Feeding curiosity, one click at a time
The challenge
Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is home to one of the world’s richest collections of scientific and medical instruments, each object a testament to human curiosity, ingenuity, and groundbreaking Dutch discoveries. But in a time where attention is short and interaction is instant, how do you translate this depth of history into an online experience that genuinely engages? We were tasked with crafting a digital platform that not only reflects the prestige of the museum, but acts as a gateway to wonder. The goal: ignite curiosity before visitors even set foot in the museum.
The solution
Our answer was rooted in a simple belief: science is storytelling. Not linear, but layered, evolving, and deeply personal. So we designed a modular digital world that mirrors that philosophy, one where content isn’t just displayed, but discovered. Our platform architecture invites exploration through narrative-driven components: storycards, interactive object modules, and expandable knowledge accordions. Every click opens a new layer. Every scroll feeds curiosity. A living system of stories, designed to turn passive viewing into active learning.
Feeding curiosity
From the start, feeding curiosity was the foundation of the entire platform. Every design choice aims to spark exploration, inviting visitors to uncover knowledge at their own pace. The bold red button on the homepage sets the journey in motion, leading to a spinning gallery that unveils the museum’s thematic worlds. Storycards, interactive object pages, and deep-dive accordions ensure that learning never feels static. Whether through bite-sized insights or layered narratives, the platform continuously nudges visitors to click, explore, and discover more.
Designing an expedition
We didn’t want the platform to feel like a fixed, linear tour, we wanted it to feel like your own evolving expedition. That’s why we built a modular, component-based system that gives each page a unique structure, tailored to the story it tells. Pages combine a flexible mix of elements, from interactive object modules to multimedia, galleries and deep-dive accordions, all designed to spark engagement and allow content to unfold naturally. This structure encourages exploration rather than prescribing a path, so visitors can follow their own curiosity and dive deeper whenever they choose.
The user experience has improved significantly — it is clearer, more intuitive, and more inviting. This allows us to really build upon the future plans of Rijksmuseum Boerhaave.
A continuous loop of discovery
At Boerhaave, science is more than a collection of artifacts; it’s a story of discovery, innovation, and impact. To bring these stories to life digitally, we designed an interactive system of storycards that invites visitors into a continuous loop of learning and exploration. Each set of card reveals new insights, sparking curiosity and encouraging deeper research. The storycards ensure that every visitor can engage with science at their own pace, always uncovering something new.
Even the 404 page tells a story
This philosophy runs deep, even on the 404 page. Instead of a dead end, users find an 18th-century compass by Jacob de Goyer, a symbol of curiosity and navigation. Even the best tools can’t always keep us on course, but sometimes getting lost leads to new discoveries.
Redefining the digital museum experience
We turned the impression into a lasting connection. It redefines how people experience the Boerhaave museum online, shifting from static information to living, layered storytelling. Before visitors walk through the doors of Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, they’ve already begun their journey into science and discovery.
Thanks for judging!