Kenya’s endless savannah is home to animals found nowhere else in the world. Its wildlife, breathtaking views, and diverse culture, attract thousands of tourists every year. However, some regions are facing their worst drought ever, affecting both people and wildlife and causing competition over food and other resources.

To support communities in Northern Kenya, Taronga Conservation Society Australia started the ‘Beads of Wildlife’ program. Zoo visitors can purchase handcrafted beads made by Kenyan women, with all profits going directly to the artisans who created the beadwork.

To streamline the bead purchasing process and engage visitors, two interactive screens were placed within the Savannah zone, allowing users to take pictures of themselves using AR technology. A digital wall nearby displayed all the photos taken.

A series of workshops with key stakeholders were held to understand the requirements and workflows. The design process began with sketches, progressed through wireframes, and culminated in high-fidelity designs. The interactive prototype was tested with key stakeholders and zoo visitors, with iterations made based on their feedback.

Digital kiosk users can be classified into two main groups: tourists (both interstate and overseas) and frequent visitors (annual pass holders). Both groups typically include families with children, so the focus was on creating easy-to-use interfaces accessible to younger users. The challenge was to ensure the flow was as simple and fast as possible to prevent queues at the photo booths.