LIVSREISE : NORWEGIAN HERITAGE CENTER
Historical & Cultural Interactive Storytelling
Conceptual Development | Experiential Planning | UI/UX Design | Content Strategy | Art Direction | Research | Writing
Livsriese (Life’s Journey) is a modern Heritage Center focused on the histories of Norwegian immigrants who came to the midwest in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In 2014, as a designer at ZEBRADOG studios, under the guidance of our design director, I led a team in the development and design of several integrated interactive storytelling exhibits and heritage artifacts that would become a unique destination for Norwegian-Americans, historians, and curious visitors alike. From research to writing, interviews with local Norwegian-American families, art directing artifacts, collaborating with museums around the world, and ultimately designing the interactive exhibits throughout the space, this project was a one-of-a-kind experience. The resulting Heritage Center, with its beautiful architecture and authentic inspiration, brings to life the human connection that is the foundation of a town and touches the soul of everyone who walks through the doors.
Bringing history to life
From custom wallpaper to the integration of both built and digital exhibitry, the feel of Livsreise is incredibly unique. The exhibits feature hundreds of hand-picked historical photographs from Norway and the American Midwest alongside family heirlooms donated by the community. Digital technology allows for the most flexibility in keeping the center new and ever-changing. Among the many experiences in the exhibit hall are a set of digital journals, filled with stories crafted from live interviews with the descendent of immigrants. Personal items and photographs from the families are integrated into the digital pages, bringing these histories to life through color, animation, and storytelling.
A continuing story
As an active heritage center, my work with Livsriese has continued since 2014. Each year brings new interviews and expansions on the cultural learning offered within the digital exhibits. In 2018, I led a team in the development and redesign of the information-rich Cultural Stations to assess visitor experience and improve the UI for better user flow for finding and learning new information. Working with the team and having the trust of the staff at Livsreise has been an honor, and a relationship I hope continues for many years to come.
“Livsreise from dream to reality. A major portion of what developed into an award winning venue didn’t just happen. It happens with people who are attentive, intuitive, and creative. A key player in what Livsreise has to present today is the result of Kat’s ability to take our dream and make our dream a reality.”
Jerry Gryttenholm, CFO and Treasurer
the Edwin E. and Janet L. Bryant Foundation, Inc.
Livsreise, Master Developer and Planner
For more information on the Heritage Center or to plan a visit, check out Livsreise’s website below.