How can immersive media become an interpretive tool rather than purely commercial spectacle? How might museums re-use and share resources for digital experiences?

For our next NDF Online Session, Tom Cummins shares how Science World (Vancouver) adopted a reusable, experience‑first design approach to immersive experiences - retaining both interpretative depth and fun for audiences. He’ll also discuss how content and technology can be shared across institutions.

Tom will introduce the Creative Technology Gallery, created to explore emerging digital tools while partnering with British Columbia’s creative tech sector to highlight local IP and career pathways. You’ll get insights into the narrative structure behind its first two exhibitions, DreamBuilder and Animation Adventure with Molly of Denali™ and learn how a flexible “Dream, Build, Play” framework allowed the gallery to evolve with minimal redesign.

The project was recognized with a CASCADE Award from the Canadian Association of Science Centres. Our NDF board member host for this session is Rachael Davies, Director at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery.

The presentation will be followed by a Q&A and conversation about how these learnings apply to the Aotearoa New Zealand context.

ABOUT TOM

Tom Cummins is an experience designer and creative director with a multidisciplinary background in film, museums, and themed environments. He served as Director of Exhibits at Science World for over eleven years and is a cofounder of the Alliance of Immersion in Museums (AIM). His experience includes set design for The Lord of the Rings, interactive exhibit development for the Royal Tyrrell Museum, and creative work for Disney and Cirque du Soleil. He has collaborated with cultural institutions worldwide and received a Fellowship for Design from Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand.