Our immersive experience design for Geelong Sports Museum, which celebrates the region’s sporting legacy, has been selected as a finalist in the 2024 AGDA Awards.
The 400sqm Geelong Sports Museum was part of a government grant to highlight the region’s rich sporting history, and was developed as part of the GMHBA Stadium expansion. Geelong is a serious contributor to Australia’s sporting landscape, boasting some of the most successful sportspeople in Australia, as well as being the home to sporting innovations used all over the world. Our scope was to identify, source, collect and curate a full museum of sports memorabilia consisting of around 100 artifacts with stories and didactics suitable for all ages with a focus on school groups.
The Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) Awards is one of Australia’s most respected platforms for design excellence, celebrating the top achievements in visual and experiential design across numerous categories, including digital, branding, and environmental design. Finalists at this event are recognized as experts in delivering impactful branded environments that merge cutting-edge workplace technologies with experience design.
Dealing with both traditional historical artefacts in showcases, interesting interactive activities plus digital searchable content, Downstream designed all aspects of the museum experience, bringing touchpoints to life through a blend of digital, graphic, active and physical applications. Multi-modal design elements including sound overlays, digital installations, interactive technology and gamified experiences such as a commentator booth and rowing simulators enhance engagement, encouraging visitors to experience the region's sporting culture firsthand.
By embedding meaning through multi-sensory engagement, our designers are crafting spaces that leave a lasting impact and provide accessible experiences for all visitors. These immersive experiences aid in learning and retention as visitors are more likely to remember information they actively participate in understanding.
Annabel Dundas, Downstream’s Creative & Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, reflects on the recognition, saying, “Being an AGDA finalist is a testament to the successful collaboration between Downstream and the Kardinia Park Trust, stakeholders, local sporting groups and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. Creating meaningful visitor experiences, not just to tell a story but to offer visitors a space where they can interact and feel part of Geelong’s sporting legacy.”
We’re proud to see Geelong Sports Museum recognized by the AGDA Awards and placed alongside some of Australia’s best experiential spaces this year.
Read the Geelong Sports Museum case study here.
