CoSA Graz is a place that blends science with fun in a way I hadn’t quite experienced before. I decided to visit this interactive science center because of its unique focus on hands-on learning, especially in areas like technology and natural sciences. CoSA stands out from more traditional museums by encouraging visitors to dive into the exhibits, explore scientific concepts for themselves, and learn through play. It’s designed primarily for young people, but I quickly found myself just as engaged—and I even walked away with new ideas relevant to my master’s thesis on interactive educational design.
My Experience: From Augmented Reality to Science Exploration
I started my visit with one of CoSA’s unique offerings—the A(R)dventure augmented reality experience. I chose the “Aurora Borealis” room, which places you on an Arctic research ship. The setup was impressive, blending a physical environment with digital AR overlays, and using a virtual assistant called H.I.G.G.S. (Hyper Intelligent Guiding Gadget System) to guide you through the experience. Equipped with AR glasses, I was able to interact with the objects and solve puzzles within the room.
While the concept was exciting, I found that the AR glasses weren’t as precise as they could have been. This made the experience a little frustrating at times, as I had to adjust frequently to align the digital overlays with the physical objects. Additionally, while the experience was enjoyable, I didn’t feel like I learned much. The focus seemed to be more on interacting with the AR technology itself rather than diving into the educational content, like the science behind the Northern Lights or climate change. It lasted around 10 to 20 minutes, which was a bit shorter than I had hoped for, but overall, it was a fun start to the visit.
After the A(R)dventure, I explored the rest of CoSA and was really impressed by how the center manages to make learning about complex topics feel approachable and fun. One of the highlights was the section on sustainability, where I participated in an interactive quiz that tackled questions on environmental issues. Unlike the AR experience, this part had a strong educational focus, and I came away with a better understanding of topics like renewable energy and resource management.
Another standout was the immersive projection room that explored the formation of the universe. The visuals were stunning, and the way the content was presented made a complex topic like the Big Bang feel accessible and engaging. It was an excellent example of how immersive environments can make learning both fun and memorable.
Beyond that, CoSA had a variety of interactive exhibits on subjects like physics, medicine, and technology. These exhibits were designed to engage visitors with hands-on activities that made abstract concepts easier to grasp. For example, there were interactive medical research journeys and simulations of how certain technologies work, all of which made us feel like kids exploring science for the first time. It’s clear that CoSA is designed with young people in mind, but even as an adult, I found myself thoroughly engaged and learning through play.
Interactive Learning: CoSA’s Approach and Its Impact
One of the things that impressed me most about CoSA was how well it integrates interactivity into almost every exhibit. Whether it was the AR adventures, the sustainability quiz, or the hands-on physics demonstrations, each experience invited visitors to actively participate rather than passively consume information. This aligns perfectly with CoSA’s motto: “Touching desired instead of touching forbidden!”
In terms of learning, the interactive design made the science feel more accessible and less intimidating. Topics like climate change, physics, and medicine can be tough to grasp, but CoSA uses a playful approach that encourages curiosity. For example, the immersive projection room that visualized the universe’s formation didn’t just present facts; it made you feel like you were part of the story, using visuals and sound to create an emotional connection to the material.
This emphasis on experiential learning was also evident in the way the exhibits encouraged visitors to experiment and explore. The interactive quiz on sustainability was a great way to test knowledge, but more importantly, it sparked conversations and made learning feel collaborative. Similarly, the physics exhibits made abstract principles tangible by letting visitors experiment with real-world applications.
Relevance to My Master’s Thesis: Designing Interactive Learning Spaces
My visit to CoSA was not just an enjoyable experience—it was also highly relevant to my master’s thesis, which focuses on how interactive design can enhance learning, particularly in educational settings like museums, zoos, and science centers. Here’s how CoSA’s approach fits into my research:
- Active Participation in Learning: CoSA’s hands-on approach to science education is a perfect example of how active participation can lead to deeper engagement with content. Rather than just reading about sustainability or physics, visitors are invited to interact with the material, which makes the learning experience more memorable. This concept is at the heart of my thesis—how interactivity can foster more meaningful learning experiences.
- Multisensory Engagement: CoSA uses a variety of sensory inputs to create immersive experiences, whether it’s through the AR glasses in the A(R)dventure or the audiovisual displays in the projection room. Engaging multiple senses can make complex topics easier to understand, which is something I’m exploring in my own research on how to make abstract ideas like animal conservation more relatable.
- Balancing Fun and Learning: One of the challenges in designing educational experiences is finding the right balance between fun and learning. While the AR experience at CoSA was fun, it didn’t feel as educational as the other exhibits. This contrast reinforced the idea that interactivity alone isn’t enough—there needs to be a clear educational goal behind the design. The interactive quiz on sustainability, for example, was both fun and informative, which made it a standout in terms of how interactive learning can work.
- Technology in Educational Spaces: CoSA’s use of augmented reality was a reminder that technology can enhance learning, but it needs to be carefully integrated. The AR experience felt more like a novelty because the technology wasn’t perfectly aligned with the learning objectives. This is something I’ll be thinking about as I explore how to use tech like VR and AR in my own designs—ensuring that the technology serves the learning experience, rather than distracting from it.
In conclusion, my visit to CoSA Graz was both a fun and informative experience, providing valuable insights into how interactive design can enhance educational spaces. The center’s use of hands-on activities, immersive environments, and playful learning approaches aligns closely with my research, highlighting how interactivity can make even the most complex topics accessible and engaging. As I continue working on my master’s thesis, I’ll definitely be drawing inspiration from CoSA’s blend of fun and education to design experiences that foster curiosity and active learning.
Further reading:
CoSA – Naturwissenschaft und Technik | CoSA – Center of Science Activities
