Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes has long been a hub for inquisitive children, families and school groups to explore science and industry. Victrex plc and Catalyst approached us to create an experience which would teach 5–14 year olds about the science of polymers.

‘The Polymer Zone’ aims to deal with the over-arching question “What are polymers?” as well as drilling deeper into the benefits and uses of polymers. At it’s core the Polymer Zone is a geometric plinth housing three 32” touch screens. For the software on these screens we designed, illustrated, and built four games and an informative motion graphic animation to help explore the subject. Each game in the suite called for a different method of learning.

We worked with Mark Paterson (senior animator on the award winning FX Network show Archer) to create a graphic animation which explains the foundation science. Visitors are encouraged to watch this in order to gain an understanding of the fundamentals – which later help in the gameplay.