing the exhibition including interactives, models, graphics and software.

What we did: The exhibition includes: Custom built exhibition stand incorporating the latest in media player technology Full size model whaleOver-sized cartesian diver interactive Interactive to compare users voices again mammal sounds Multi-media booth looking at some cutting edge methods for tagging marine mammals without harming themSince the initial outing at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, the exhibition has appeared at numerous venues including Buckingham Palace, the Centre for Life (Newcastle) and Cheltenham Science Festival.

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.smru.st-and.ac.uk/

Audio Player

A flexible audio player for various projects / clients

Client: Various including National Library of Scotland, Orkney Brewery, Forth Valley Hospitals, West Highland Museum...

Value: < £1k

Aim: To produce an audio system that is simple and affordable and allows the client to change their audio files easily. To allow clients to incorporate this into whatever they need, be it cabinets, boxes, walls or in fact to have it on show. Could it be easily installed by a client themselves? Could it be sent out in the post?

What we did: We've worked on various versions of a very simple system. Run from a small board, the audio player allows you to play audio randomly or in order. It can be triggered from a button or a sensor. Multiple sensors can trigger multiple files. Really, in terms of the way it works, it's totally flexible.Data is stored on an SD card, so to change the files, you can just pull the card out and change them over - it's easy. With the SD cards being very affordable - if you're in any way worried about the files, you can simply keep one card with a complete back up of the original files.The system is compact and can play through a panel-mounted speaker or headphones or if you wanted, you could just plug in a set of computer speakers.The production of these units is so affordable that in a number of cases, clients have asked for a spare unit - in the event that anything were to go wrong, the spare can just be substituted with no down-time whatsoever.

Herriot Watt University

Royal Society Summer Science

Timeline: 3 months

Client: HW

Value: £18k

Aim: To design and build a full exhibition on High Speed Rail for the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition

What we did: The set was built to look like the front of a high speed train , and integrated 2 large screens for use with a VR game , we also built a large vibration tank with accelerometers to monitor the vibrations , the whole backdrop was themed as a train and even had a scrolling destination guide!

Fluorescing Cells!

Timeline: 6 months

Client: University of St Andrews, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy

Value: £15k

Aim: To extend the previous project 'Tripping the Light Fantastic' and add a number of new exhibits for a new tour. The two main exhibits were two large cells - the Talking Cell and the Fluorescing Cell - these should be portable table-top interactive exhibits.

What we did: Fluorescing Cell - Cells behave in peculiar ways when under the influence of certain colours of light. This interactive explores those properties and goes someway towards explaining the chemical composition of Cells.The giant 'clover' light sources (high powered LEDs) simulate the shining of coloured light; the cell responds in the appropriate way. The cell also has IR LEDs which function when the red light is shone onto them, however, users can't see anything happening until the webcam (located in one of the clovers) is turned on. This is extremely popular especially when coupled up to an external monitor.Talking Cell - A magnified interactive version of a human cell, users can press elements in the cell to find out what is going on!The cell has been designed to work in self-standing mode where internal audio is used or in 'external' mode where the exhibit can be connected to a TV / monitor or overhead projector and movies and onscreen images are displayed in conjunction with the cell.

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk

High definition play!

Timeline: 3 months

Client: Millimetre Wave Group at University of St Andrews

Value: £2k

Aim: How do you explain resolution to people without a TV, monitor or video camera? We were to develop small portable, table-top interactives to aid the discussion of resolution

What we did: An interactive exhibit kit built to help users understand about resolution is based on the age old pin board system. Various shapes allow people of all ages to explore how differences in resolution (i.e. pin size in this case) can effect the image that they can produce. On the larger pins, some shapes are unrecognisable.

External Link to Project Website: http://www.vision4thefuture.org.uk

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~mmwave/

Wheel Of Flooding Fortune

Timeline: 2 months

Client: HW University

Value: £12k

Aim: To design an interactive and create a software game to allow users to make choices about home improvements related to flood prevention

What we did: We took guidance from Grant and his team at Heriot Watt’s School of the built environment and advice from SEPA too create a fun interactive game

users created the home improvements they wanted based a budget and then spun the wheel to pick a flooding event

Once the users were finished playing they got their own personalised receipt that also gave them some other flooding facts and web links for further reading

Force, Pressure and a lot of nails!

Timeline: 1 month

Client: Science Made Simple (and others)

Value: £500

Aim: To produce a seat / stool based on the 'bed of nails' idea. The stool would be easier to transport and form part of a touring workshop. It had to be the right size for anyone to use - from a small person or a large adult.

What we did: The Seat of Nails, our first ever educational resource, allows you to do just that; get pupils to sit on the nails and experience the strange sensation of sitting on something sharp without it hurting.The one shown in the picture uses a converted lab stool with some quite heavy-duty handles to support your weight as you lower yourself onto the nails.With over 600 nails the average person has the equivalent of less than 80g resting on a single nail - hence why it doesn't hurt.Either purchase the complete product from us or send us an old laboratory stool and we'll convert it into a seat of nails for you!

Testimonial: "Science made simple commissioned FiFex to design and construct a seat of nails for us for use in our touring Sports show. They listened intently to our brief and were able to personalise the prop to our own branding. The resulting stool has had many hundreds of willing (and some unwilling!) volunteers sit on it to demonstrate the difference between Force and Pressure. After over 5 years of intensive use the prop is still going strong thanks to the sturdy construction and solid design"
Wendy Sadler, Science Made Simple

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.sciencemadesimple.co.uk/

Medicine in Glasgow, past and present

Timeline: 6 months

Client: The Hunterian, Glasgow

Value: £20k

Aim: The aim was to develop some exhibits about health to tie in with a renovation that was being completed in the museum. We had to propose a number of ideas, 6 of which were selected to be built.

What we did: FifeX created 6 interactives all based on important aspects of health:Virus & Antibodies - Users explore the interaction of antibodies with viruses and the result of virus mutation.Which Joint? - A hands-on exhibit to introduce people to the difference in the way knee joints behave in people with Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis compared to a normal, healthy joint. By moving the joint with their hand, users can feel (and hear!) the difference between the three joints! LCD shutters allow information panels to 'appear' when the joint is being used.One Life Bandit - An exciting software based exhibit where the user is asked to input their current lifestyle characteristics and then observe how this impacts their future chances of survival. The aim of the game is for the user to reach the age of 100, and receive a telegram from the Queen! As the user advances through the game they observe how their lifestyle factors increase their risk of certain diseases before giving them minor incidents in those areas. Each time, risks (based on real statistics) are calculated and their outcome is decided. If you survive the minor incident, the game allows you to change your lifestyle habits, in the hope that you can still make it to 100!Multiple Sclerosis - This exhibit is a simple yet graphic demonstration of how the process of de-myelination of CNS nerve fibres gives rise to significant changes in their function. The visitor is encouraged to stimulate the dendrites of each nerve by repeatedly pressing on the 'dendrite' buttons until the stimulated nerve is triggered. The normal cell shows normal saltatory conduction (slowed down for the exhibit). The nerve impulse is conducted rapidly along the axon and repolarisation is fast so the nerve is soon able to be stimulated again. In contrast, the damaged nerve shows only continuous conduction, which is slow. Repolarisation also takes a great deal longer so the user has to wait longer before the nerve can be stimulated again.Arteriosclerosis - A simple interactive demonstrating the consequences of loss of arterial elasticity. Users are invited to pump the handpump to see the how the blood flow is different in an 'artery' that is in a normal condition and one that has lost its elasticiBlood Pressure - The centre piece exhibit allows users to appreciate of how hard their heart works and to demonstrate how this load is significantly increased with raised blood pressure. The exhibit, 3m high, gives the user 5 different pressures that they can pump with their legs. Moving up from the lowest pressure the user notices that it gets increasingly difficult to pump the 'blood'. With legs tiring quickly the aim is to leave a lasting impression on the effects of blood pressure problems.

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian/

Race against the clock to make your waste into something useful!

Timeline: 4 months

Client: Nature's World

Value: £12k

Aim: The aim was to develop an interactive that put a positive slant on recycling by getting users to appreciate what can be made from common household waste.

What we did: We developed a large scale game where users have to put rubbish into actual wheelie bins. Using RFID, we tracked what users were doing and controlled this using a bespoke computer game.Users have to rummage through the household waste to find the right material and place it into the correct bins or fear contaminating the system and having to start all over again!The software has varying difficulty levels; some even require multiple users to complete the challenge in the time given. A unique and engaging interactive museum exhibit for all ages.

Testimonial: "I have no hesitation in recommending Fifex as a first class interactive design & development operation."

"At all stages of my 'Interactive Race to Recycle' project, Craig and his team were exceptionally creative, helpful and perhaps more importantly, really seemed to understand the purpose of what I was trying to achieve. In my experience this latter quality is a rare quality in interactive exhibit development!"

"In all Fifex is a very rare find nowadays, a professional organisation that doesn't rely on advertising but prospers from satisfied customer references and word of mouth."
Simon Sykes, Nature's World

Encouraging environmental awareness

Timeline: 2 months

Client: By Design

Value: £6k

Aim: To create a suite of desktop interactives that would compliment 'Climate Cops'; a new multi-media resource aimed at pupils aged from 7-11. The interactives had to be robust, transportable and intuitive to use.

What we did: FifeX created 4 interactives: Hand Generator - allowing users to appreciate 'what is energy?'Wind Turbine - experiment the effects of increasing the number of vanes, the size, shape and weight of each vane and finally the orientationWater Power - demonstration tool to show how we can harness the force of water to produce electricityTransformer Station - step-up / step-down transformerWe also refurbished and repaired some existing older exhibits including a water power exhibit by incorporating a speed control for the water pump thus allowing users to correlate the wheel speed to the amount of energy it produces.We have continued working with By Design and their client, providing maintenance on these products for the heavy usage that they receive on the road!

External Link to Project Website: http://www.climatecops.com/

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.bydesign-group.co.uk/

Safer Routes To School

Updates and new table top games

Timeline: 3 months

Client: Cambridgeshire County Council

Value: £6k

Aim: To refresh some exhibits we made around 12 years ago and produce some new table top games for use in the SRTS project

What we did: SRTS has been a long term project for us and we have produced a range of exhibits for this client , on this project we refreshed some existing exhibits and made 2 small desktop exhibits about cycling

A set of interactives aimed at exploring the properties of electromagnetic waves

Timeline: 1 month

Client: Millimetre Wave Group at University of St Andrews

Value: £1k

Aim: To produce three small table-top interactives showing users how different wavelengths travel through different materials. Users should be able to move materials in and out of the sensors to see the results. Results to be displayed simply on waggle-metres.

What we did: Each interactive houses a wavelength specific transmitter and a receiver, with a small gap in between. By placing materials between the transmitter/receiver users investigate which materials you can 'see' through using different wavelengths; visible, IR and millimetre waves. The reading from the receiver is displayed on a meter on both sides of the exhibit.The small interactives were produced on a very tight timescale and are light and very portable.

External Link to Project Website: http://www.vision4thefuture.org.uk

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~mmwave/

Forth Valley Children’s Hospital

Timeline: 1 month

Client: FVH

Value: £1k

Aim: To build some small interactive elements to be displayed in a children’s ward as part of an art installation

What we did: Built 4 bird boxes, 2 with integrated mp3 players and 2 with kaleidoscopes

Light, Colour, Force and Tetris with atoms!

Timeline: 2 years during 2003 - 2004

Client: Prof. Kishan Dholakia, University of St Andrews

Value: £30k

Aim: To produce a touring workshop and exhibition for display in science festivals, schools and other venues. To work with the academics to develop the core ideas and learning outcomes and then design exhibits around these ideas. To advise on many aspects of the logistics and project management.

What we did: We worked right from the start to produce an exhibition that could be a static display and an interactive workshop. Working with the team we designed ideas that were affordable and robust for the type of activities they wanted to go to.We prototyped many aspects of the project to get to final designs that worked - we used various small control groups to advise us on designs as we proceeded.All designs had to take into account things like vehicle space for touring - many shows were to be done simply with a car and one person, so weight was also crucial.The final designs were built and over the course of the project some were adapted. Many of the elements are still in use today.We also organised many of the logistics involved and project managed the tour to South Africa for the SASOL Scifest.

Testimonial: "I have found FifeX extremely professional and accomplished to work with. Both Kenneth and Craig have been innovative and supportive and I have found the interaction a real pleasure. FifeX have formed a core part of this proposal and I am enthused with working with them in months to come to ensure our project is a success. I think they are an outstanding young company in this field and give them my highest recommendation."
Kishan Dholakia

External Link to Client's Website: http://photon.st-andrews.ac.uk/manipulation/

Meningitis

From Hitchhiker to Killer Bug

Timeline: 3 months

Client: University of Oxford

Value: £2.5k

Aim: To produce 3 small exhibits for the client to exhibit at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition in 2004. Each exhibit concept had been created, so the aim was purely to find a way of building them on the budget and timescale. The key outcomes were: What bacteria are and what they look likeHow they can differ their outer membrane components through switching genes on or offHow this determines whether or not they cause diseaseWhy vaccines are so important in prevention of meningitisHow the changing surface molecules of the bacteria cause complications for vaccine design

What we did: We built three exhibits, one of which was a model of a bug, one was an interactive game where you have to match an antibody to a virus and the final exhibit was a jigsaw with multiple solutions.Each exhibit was simple enough but thought was required to produce them on the budget and in the short time available.The exhibits were delivered on budget and in time and went down very well in London at the exhibition.

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/paediatrics/

Aperol Spritz Bar

Construction of a full size portable bar for Aperol Spritz UK

Timeline: About 6 weeks

Client: Light Blue UK

Value: £10k

Aim: To produce a portable bar for the event. It should be a massive 6m x 4m, use-able from both sides, portable and made in about a month.

What we did: The bar design that we were given needed some tweaks and this took a bit of time. Eventually we ended up with a design that everyone was happy with. It was hard to make the unit genuinely portable so we built it in 7 distinct sections that fixed together.The structure was huge so keeping it lightweight was essential. The final pieces were lightweight but also very sturdy. The boxes to hold the bottles were solid and fitted into the carcasses.The unit had to look stunning and the overall quality of all components in the event was very high. The finish had to be immaculate and FifeX had some challenges to get the perfect curves that you can see in the picture.The final graphics and LEDs were added to make the bar look the part!

Testimonial: "We gave Fifex a challenging brief to produce a key element to our outdoor experiential activity for Aperol Spritz, and the back bar they produced delivers scale and wow-factor, while maintaining a quality look and feel"
Keith Campbell, Light Blue UK Business Director

External Link to Project Website: https://www.facebook.com/ukaperolspritz

Reflection and Refraction

Watching light behave at boundaries

Timeline: 3 months

Client: This product has been produced in various forms for various clients.

Value: £2k

Aim: To show some core ideas about optics in a really fun and engaging way. Understanding reflection and refraction is crucial to understanding many things on many projects we have worked on. One of the hardest parts of designing this exhibit is allowing users to control it, whilst making the laser safe. Working with water always presents a challenge!

What we did: All versions of this are similar and involve a laser module which is restricted in movement. Users can move the laser and watch the angles and the behaviour as the laser hits the boundary between air and water.Two small Class 1 lasers are housed, one above water level and one below, in a fail-safe environment and users are encouraged to investigate the affects of altering the angle of the laser beam, with the aim of finding the 'critical angle'.This interactive activity can be a stand-alone exhibit or a portable demo / prop, it has been used in both these capacities.

Do you have 007 credentials?

Timeline: 6 months

Client: Institute of Physics, Lab In a Lorry

Value: £1k

Aim: To produce a small table-top maze exhibit allowing users to use a boroscope for the first time.

What we did: Users have the chance to use a boroscope to navigate their way round an unknown maze to find a hidden object. Adustable internal walls makes the challenege unique every time!

Testimonial: "FifeX have provided Lab in a Lorry with great experimental kit that the students find engaging to interact with. The bespoke solutions help us to present our experiments in ways that schools ordinarily can not do. By making the kit user friendly, interactive and fun, it helps us to get across the wow factor as we try to inspire and enthuse the next generation of British scientists."
James Bamford, Lab in a Lorry, Operations Coordinator

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.labinalorry.org/

Act on CO2 Walkway

What can you do to reduce your emissions?

Timeline: 3 weeks

Client: Trimedia

Value: £4k

Aim: To create an interactive walkway to fit into a touring exhibition that would help users understand a few key messages about reducing carbon emissions. It must be portable, light but robust and easy to set up.

What we did: Our finished walkway fitted in with the existing exhibition. As users step along the walkway, they trigger sounds, unique to the footprint they are on. Key points about reducing carbon emmissions are played through an inbuilt speaker system.The interactive walkway was completed in under 2 weeks from start to finish and was put to heavy use during the duration of the project.

Testimonial: "We worked with Fifex on a tight timescale to produce an interactive walkway. Fifex were helpful in meeting our deadlines and providing us with creative support. Everyone was pleased with the final result and it stood up to hundreds of children using it over 10 weeks."
Beck Lonsdale, Trimedia

External Link to Project Website: http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk

External Link to Client's Website: http://tri-media.com/

Royal Observatory

Refreshing Optics Interactive Exhibits

Timeline: 6 weeks

Client: Royal Observatory, Edinburgh

Value: £8k

Aim: To freshen up a series of exhibits in the dome at the Observatory. These exhibits are time-tested and have proven to be successful for over 20 years - 2014 was the time to freshen them up, improve aspects of them and generally improve the appearance for a visitor.

What we did: The history of the exhibits in ROE is pretty interesting - since finishing the project, I've discovered that Richard Ellam repackaged them back in '97 and a further repackaging was what we were asked to do this time.The three exhibits in question included 'splitting white light', an exploratory light table with a variety of optics and a spectroscopy exhibit where various gas tubes are viewed through diffraction gratings.In the last few years we've significantly scaled up our in-house capabilities and for projects of this size, all fabrication is done in-house which makes life a lot easier. Despite their fairly simple outward appearance, the rounded corners were an interesting challenge and we used a range of materials and techniques including the 3D printer and laser-cutter. This week there's been lots of discussion about acrylic and the top of the prism table has a very nice example of this, which was made for us by Bay Plastics in Newcastle - a company we can highly recommend.The spectroscopy exhibit is highly effective and in the photos you can see the beautiful spectrum created by them which is viewable at a good distance from the tubes. We haven't adjusted the initial setup for powering the tubes and it seems that in '97 Richard didn't either so there's still a mystery about who created them in the first place!So, the exhibits live on in their new form - there's something to be said for these classic physics experiments - they're simple and engaging and even for the seasoned physicist, they're still fun to play with! Let's hope they have plenty life in them yet!

Testimonial: "Working with FifeX was an absolute joy. The guys really understood the requirements of the exhibits - from the concepts they were describing, to the target audience - and were able to offer ideal solutions."
Tania Johnston, Senior Public Engagement Officer, Royal Observatory Edinburgh

External Link to Project Website: http://ltclarkuk.wordpress.com/2014/09/09/observatory-interactives-get-a-facelift/

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.roe.ac.uk/

In Motion

Large-scale touring exhibition for Edinburgh Science Festival 2012

Timeline: 4 months

Client: Edinburgh International Science Festival

Value: £100k

Aim: To create an engaging touring exhibition that celebrates the science of human movement through sport, technology and dance. The exhibition, InMotion, needs to combine interactive and graphical content from a variety of academic and commercial institutions with novel hands-on exhibits that allow users to learn through exploration.

What we did: The initial concepts, developed by Stuart Kerr at Stuco, centred around having 6 fully transportable units that all fitted comfortably inside a container for future world-wide travel. Our role was to develop these concepts and produce full working designs for the main structures and design, prototype and create all the interactive elements that were not being supplied by academic / commercial institutions - all within 4 months!The exhibition itself was split into three sections: How We Move, Pushing The Limits and Scottish Innovation. Each section had two units, with each unit having varying degrees of interactivity integrated with eye-catching static graphics, designed by Chris Peters. With just one month to go, additional funding meant we were asked to create a further unit for Pushing The Limits, which we took from concept to delivery in that month!FifeX had to take a holistic approach to ensure the success of the project, liaising closely with the academics and commercial partners, the subcontractors and of course Stuart and Chris. Interactive elements included things like 'Muscle Power' (hand bikes to calculate users peak power), 'Human Power' (dynamos that powered a light suit) and 'Squeeze Me' (how hard can you grip an object) to name a few.Every aspect of our work was included in this project, from writing custom software and firmware to control electronics to mechanical and electro-mechanical design - we even wrote an interface to control a prosthetic hand which was supplied to the client by Touch Bionics in Livingston.The experience for the user was very interactive and informative and visitors were encouraged to register their results on a results board but also to vote on ethical and moral issues using a series of custom voting stations implemented in the units.The exhibition premiered in the newly refurbished Grand Gallery at the National Museum of Scotland on Chamber St as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival 2012. During the Science Festival 157,000 visited the Museum - at peak times this matched the numbers seen during the reopening which was the summer before. InMotion saw approximately 30,000 visitors during the 17 days it was on display.

Testimonial: "With InMotion we set FifeX a hugely challenging task; we wanted a lot of interactivity with some quite complicated activities, many of which were entirely unique. And we came to them with a very tight budget and timescale. FifeX showed a really positive 'can-do' attitude to these challenges and worked hard to help us achieve our aims within the means we had. They worked very closely and collaboratively with us as the client and with the concept and graphic designers. I am very pleased with how the final product turned out and we estimate that up to 30,000 visitors to the National Museum of Scotland over the Science Festival 2012 interacted with InMotion. I look forward to seeing InMotion on tour at other venues over the next two years and I hope to have the opportunity to work with FifeX again."
Lyndsey Clark, Freelance Project Manager for Edinburgh Science Festival

"Working with FifeX over a 4 month period I found they had a genuine interest in making this Exhibition a success right from the start. They went the extra mile to ensure the graphics I was producing would integrate seamlessly with what was being produced in their workshop. They worked extremely well as a team to deliver an exceptional interactive exhibition for Edinburgh Science Festival, and I would be delighted to work with them again in the future."
Chris Peters, Graphic Designer

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/

3D print for children

A product to help children who have problems with dexterity

Timeline: 2 months

Client: Kirsty Simpson - student from Edinburgh

Value: £1500

Aim: To produce a working prototype of a product designed by Kirsty that would be used in schools and nurseries. Children with reduced dexterity would use the product and receive feedback as they assembled it correctly - a small buzz from the toy. It had to be light and easily assembled but also robust and the whole unit had to spin on its axis.

What we did: The product idea was already well developed by Kirsty when we came into the project but work was required on how it would be assembled and how the electronics would work. A small vibrating motor, buzzer and battery were all housed inside this small unit and the whole thing had to be 3D printed.FifeX worked with Kirsty to refine the design through 3 prototypes. The final design came together nicely and Kirsty had time to house it in a bespoke soft cover to make it appealing and interesting to look at.The project was a success and Kirsty was awarded a 1st for her work on the design.

for Blood Transfusion

Timeline: 6 months

Client: University of Edinburgh, MRC

Value: £20k

Aim: The hands-on exhibition, developed for the Royal Society Summer Exhibition 2010, discusses stem cells and their potential for use in future medicine. Based on the £2.9M Wellcome Trust funded collaborative research project, 'Proof of principle: human embryonic stem cell derived red cell concentrates for clinical transfusion', project scientists are working together to generate a limitless and infection-free supply of red blood cells in the laboratory from human embryonic stem cells for use in clinical blood transfusion. The aim was to produce the exhibition from concept right through to installation. FifeX was to be involved in every single aspect of development, including the project management.

What we did: FifeX worked on this project over a few months and developed all the ideas with the team. The ideas were developed and built and the whole exhibition came together for a training day with 2 weeks to go before the exhibition. In London, FifeX was on hand, installing the exhibition and making last-minute tweaks before the big event. There were many parts to this exhibition, the main ones are listed below.The Stem Cell Lab - The first part of a 2-part exhibit, the Stem Cell Lab encourages users to generate a 'cure' for Stem Cell Stella. Users start with a stem cell and have to make some key decisions to affect what cure they produce for poor Stella! This interactive exhibit can be used at a variety of levels and explains to users how one stem cell can differentiate into different cell types; the pluripotent nature of stem cells. If and when the user successfully generates a 'cure' that Stem Cell Stella requires, they can then 'feed' Stella the cure and complete the process.Stem Cell Stella - This is part of a 2-part exhibit but does stand-alone if required. When coupled with the Stem Cell Lab, Stem Cell Stella is the last part of the exhibition. In part 1, Stem Cell Lab, users will have generated a 'cure' for Stella and in this section they have to use it to cure her. It is based on the simple children's activity of fitting the right shapes into the right holes; on this exhibit there are 6 'cures' that can be used and each one generates a recorded cheer from some young people when it is correctly inserted. Each 'cure' can be developed from a stem cell and this, coupled with the Lab, demonstrates the pluripotency of stem cells.The Stem Cell Challenge software asks users a series of questions about stem cells, blood and the development of new medicines.The key features of the design are the following:The client can update the questions easily through a text file and can have several versions with different difficulties so that the game can easily be adapted for any audience.The amount of questions and topics can be changed at any timeMany of the on-screen design features are edit-able by the clientThe game can be played in 2 player or 1 player modeThe user input is via radio controlled handsets (with plenty spare ones!) meaning that it can be played in close proximity or in a lecture theatre environment.

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.ed.ac.uk

Global Renewables

If the World were a Village?

Timeline: 3 months

Client: Global Renewables

Value: £7k

Aim: To produce a set of board games for younger children to use on the floor at their centre. The client had some prototypes and a good idea of what they needed but was looking for a company to come in and produce the finished boards.

What we did: We engaged the services of Lyndsey Clark (Interpretation Consultant) who worked with our client to refine their ideas and review the prototype models - she quickly produced a plan for moving forward and we could move to design stage very quickly.The graphics for the unit were crucial and the interplay between these and the engineering of the units required careful thought. Eventually we settled on a range of interactive elements for each board and were able to start thinking about making them engaging and fun.The final units include pull-out questions as well as the main activity and lots of little details and questions. Each board has its own theme and the graphics reflect this. As you can see from the photos, the final set look great when they're all used together and they lend themselves well to working on the floor.Little design features were included like the acrylic covers to protect everything. All the moving parts are easily replaceable and although the units are pretty tough, the backs can be removed fairly easily to put in new graphics if required at any time.

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.globalrenewables.co.uk/

Hearing

A table-top interactive for the MRC

Timeline: 1 month

Client: Medical Research Council

Value: £4k

Aim: An interactive was required for the edinburgh science festival - we were on a very short timescale - less than a month. The activity should be a model ear with areas where people could put their hands in to pull out wax. The model was to look realistic. Finally it should have a small screen to incorporate some software being developed at Glasgow University.

What we did: There wasn't a lot of time on the project at all. Parts were purchased and prototyped at the same time.FifeX makes regular use of its 3D printer and this was no exception, all the small intricate parts were prototyped and printed several times to ensure they fitted perfectly.FifeX took care of all the graphics on this project to ensure that it moved quickly. Everything fitted together nicely and we even made 3D prints of cochlear implants to go on the front of the unit.The software developed by Glasgow University is fantastic and allows people to hear their own voice in the way that someone with various hearing problems might experience it - this type of interactive is hugely interesting to people and most of its users will know someone who has a hearing problem of some kind so its message is usually quite close to home for people.The unit was a huge success at the festival and we hope it will have a good life beyond. It is portable and requires very little power so there's no reason it can't have a good life yet!

Testimonial: "FifeX did a brilliant job to deliver an interactive 'Playing with Sound' game for use at science festivals and other public events. They devised a design solution to meet our budget and built the kit on a demandingly tight timescale. The team are fantastic and I strongly recommend them."
Hazel Lambert, Medical Research Council Communications Manager

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.mrc.ac.uk/

Out of the kitchen and into the lab!

Timeline: 1 month

Client: Edinburgh International Science Festival

Value: £1k

Aim: To produce a static exhibition which shows some of the more interesting properties of cornflour. To house a speaker and allow a small plate with cornflour on it to sit almost on top of it. The plate must be remove-able with ease but be held in place during use! The whole design had to be completed inside a month ready for the festival beginning.

What we did: Cornflour is a very interesting material as we all know. But this hands-on exhibit lets users investigate what happens when you put a plate of it on top of a speaker! The most bizarre shapes start to form and move around. These shapes help discuss non-newtonian behaviour in materials science.The whole system was designed inside in steel and four weighted corners held the plate in place.The exhibit premiered in Edinburgh in 2011 and is still in use.

Testimonial: "I first came to Fifex because their website offered that the company could be involved at any stage of development. I found them to be very flexible and understanding of our needs - they were exactly the company we required at the time. Fifex were able to understand the purpose of our interactives with insight, offering excellent solutions to the problems we presented to them. The final product was of a high standard and I would recommend their services to anyone looking for bespoke interactive and museum installations."
Matt Wright - Edinburgh International Science Festival

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/

A customisable, affordable, desktop multi-media booth

Timeline: 1 month

Client: Various, but first example was for University of St Andrews

Value: £1500

Aim: To make a multimedia booth that could be used for multiple purposes including: playing video; listening to audio; user interaction via screen, microphone and buttons; output to projector and external audio.

What we did: FifeX has produced a number of similar products; a table mounted, portable, multi-media station with audio and a large and very bright touchscreen!Options include: 17" or 19" touchscreen monitorUp to 5 fully customisable buttons - operated through a keyboard encoder to emulate any key you wish PC or MacFull sound system (up to 2 speakers and/or 4 handsets) each with individually adjustable audio controlCustomisable software to allow the playing of movies, sound files or simply showing imagesUSB terminal mounted in rear of booth for quick access to pen drives, webcam or keyboardsWebcamRemote login installed for FifeX remote supportOther optional hardware peripherals, such as wireless keyboards and mice, wireless network adapters and memory sticks (all operational through the external USB port)

Testimonial: "FifeX has been an extremely important partner in our preparations for a summer science exhibition at the Royal Society in 2007. They provided crucial guidance at very step during the lengthy preparations. They were able to understand our vision and help us implement it. We appreciated their capability of responding to special requirements, such as working directly with our workshop. As a result of this process they produced a set of interactives, which all worked very well and which were visually highly appealing. Many thanks"
Klaus Zuberbuhler, School of Psychology, University of St Andrews

Communicate!

The story of human communication

Timeline: 3 months

Client: National Museum Scotland

Value: £20k

Aim: To produce two hands-on interactives for the Communicate! Gallery at the Museum of Scotland

What we did: Initial concepts for the two interactives had already been produced by Stuco. The first was speaking tubes - a complex pattern of tubes that twist and turn throughout the exhibition space returning to an 'exchange' where users could 'connect' callers. The second interactive was a pair of Aldis lamps, like those still used on ships today.Speaking tubes: Three "caller" cones, individually colour coded, were installed at each end of the Communicate! gallery. These connected back to the "exchange" via a network of 76mm aluminium tubing. The connection tubing had to bent to shape by a specialist and brought on-site and secured to the gallery roof (approx 5m high) in large sections to keep audible loss (created at joints) down to a minimum. The "exchange", a desk housing all three tubes, allows a user to connect "calls" from the individual cones by using a flexible tube that snapped into place by way of magnets.Aldis Lamps: A simpler installation to achieve than the Speaking Tubes, we constructed two steel lamp housings and fitted an array of super-bright LEDs. Instead of having a mechanical mechanism to achieve the on/off action we decided to do it via electronics - hopefully increasing the longevity of the interactive. The lamps were bolted to the floor, about 10m apart, and users had to communicate by way of morse code.

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.nms.ac.uk/

Knockin Crag

Time

Timeline: 1 month

Client: National Trust for Scotland

Value: £5k

Aim: To refurbish 2 interactives that were 10 + years old and are installed in an outdoor location

What we did: Completely redesigned the mechanism and added features to improve the reliability , we also refreshed the graphics

These were built over 10 years ago by another supplier and no drawings or manuals existed so we had to effectively start from scratch

Shining Lights

The story of Scotland's lighthouses

Timeline: 8 weeks

Client: National Museums Scotland (NMS)

Value: £18k

Aim: To develop 4 interactive concepts into working, robust exhibits and install them at the National Museum of Scotland.

What we did: Working in collaboration with the NMS in-house design team, we first developed their designs for the exhibit housing into working (technical) drawings. Running alongside this, three out of the four interactives required varying degrees of prototyping, including adopting a new water-cutting technique to shape 60mm (thick) HDPE into workable 3-dimensional blocks for the lighthouses in Towers of Strength. Once water-cut the blocks were machined to create the tapered edges and polished.Re-tracing some of the difficulties of the engineers' work that we were seeking to display to the public, we ended up with some great model lighthouses that showed well the two different structural designs.Illuminating Scotland and Bright Enough required custom electronics and firmware; both of which were completed in-house and tested for a number of weeks prior to installation. Illuminating Scotland also required a highly sensitive custom 'slider' to control the 100 LEDs on the map. FifeX loves to work with Arduino, which provides a great platform for this type of project. In this case, we were able to run, evaluate and modify the code for the electronics onsite in Edinburgh, meaning that our client's requests for small changes were accomodated immediately with no fuss.During installation, it became clear that the wall was not sturdy enough for Illuminating Scotland. We quickly addressed the situation with NMS and an additional support structure was manufactured and installed before the opening.The exhibition was hugely popular and our repeated attempts to get photos of it during the normal day failed because so many people were using the exhibition constantly!

Testimonial: "We were exceptionally pleased with the products that Fifex created for our exhibition. Within a very limited time period they produced four high quality interactive exhibits that brought the exhibition to life for our visitors. We received numerous positive comments from people of all ages about the interactives, particularly the Illuminating Scotland interactive map, a unique exhibit that fulfilled our brief perfectly. The quality of the products was clear as they were still looking fresh and running smoothly after 6 months display and over 40,000 visitors. I wouldn't hesitate to work with Fifex again."
Sarah Teale, Exhibition Officer

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.nms.ac.uk/

Summer Science

Various projects for RS Summer Exhibition

Timeline: 2004 onwards

Value: £5k - £30k

Aim: To produce exciting exhibitions for groups from various universities in the UK so that they can exhibit in London at the prestigious Summer Science Exhibition.

What we did: FifeX has enjoyed being a regular part of the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition. Working with Universities of Oxford, Edinburgh, and various groups from St Andrews, FifeX's contribution has ranged from taking complete control of the entire project right through to developing (technical) elements to integrate into someone else's overall design.The Exhibition, the Society's main public event of the year, presents a unique opportunity for exhibitors, giving them the chance to do something they may have never done before. The quality and professionalism of the event increases year on year, so it has never been more important to create a memorable and fascinating exhibition of the highest possible standard. You only get one opportunity to exhibit at the Society and with our experience, gained from years of planning and delivering high quality science-based touring exhibitions, we can ensure you achieve just that.

External Link to Project Website: http://sse.royalsociety.org

Race Timer - The Accelerator

Racing the best of them

Timeline: 2 months

Client: Classroom Medics

Value: £2k

Aim: Race Track was designed and built for Classroom Medics. The project was to design a flexible, modular race track which they could use to discuss power generation and fitness with school children through the medium of running. Users of this learning equipment, can race against a number of athletes, whose speed is represented by moving LEDs along the track.

What we did: Initially we had to experiment with a number of ways of achieving the goal but we ended up with sections of track that can be packed away into a flight case. When fully assembled, 15 metres of track runs along the floor and this is used in gym halls and exhibition spaces all round the country.The track length can be adjusted to fit various school halls and other venues. A control panel allows the administrators to set the races up, record times and perform a number of calculations. The readings are transmitted to computer through USB and recorded in their custom designed-software.We are continuing to work with the client to improve this product and have already produced a second setup for them. We are hoping we will produce a few!

Testimonial: "I approached the FifeX team with a random phone call outlining my idea for a racing system that tells people how far behind Usain Bolt they would finish in a real race. With in a few days they sent me a 3D image of how they would design the kit and began work on building it. The whole process was made so much easier with all the team knowing what stage of development it was at and what needed to be done. They didnt mind my changes in mind with the software element and have made updates as and when requested very quickly. With the development of The Accelerator we have now been selected to travel to the Abu Dhabi Science Festival and be part of the Wellcome Trust's In the Zone pop up sports science exhibition that is following the Olympic Torch around the country."

"The Accelerator is a real asset to my business and it would not have been possible with out the expertise and genius that can be found at FifeX! Thanks guys you did a great job!"
Tom Warrander - Classroom Medics

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.classroommedics.co.uk/

Science Skills Exhibition

Touring Exhibition about Science Careers

Timeline: 2 months

Client: Cogent SSC

Value: £30k

Aim: To design, develop and deliver a complete touring exhibition which would promote careers in science and engineering. The resources were to be mainly software based and had to be completely customisable by the client.

What we did: We worked with a superb client, Cogent, to develop the ideas for this exhibition, centering round a large periodic table game - four satellite exhibits would allow the client make a variety of sizes of exhibition from a 4x2m space right down to a single table-mounted exhibit.The time-scale was very short and so we had to work incredibly fast to ensure we had concepts, then drawings signed off in time for production. Delivery was immediately after Christmas so there was a large push pre-Christmas to have everything made.The exhibits themselves had to have a modern / stylish appearance but also be practical enough that they could store away easily and be transported without much fuss. FifeX produced a box design that allowed for the units to sit on top of plinths - reducing the time required for setup.We worked hard with the client to ensure the content was targetted well and that we were asking the right questions and getting the right answers. We designed the flow of the project so that most of the content could be fitted in at the end.There were some nifty features on the units such as a receipt printer, the lampposts which have different bits of information for all the different audiences and things like the audio options which allow the client to either use speakers or a handset to listen. Much of the software is driven from a CMS allowing the client to update the content or change the questions at any time. Finally, the units have the option to tweet directly although this option has not yet been enabled properly.The exhibition started on the road in February and will be touring England for most of 2015.

Testimonial: "With the ongoing skills shortages in the science industry, it is extremely important to attract bright new talent into the sector at a young age. By educating young people at careers fairs about the amazing opportunities and benefits of working in STEM, we are hoping to attract more people into the science sector helping it to thrive and grow. Working with FifeX was a flawless experience. They understood our brief exactly, went the extra mile to ensure that our exhibit was completed by our tight deadlines and produced five fantastic resources which will really help young people to interact and learn about careers in science."
Rachel Brickell, Careers Manager at Cogent SSC

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.cogentskills.com/

Kilo What?

Control the energy supply and usage in our house!

Timeline: 5 months

Client: Institute of Physics, Lab In a Lorry

Value: £12k

Aim: To supply a suite of interlinked exhibits to convey the message of renewable energy which can be used separately if required.

What we did: We worked with LIAL to develop the concept for the interactives and ensure that the correct story was told.From initial ideas 3d sketches were drawn to show how our ideas would take shapeOnce we had finalised the plan we then designed all the parts to be manufactured in Solidworks and produced rendered 3d images that show very clearly how the finished suite will look right down to the colours and materials to be used. The next step was to prototype some of the parts and set about designing the custom electronics and firmware. Once all the prototyped parts were checked (and modified where necessary) production and sourcing of all the main parts commencedWe then built and tested the whole suite. But the project doesn't end there once delivered and installed we helped LIAL assess the exhibit and arranged for feedback which showed a few changes would be required to make this exhibit really work well and stand up to the amount of visitors they would see. Once the changes were implemented and tested the project was completed in time for a festival visit.

Testimonial: "FifeX have provided Lab in a Lorry with great experimental kit that the students find engaging to interact with. The bespoke solutions help us to present our experiments in ways that schools ordinarily can not do. By making the kit user friendly, interactive and fun, it helps us to get across the wow factor as we try to inspire and enthuse the next generation of British scientists."
James Bamford, Lab in a Lorry, Operations Coordinator

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.labinalorry.org.uk/

Safe and healthy travelling to school

Timeline: 3 months

Client: Safer Routes to School, Cambridgeshire County Council

Value: £3k

What we did: An on-going project with Cambridgeshire Council this interactive touring exhibition helps educate children about the benefits of walking or cycling to school. Users take part in a short 'work out', either on the excersise bike or running machine, to calculate their calorie count. This is then compared to other activities, including, sitting in a car!FifeX also produced a piece of software to accompany the exhibition that allows users to see some interesting statistics relating to their daily exercise and how this would look over the course of a year, and the effect it could make.

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/transport/safety/routes_school/

Urban Orchard

Planters and performance space for Dundee City Centre

Timeline: 2 months

Client: Dundee Urban Orchard Project

Value: £10k

Aim: To produce an array of timber planters with a variety of woods, assembled in a very unique and mathematical structure with a small performance space!

What we did: FifeX's work is always varied but this particular project was one unlike any other we've done. We were tasked with producing a set of planters - on the face of it, not too tough a job. However, the planters had to be arranged in a golden spiral pattern and had to have seating on the inside of the sprial so there was some fairly complicated arithmetic to do!The team came to FifeX to produce this project as it was one of their flagship orchards in the city and FifeX had an enjoyable month working outside to produce the unique planter array.The timber structures were fairly standard but we enjoyed working with local larch and scorching it to make a nice triangular feature to sit in between the planters. With the unique shape of the array, the triangles decrease and increase in size forming an interesting pattern.The fruit trees were planted by a huge group of people and sit at the front of Dundee Science Centre in Dundee. Each of the variants of apple trees is named after a famous scientist.The Urban Orchard Project got a good press coverage and the opening of this project was covered by quite a few news outlets. FifeX was also pleased to be asked to plant a tree in the orchard!

Testimonial: "DUO (Dundee Urban Orchard) were delighted to work with Fifex on the co-design and delivery of the Art-Science Orchard. The Fifex team combined all the skills necessary to take a 'back of the envelop' design and develop it into a realisable outcome. We particularly valued Fifex's combination of high-level professionalism and personal enthusiasm for the project. This made for an excellent working relationship; one which we hope to build on in the future."
Jonathan Baxter, DUO

External Link to Project Website: http://dundeeurbanorchard.net/

External Link to Client's Website: http://dundeeurbanorchard.net/

Equipping teachers with optoelectronics kits

Timeline: 2007-present (on-going)

Client: Rank Prize Funds

Value: £200k+

Aim: Work with teaching professionals to develop a completely original, exciting and up-to-date science kit for classrooms across the country and abroad. To develop a kit that will be functional and intuitive to use by non-physics teachers and that will help young people learn about the physics they see around them everyday as opposed to cathode ray-tubes and filament bulbs!

What we did: The project has evolved since the beginning but FifeX was asked to come up with ideas and help the team to work out what was affordable and practical. In the end, FifeX designed the key components in the kit and developed the ideas right through to production which we now oversee.It has been a unique opportunity to design a product and then watch it evolve and improve as people use it and test it and have ideas about it. The products we have now are great bits of kit that will hopefully have lives well beyond this current project.With over a third of Scottish schools having at least one of the kits, and over two hundred in England in a similar position, the College now seeks a major sponsor to help continue the quest of equipping every school in the country.

Testimonial: "FifeX have been involved in the college since it began. They helped plan the pilot and have been instrumental in interactively designing and supplying kits for novel experiments on solar cells, on colour vision and flat panel displays and on LED light sources and optical fibres. These include a number items of equipment, which they created specially for the college and which had never existed before. Their unique combination of knowledge, skill, experience and contacts proved critical in accomplishing this and will continue to be so as the pilot further evolves and is assessed for further rollout. They have been a pleasure to deal with and have approached each aspect with flexibility and an outstanding commitment to getting it done well."
Prof I. Shanks FRS, FREng, FRSE

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.opto.org.uk

Wind Power

Timeline: 3 months

Client: LIAL

Value: £6k

Aim: To produce a desktop interactive in 2 parts , a wind turbine exhibit and a Doll’s house

What we did: We designed a system that could be used independently or together to form one larger interactive , the aim of the game is balance the load and supply between the various sources of power , a digital display adds up the loads and shows how much power is being used from the various sources

Car Battery Display

A bespoke 3D car model with 3D printing

Timeline: 2 months

Client: Johnson Matthey Battery Systems

Value: £12k

Aim: To produce bespoke interactive display elements for Johnson Matthey's various exhibition stands and to ensure they are future proof and usable by other divisions of the company.

What we did: The work on this project focussed around a display booth and bespoke model car. We have designed Johnson Matthey a completely bespoke presentation system with a CMS which they can use to drop in content for display at any exhibition. The system is customisable and usable by other divisions of the company with only a little work. We built in a few extra features like RFID control for admin users, which they can access from keyfobs.On top of the main unit is the model car - much of their work surrounds making batteries for cars and they wanted to show, visually, where these batteries are situated in the car - the model is vacuum formed in clear acrylic and then model batteries and components were 3D printed to fit into this. In the future, we plan to add to the system and build in moving parts and lighting.A lot of effort was put into the car mould, which can now be used to produce casts easily at any time.In addition to the main display, we produced a couple of smaller pedestal displays to show off prototype ideas.

Testimonial: "Johnson Matthey Battery Systems gave a brief to FifeX to develop an interactive touch screen display for up and coming exhibitions. The unit had to be practical including internal lockable storage with an eye catching 3D 1/6 scale model car on the top. We also had some side exhibits made as well. The process was very easy with Paul and Ken suggesting ideas to both maximise the impact of the display whilst maintaining our budget. We wanted a design that could easily be adapted for other divisions in our company and that was achieved. They responded well to last minute changes by JMBS and in the end delivered on time and on budget. At the actual exhibition in the USA the new exhibits were well received by our potential customers and generated an improved foot fall over previous years. Based on our learning from this year, we already have ideas of new things to add next year so that we can keep the exhibit bang up to date. Looking forward to working with FifeX in the future."
George Patterson, Johnson Matthey Battery Systems

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.jmbatterysystems.com/home

In Deep Water

Controlling flooding in your town

Timeline: 1 year

Client: School of the Built Environment at Heriot-Watt University

Value: £40k

Aim: In Deep Water, a project for the School of the Built Environment at Heriot-Watt University, consists of two scale urban models, each with their own bespoke rain system, controlled by a custom designed wireless control unit. The aim was to develop these from the concept right up to delivery - working with the client at all stages to ensure the learning outcomes were achieved.

What we did: The two models took a huge amount of development, prototyping and testing. The final results are hugely impressive models which form a superb base for a workshop.The models are massive but were designed to fit inside vans for touring.Both models have interchangeable parts, ranging from:Roofs GardensPonds Pavements River walls Drainage systemsEach model in this interactive exhibition is ideal for workshops because it can accommodate up to 12 people at the same time.

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.sbe.hw.ac.uk/

Move round the scene and watch out for the hazards

Timeline: 2 months

Client: Nottinghamshire County Council

Value: £3000

Aim: To produce two working buzz wire games for a road safety project. The products would be used in conjunction with previous FifeX products to make a suite of activities. They should be fun and give demonstrators a lot to talk about.

What we did: We built two buzzwire games. Users have to move a 'car' or 'bike' around the road-shaped game. On the road sections, they have to stay in the middle of the road or risk hitting the edges and buzzing!The graphics on the game are drawn in a cartoon style and show lots of hazards and interesting things that can be discussed in a road-safety workshop.Objects displayed include: houses, two different routes including a town road and country road, a school, crossings, bikes, cars, pedestrians with pets, various road markings, shops, drivers that aren't paying attention to the road, people playing ball games on the pavement.... and the list goes on.The units are easily portable and are powered by battery making them an easy set-up at any venue.

Testimonial: "This is another good step forward in trying to make road safety fun and interactive in this increasingly digital age."
Anthony Nix, Road Safety Officer, Nottinghamshire County Council

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/

DUO Discussion Bench

Indy Discussions 2016

Timeline: 2 weks

Client: DUO

Value: £1k

Aim: To build a segmented bench for use in a variety of discussions leading up to the Scottish Independence referendum

What we did: The challenge here was to build a piece of furniture quickly to budget that fitted the designers brief , we used flexible mdf to create the curved surfaces and the whole thing got a bright red paint job

Transparent Lung Box

Lung Demo

Timeline: 1 month

Client: Manchester University

Value: £1k

Aim: To design and build a housing for a pig lung demo for use at various events with built in pipe work and drip tray

What we did: It’s not everyday that you have to design a housing for some lungs. We designed a solid clear acrylic box that had all the required pipe fittings built in for easy set-up and transport

Bird Boxes

Battery powered, wall mounted, interactive bird boxes

Timeline: 1 month

Client: Orkney Brewery

Value: £2k

Aim: To build some sensor-driven interactives that are battery powered and wall mountable.

What we did: FifeX teamed up with Stuco to produce a set of small wall-mounted bird boxes. Being light and small, they fixed easily to the walls - this allowed FifeX to work entirely off-site which kept costs to a minimum.FifeX used IR and light sensors and bespoke firmware to control the boxes - 2 of them illuminate images and 2 play audio files from inside the boxes.The bird boxes run from battery power making them ideal for the outdoors or buildings where no power is installed.Although it wasn't required in this case, this system could easily be made with sounds on a flash card so they could be changed quickly and easily at any time without needing to involve FifeX.For construction, these are made in ply which can be laser cut, so you can get creative with your shapes!

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.sinclairbreweries.co.uk

Giant Jigsaws

Jigsaws for the REME Museum

Timeline: 3 months

Client: REME Museum of Technology

Value: £200

Aim: To produce 2 large jigsaws for younger visitors that would replace 2 ageing

What we did: Jigsaws are something we get asked about a lot. They're an old standard but they're still fun and these two were quite big ones, being A2 sized.The old ones they had had worn over time and they were keen to refresh them. We worked with Laser Flair to produce these on plywood - the print is direct-to-surface and looks great.These jigsaw shapes are quite conventional - but there are loads of whacky options too - if you're thinking about a cheap way of augmenting your display - give us a call!

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.rememuseum.org.uk/

Voice Visualiser

A ply and aluminium experiment

Timeline: 1 week

Client: Edinburgh Science Festival

Value: £1k

Aim: We were given a working prototype and asked to convert into something that looked the part for a science show our client was designing

What we did: This project allowed us to make use of our new CNC router, our 3D printer and a range of other in-house processes - we designed the setup using aluminium extrusion and 12mm plywood and the whole thing was constructed in-house. The ply pieces fit round the extrusion with a push fit. Using these techniques, we were able to go from concept to completed product inside a week.The experiment takes a laser pointer and reflects it off the skin of a drum - the user then speaks or sings in the back to create a vibration on the drum skin and the laser beam is diverted accordingly - it produces some beautiful patterns!We mounted the laser and designed custom battery holder for easy access. The laser can be moved up and down the length of the extrusion. Finally we designed a back plate to hold the drum skin so that it could be changed easily. We also experimented with various materials to get the best results out of the kit.

Testimonial: "FifeX was able to turn our working prototype into a robust model suitable for a schools tour under a very short timeline. An important process for us was that FifeX were willing to experiment with the materials and scale of the model to produce optimal visual patterns. They also provided us with the scope to develop the model further in future activities. Thank you!"
Dr Sarah Thomas, Event Developer, Edinburgh International Science Festival

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/

A gym session with a difference!

Timeline: 1 month

Client: Safer Routes to School, Cambridgeshire County Council

Value: £1k

What we did: Set of 5 weights designed to indicate to users the weight of carbon that is produced in various situations in order to discuss (cutting) carbon emissions, particularly from methods of transport and household appliances.

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/transport/safety/routes_school/

Digital Pinhole Camera

Build Your Own Camera

Timeline: 6 months

Client: Institute of Physics, Lab In a Lorry

Value: £3k

Aim: The aim was to extend their simple pinhole camera exhibit, showing a bit more about optics and the development of the camera.

What we did: FifeX worked with LIAL right from the concept to completion. We developed the idea and worked out something that was achieve-able on their budget.FifeX built a set of robust pin-hole cameras into which users could place lenses and tracing paper to image light sources. This was taken further with the addition of a 8x8 photodiode array.We also provided a light source in the form of the 'FifeX LED Matrix' which shows very simple patterns for the camera to image.The final image from the photodiode can be captured in custom software and saved. It can also be manipulated by using more advanced features such as auto-contrast, which gives users the idea of relative or absolute brightness. A recent update to the exhibit adds the ability to investigate how a colour image is produced.The whole set-up sits on a rail on which keeps the whole experiment lined up. It has a ruler on it allowing users to make some simple focal length measurements.The first project on the camera experiment was so successful that we were asked to do some more work on it and add in a section on colour photography. The colour element really completes the educational resource, allowing users to explore the whole development of the camera. LIAL also has some small cameras from some modern phones just so that users can see how small everything needs to be.Check out the images on the right, the last one shows an overlay of our colour image on the camera with a colour image on a canon camera in the same position. There is so much exciting science to talk about with this kit!This whole camera project has been funded by the Rank Prize Fund.

Testimonial: "FifeX have provided Lab in a Lorry with great experimental kit that the students find engaging to interact with. The bespoke solutions help us to present our experiments in ways that schools ordinarily can not do. By making the kit user friendly, interactive and fun, it helps us to get across the wow factor as we try to inspire and enthuse the next generation of British scientists."
James Bamford, Lab in a Lorry, Operations Coordinator

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.labinalorry.org/

Interactives concept creation, design, build and installation

Timeline: 6 months

Client: University of St Andrews

Value: £40k

Aim: We were contracted to design and build the interactive elements of the MUSA galleries. We began working with the team when the museum was just an idea and we worked with them right through to the install of the exhibits. Three years on, we're still working with the team to upgrade exhibits and add new features.

What we did: Kaleidscopes: Almost synonomous with St Andrews, FifeX built a 5 and 3 mirror kaleidoscope exhibit, each with interchanageable 'cassettes' that hold different materials, letting users experience difference patterns as they twist the kaleidoscope.Stereoscopic Viewer: A modern replica of a 'traditional' taxiphote. Sitting alongside the real one, it gives users the opportunity of some authentic stereo images, the old fashioned way! One small concession to modernisation was the addition of an internal light which makes the images easier to see. We would like to thank the Stereoscopic Society for their help in making this exhibit.Feely Boxes: FifeX's take on this classic interactive, the Feely Boxes are part of an activity table and contain some interesting items inside!Maces Jigsaw: The aim was to create a wall-mounted puzzle based around three of the University's maces. The puzzles are all the same size and with the same shaped pieces, so not only do users have to work through the normal jigsaw process of matching pieces with their neighbours, but in these puzzles, they also have to decide to which puzzle each piece belongs. It is actually quite tricky!Digital Stereoscope: A modern take on the original stereoscope idea. Two monitors using 50/50 glass and polarising glasses create mind-blowing 3D images.Memory Bank: This exhibit has its own page

Testimonial: "In 2008 the University of St Andrews Museum Collections Unit worked with FifeX to develop a range of interactives - both high-tech and low-tech - for the gallery spaces in a new University museum - MUSA (Museum of the University of St Andrews) which opened in September 2008 in St Andrews. FifeX helped in each phase of the project and provided valuable input to the concept creation. They successfully turned our initial ideas into inter-active activities and exhibits which have been very popular with our visitors."

"MUSA aims to tell the story of Scotland's oldest University through a remarkable collection of artefacts and stories which illustrate its history, personalities and teaching practices. MUSA contains four themed galleries, a Learning Loft and a Viewing Terrace."

"The vision for MUSA has always included the concept of discovery and including inter-actives goes a long way to helping us achieve this - especially to encourage families to discover the collections together. After producing a brief for the inter-actives we worked closely with Fifex to consider the design of each inter-active station. Six bespoke designs were created and installed across the 4 galleries."

"Together we considered the learning outcomes for each gallery, the key objects on display, links to school curriculum topics and the restrictions or opportunities posed by the physical design of the gallery spaces. In gallery 1 a wall mounted magnetic jigsaw encourages visitors to examine the famous medieval maces closely. In gallery 2 a unique 'Memory Bank' offers visitors the opportunity to leave their own memory of the University and the town of St Andrews, and to listen to those of other people. The scientific stations in gallery 3 allow visitors to build their own kaleidoscope and examine 3D photography through both a modern interpretation and a replica of an original stereoscope. Gallery 4 contains an activity table with feely boxes, a microscopic viewer and an archaeology puzzle."

"We have found that the inter-actives really encourage visitors of all types - and in particular families and children - to engage with the objects on display, learn more about them and to make discoveries of their own through activity and play. To date about 17,000 visitors have visited MUSA - and the feedback we have received indicates that the interactives created by FifeX are a very important factor in engaging visitors' attention, encouraging learning and, importantly, providing fun and entertainment. FifeX were really easy to work with - taking on board our ideas and requirements and making useful suggestions - and we would recommend them to any museum like us who require interactives."
Emma Jane McAdam, Curator, Operations & Projects

External Link to Project Website: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk

Memory Bank

Futuristic Time Capsule for MUSA, St Andrews

Timeline: 6 months

Client: University of St Andrews

Value: £20k

Aim: To develop a fun, interactive way of storing memories so that visitors could leave memories and listen to other people's memories. It should also play some pre-recorded video clips and audio. Users should be able to record audio or video or simply type in if they prefer.

What we did: Storing memories is a way of holding on to the past. This high-tech museum exhibit, part of the interactive exhibition fit-out at MUSA, provides a place where can listen to / watch other people's memories, as well as record their own.FifeX's in-house software allows uses to record messages as text, audio (along with a photo or use an avatar) or video. After the message is recorded, it sits in a queue to be reviewed before being published live on the software for other visitors to experience.The software can also play video footage not recorded on the device, as well as incorporate other digital media from the museum.

Testimonial: "We have found that the inter-actives really encourage visitors of all types - and in particular families and children - to engage with the objects on display, learn more about them and to make discoveries of their own through activity and play. To date about 17,000 visitors have visited MUSA - and the feedback we have received indicates that the inter-actives created by Fifex are a very important factor in engaging their attention, encouraging learning and, importantly, providing fun and entertainment."
Emma Jane McAdam, Curator, Operations & Projects

External Link to Project Website: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/

External Link to Client's Website: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk

A portable display case

Timeline: 2 months

Client: National Mining Museum

Value: £2k

Aim: To build a portable display case with very specific requirements. The case should be able to move easily in and out of care homes by one person only. It should house a number of things during transport and then be able to open up and be used as a display case inside. In addition the case should look like a mining cart that is 'full' during transport with realistic coal. For its very specific purpose (to bring back memories of mining to patients with dementia) it must look very realistic.

What we did: Designing the working part of it was the first step and this was sketched so that the client could view see how it would work in all its different assembly combinations. We took care to ensure that the case was as small as it could be (for portability reasons) whilst also being robust and big enough to house the larger objects. The case was assembled and painted before fitting in the felt and finally fitting the plastic for the case. The final item works well, and with its hidden castors, it moves easily between venues.

Testimonial: "During 2010/2011 the National Mining Museum Scotland has been working on an exciting project designed to give better access to the collections held at the museum for our older mining community. We particularly focussed our work on those with Dementia and the use of reminiscence work by day care centres, care homes and carers. We have created a worthwhile and attractive resource for groups to borrow and use out in the community."

"Primarily based on a set of decade specific loan boxes, we wanted a small, attractive, mobile display case for use in tandem with the boxes. Working with Fifex over a few months we devised a chunky and appealing mobile case in the shape of a colliery coal hutch."

"Fifex were good to work with. They interpreted our vision well, took time to come into the museum and discuss both our needs for the new project and our existing fit-out. They were sensitive enough to create a piece of equipment that although new sits with our look. They worked well collaboratively, their problem solving was sound and they listened to our ideas and preferences. This project needed careful attention to detail in order to make the piece usable in the care home setting; height, size, stability, ease of use, colour scheme, materials, tactile quality and charm were all important factors. The finished piece covers all bases, is low tech, well constructed, easy to use and professionally finished. The created design can be adapted for other uses in the future."

"As a Fife based company, we were also impressed by Fifex's loyalty to local craftsmen. The work was done to budget and on time. We would consider commissioning work from them again"
Alison Shepherd, Education Support Officer

How much effort does it take to light a light bulb?

Client: Various

Value: £200+

Aim: To produce an exhibit that allows users to get a real idea of the energy required to light a lightbulb. We talk about low power and watts, and volts but we wanted something that really shows this in an interactive way.

What we did: This exhibit was first developed for the Lab in a Lorry but we have built it for various clients. It always gets a good reaction and is an instant way of getting people to appreciate the energy required to light a bulb.On the lab in a lorry version, a hand-crank generator is connected to three outputs; a halogen bulb, an LED bulb or an AUX output. It is mainly used to compare the difference in effort required to illuminate the halogen bulb compared to the LED bulb.The AUX output allows users to connect the hand crank to other devices, such as a radio, mobile phone or mp3 player.On other versions, we have made this very simple, just with two bulbs and a hand crank. The idea is the same and this could form a good part of any exhibition on energy.

Energy Interactives
Timeline: 1 month
Client: Polish Science Centre
Value: £3k
Aim: To design and build 2 branded desktop interactives , 1 on wind power and the other on water power generation.

What we did: Based on previous designs we updated these interactives to include the clients branding and colour scheme.