Providing a Headstart to Singapore’s STEM Education 

We strategised KidsSTOP to be a science museum with self-directed experiences that encourage curiosity and exploration in children 8 years and below. Its STEM exhibits covered various scenarios, from the construction and aviation industries to supermarket and medical settings.

The idea was to expose young children to different experiences to help them discover their interests, which was also in line with the expectations of parents and teachers.

We localised the content so young children could relate to it better. If it was subject matter they came across every day, it would be easier to understand, and more relevant and meaningful. Our goal was to help young learners relate the new information they acquired at KidsSTOP with their prior experiences for more effective learning.

For example:

• the nature section included local flora that the children could see in their neighbourhoods
• at the supermarket section, children could “buy” products they would find at local supermarkets
• children’s heights and weights at the health section corresponded to those of average Singaporean children

A consultancy based in the United States led the design. While it understood Singaporean cultural norms well, they might not be familiar with Singapore’s unique educational system and the expectations of parents and teachers. So, we worked with them to include nuanced and necessary details in the interpretive panels and service design to create a more delightful visitor experience.

For example, local parents prefer to watch over their children while the latter are engaged in activities. So, we advised that rest benches be placed near the activity areas so parents could have their children in view at all times.

School groups are a significant audience segment for KidsStop. We recommended larger common areas to accommodate school children in big groups so that it would be a more comfortable experience for all, including non-group walk-in visitors there at the same time.