"StarFire GPS" Exhibit

Project Description

As part of the Museum of Science and Industry’s redesign of the “Farm Tech” exhibit, John Deere entrusted Silver Oaks with the task of creating an educational kiosk and program to showcase the John Deere StarFire™ GPS system. Consulting with agricultural specialists and product engineers, the goal was to develop an informative display on highly advanced technology that is fun and engaging for kids, as well as interesting for adults. The solution was an interactive display that puts the visitor in the farmer’s shoes – where, in the context of a farm’s growing cycle, the visitor can stand behind the wheel and make the decisions of a precision farmer.

As the “farmer,” the visitor not only gets to select his or her field and crop, but has the opportunity to “drive” a 3D, on-screen tractor with a genuine John Deere steering wheel. In addition, he or she also learns how GPS technology is used to spot treat problem areas in the field and steers an on-screen combine to clear the field and see the year’s yield. Each season is followed with a “How Does It Work?” section, where the visitor has the opportunity to delve further into topics relevant to that season and to see how the respective technology works. The dual-station kiosk utilizes two 32″ touchscreens for input, along with John Deere steering wheels – one from a combine and one from a tractor.

Shortly following the installation of the “StarFire GPS” display at the Museum of Science and Industry, Silver Oaks designed a similar display for The John Deere Pavilion, which features the same educational interactive program but complements the look of the Pavilion’s existing displays.