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In early 2024, the Butterfly Pavilion, under the leadership of Melvin Springer, set out to spark scientific curiosity in young minds through technology. So they teamed up with 303 Software, a Denver-based custom software development company, to build an interactive educational software solution that would transform passive learning into an immersive experience. The result? A fully custom DNA game called “Building Life” that launched in May 2024, delighting kids and visitors.
The Butterfly Pavilion was searching for ways to turn their exhibits into a hands-on, tech-driven adventure for kids. Their mission? Make learning about DNA and genetics fun–through a genetic learning app that could explain complex science concepts like in a playful, accessible format. By teaming up with 303 Software, they were able to take the leap into interactive educational software that excited kids and left their minds buzzing.
What made 303 Software stand out was not just their technical expertise in educational game development, but their ability to communicate clearly, respect the Pavilion’s nonprofit budget, and follow through on deadlines. For Melvin and the team, the human-centered approach of 303 Software made all the difference.
Early engagement involved detailed discussions with Melvin Springer to understand the educational goals and technical needs for the game. From there, we crafted a dynamic product roadmap, laying out key milestones and deliverables to guide the project from start to finish.
During the development phase, the team built the game using Unity, a leading engine for Unity game development projects. The game was designed to run on Windows 11 mini PCs and then housed in custom kiosks with touchscreen displays hand-built by Melvin Springer. “It meant a lot for us to have somebody show up and watch how the game is working and see what’s going on and see the room it’s in, the environment it’s in. It meant a lot to us to have that on site, to have them show up and be part of that evening.”, Springer said of the local 303 team. Regular testing and feedback sessions ensured the game not only hit its educational goals but also delivered a fun, hands-on experience for every kid who played.
On May 2nd, 2024, the Butterfly Pavilion wowed members at their gala with the debut of their brand-new exhibit, ‘Origins: Building Life,’ featuring the game created by 303 Software. The release party was a hit, and five months in, the exhibit has been running flawlessly—over 15 hours a day—with glowing feedback pouring in from visitors.This success validates the power of educational game development in informal learning environments.
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