Background
The Exploring the California Missions website was developed to complement The Huntington's exhibition "Junípero Serra and the Legacies of the California Missions" and align with California’s Common Core State Standards for 4th-grade curricula. The website aimed to serve as an educational resource for the public, providing high-resolution imagery of objects from The Huntington's collection, along with audio and educational lessons for teachers worldwide.
Approach
I spearheaded the complete planning, design, and production of the website, ensuring alignment with the exhibition's educational objectives and curricular standards. My role involved conceptualizing the site architecture, designing the user interface, and overseeing the development process.
Key Features
High-Resolution Imagery: Showcase of objects from The Huntington's collection in stunning detail to provide an immersive experience for visitors.
Audio Narration: Accompanying audio recordings to enhance engagement and accessibility for all users, including those with visual impairments.
Educational Lessons: Curated educational lessons designed to support 4th-grade curricula and facilitate learning both in and out of the classroom.
Results
The Exploring the California Missions website served as a valuable educational resource for the public, educators, and students alike. By providing access to high-resolution imagery, audio narration, and educational lessons, the website contributed to a deeper understanding of California's history and cultural heritage. Teachers around the world leveraged the site to enrich their classroom instruction and engage students in interactive learning experiences.
User Engagement: High traffic and engagement metrics, indicating the website's effectiveness in reaching and resonating with its target audience.
Educator Adoption: Positive feedback and testimonials from educators regarding the usefulness and relevance of the educational resources provided on the site.
Global Reach: International usage of the website, demonstrating its impact and accessibility to users worldwide.
Conclusion
The Exploring the California Missions website exemplifies The Huntington's commitment to education and cultural preservation. Through meticulous planning, design, and production, the website successfully served as a digital gateway to the exhibition, offering a rich and immersive learning experience for visitors of all ages. As a result, the website became a cornerstone of The Huntington's educational initiatives, enriching the lives of individuals and communities through the exploration of California's rich history and heritage.
