Zooscape is an educational and fun application for visitors to Zoo Atlanta.
Zooscape is made for anyone with an interest in animals, or who want to have a unique experience at Zoo Atlanta. Some parts are more appropriate for a younger crowd, but even older users may appreciate the unique and interesting stories about connections between animal and engineering. Zooscape has 3 major functions focused around biometics or bio-inspired design (BID), which is now humans use natural principles to solve our own problems. First, it contains a gallery that describes how 18 different animals have inspired important and novel technology. Second, Zooscape helps you navigate Zoo Atlanta, and allows you to take a self-guided tour that presents these stories. The built in GPS function in your phone places you on the zoo map. The application then presents BID stories from the Zooscape galley when you get near the appropriate animal exhibit. The third function is a game that is especially appropriate for younger visitors. The user is presented questions about what animal inspired a particular technology, and answers the questions by pressing on the right animal icon as it falls across the screen. It’s a great way for younger visitors to get more out of their zoo visit while learning at the same time.
Zooscape was created by the Center for Biologically Inspired Design (CBID) at Georgia Tech in association with Zoo Atlanta, and with support from Georgia Tech School of Biology and the Elizabeth Smithgall Watts endowment. CBID is a non-profit entity that promotes research and education at the interface of biology and engineering. Proceeds from the sale of Zooscape will be used in support of CBIDs educational and research activities.