Not A Science Person: Exploring Interactive Data Visualization in Exhibits

One of the newer additions to the Bell’s upstairs, Imagine the Future, gallery is an interactive data visualization project by Rose Lam called Not a Science Person. By using curiosity prompts and colorful legos, Lam encourages visitors to consider the question: is science for me?

In this exhibit, colored legos correspond to different prompts such as, “other people saw me as a science person,” or “most of my science teachers believed that any student could succeed in their class.” Visitors are then invited to place the legos in either the “yes” or “no” categories. Over time, the legos build up to illustrate the sentiments that visitors have around whether or not they’re a science person while encouraging reflection on what that really means. The activity shines a light on the ways that having supportive science experiences early in life can build a person’s “science capital,” making them feel comfortable in STEM. When people don’t have these experiences, they might not feel that science classes, hobbies, or careers—or even the whole experience of a college education—are for them.

The project came about as Lam’s senior thesis project for her degree in graphic design and technical writing from the University of Minnesota. She became particularly inspired by the intersection of science and communication while working in the Science Communication Lab at the University of Minnesota. She decided that, for her capstone, she wanted to focus on the idea of science identity and whether or not people think science is for them.

Lam always considered herself a science person. Starting in 4th grade, she was part of her school’s youth robotics team—which was also her introduction into design. For other people, such as Lam’s mother, science may be something that they naturally gravitate towards yet are told isn’t for them. 

“My mother was so into science as a kid and would take over the basement with DIY lab samples. However, people pushed her away from science and into a different profession, so she never really felt like she belonged. It was really exciting to see her engage with this project because she realized that, even if she doesn’t work in science, maybe there’s still a part of them that loves it. It has reminded people of why they were brought to science in the first place,” Lam shared.  

Lam’s work is a clear example of the magic that can happen when scientists, designers, and communicators meet to work together on science communication and engagement for the public. Recently graduated, Lam continues to work in this field and has started working at Background Stories, an organization that does informational design primarily for the science community.

“Science is great on its own, but we need people who are the bridge between scientists and the public—designers and communicators are a crucial part of that conversation,” said Lam. 

Learn more about Rose Lam’s work here and visit Not a Science Person in our Imagine the Future gallery until May 14!