A bilingual online learning app
was created featuring renowned artwork, artist interviews, original music and extensive use of archival photography with award-winning results.
“UBG possesses that rare combination of artistry, technical know-how and content knowledge that is needed to create powerful educational experiences for website users. During my twenty years of creating computer software (IBM, Microsoft, Densho), UBG stands out as having exceptional talent.”
Tom Ikeda, Executive Director
I. Background
Densho is a nonprofit focused on preserving and disseminating the legacy of the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. Densho received grants from funding sources including the National Endowment for the Arts to create bilingual online educational modules for middle-schools in America and Japan.
II. Goals
UBG was asked by Densho to create an online learning application based on a series of renowned paintings and the detainment camp diaries that inspired them. UBG collaborated with Densho’s team of educators, researchers, editors and critically acclaimed artist, Roger Shimomura.
Key Goals
- Inspire student awareness and critical thinking
- Promote learning and exchange between U.S. and Japan
- Develop a format for innovative teaching material
III. Challenges
Branded by UBG as “In The Shadow of My Country”, the project included various bilingual and bicultural requirements as well as the need to effectively present complex subject matter to an audience of young students.
The project also had to balance a necessity for youth-friendly design with both the seriousness of the subject and a need to respect the artist’s personal story and creative work.
Key Issues
- Bilingual/bicultural concerns
- Need to present challenging topics to young audiences
- Maintain historical reverence and artistic integrity
IV. Solution
Densho’s extensive archive of photographs, videos and audio interviews were first reviewed for suitability for users in both U.S. and Japan and then optimized for classroom use.
The online learning module’s user interface and look-and-feel were visualized using multiple iterations of hand sketches, wireframes and Photoshop design comps.
The navigation / timeline required both an English and Japanese version as well as a toggle function for foreign language students. The solution was developed using XML and ActionScript.
UBG also directed and edited video interviews with the featured artist, Roger Shimomura. A portrait style borrowed from Edo era woodblock prints created a distinctive look to the videos.
V. Takeaway
By applying a multi-phase user-centered design process, UBG was able to precisely tailor highly charged and complex subject matter to young multicultural audiences.
In recognition of its efforts, UBG received the Web Marketing Association’s WebAward for “Outstanding Achievement in Web Site Development”. Past winners of the award include Disney, HP, IBM and FedEx.
Key Lessons
- Correctly matching the tone and presentation of content with users allows for even “difficult” topics
- With proper design and delivery, Flash can create compelling courseware experiences
