UX, Exhibit Content & Interactive Experience Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX, Exhibit Content & Interactive Experience Designer

Company: Discovery Cube

Location: Santa Ana, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Experiential Design & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-01

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop engaging, user-centered interactive exhibit experiences from concept to installation, aligning educational goals with intuitive visitor journeys.

• Lead comprehensive UX research, including prototyping and guest testing with diverse age groups, to continuously improve exhibit effectiveness and visitor engagement.

• Create compelling exhibit content, instructional messaging, and consistent visual standards across all exhibit graphics and digital interfaces.

• Integrate and manage interactive technologies, collaborating with software developers and vendors to define and implement functional specifications for digital interactives.

• Oversee project management for multiple exhibit development cycles, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and coordination across all internal and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly multidisciplinary, requiring a blend of creative design, user research, technical understanding of interactive systems, and robust project management skills. The "Operations" aspect is embedded in the meticulous planning, execution, and coordination required to bring complex, physical and digital exhibits to life within budget and on schedule.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design immersive exhibit experiences, developing detailed exhibit flow, interaction models, and visitor journeys that translate educational objectives into memorable guest interactions.

• Conduct thorough user experience (UX) research throughout the exhibit development lifecycle, including the creation and testing of physical and digital prototypes with target audiences (children and families).

• Develop and refine exhibit content, including instructional panels, wayfinding signage, and educational messaging, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistent visual branding across all exhibit elements.

• Design intuitive user interfaces (UI) for interactive exhibits and digital components, ensuring accessibility and ease of use for a broad range of visitors.

• Collaborate closely with software developers, technology vendors, and fabrication teams to define functional specifications for interactive elements, ensuring seamless hardware and software integration.

• Manage the end-to-end project lifecycle for multiple exhibit initiatives, including developing detailed project schedules, defining key milestones, and tracking deliverables.

• Coordinate and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams including Education, Software Development, Fabrication, Marketing, and outside vendors to ensure project alignment and successful execution.

• Identify project dependencies, critical paths, and potential risks, proactively implementing mitigation strategies to maintain project momentum and efficiency.

• Track project budgets, manage procurement processes for materials and services, and maintain comprehensive project documentation for all exhibit development activities.

• Oversee vendor coordination for graphic production, review shop drawings and proofs, and manage fabrication schedules to ensure quality and timely delivery of exhibit components.

• Facilitate exhibit installation and commissioning processes, conduct final punch list reviews, and ensure successful turnover of completed exhibits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a strong need for process orientation and cross-functional operational management. The role demands not just creative design but the systematic execution of complex projects involving multiple teams and external vendors, emphasizing the operational aspects of exhibit development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Museum Studies, or a related creative/technical discipline is typically expected for a role of this nature.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in museum or interpretive exhibit design, including hands-on experience with interactive exhibits, science centers, themed entertainment, or other experiential environments.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of exhibition development processes, from initial concept ideation through final installation, adhering to industry best practices.

• Proven ability to design engaging and intuitive interactive exhibits and visitor experiences.

• Strong user experience (UX) design principles and methodologies, including user research, persona development, and journey mapping.

• Proficiency in creating compelling exhibit content, instructional copy, and educational messaging.

• Expertise in graphic design and visual communication, with the ability to maintain consistent brand standards.

• Demonstrated project management skills, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation for complex projects.

• Ability to prototype physical and digital interactions effectively.

• Excellent written, editing, and oral communication skills, with strong presentation and public speaking abilities.

• Capacity to manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritize tasks, and meet stringent deadlines with high efficiency.

• Analytical skills to track project results and visitor behavior, informing design iterations and improvements.

• Experience managing consultants, vendors, and external partnerships. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with rapid prototyping techniques, including 3D printing.

• Experience with specific interactive exhibit technologies such as sensors, RFID, projection systems, touchscreens, audiovisual (AV) systems, and show control.

• Basic understanding of software development processes and hardware integration.

• Experience with AutoCAD or SketchUp for design visualization.

• Proficiency in project management software such as Monday.com, Asana, Smartsheet, or Microsoft Project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Qualifications" section implies a need for candidates who can not only design but also manage the operational aspects of bringing exhibits to life, including vendor management and budget tracking, aligning with the need for strong operations acumen.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of relevant work, demonstrating expertise in UX design, exhibit design, interactive design, graphic design, and visitor experience creation.

• Case studies detailing the entire exhibit development process, from initial concept and user research through design, prototyping, content creation, and final installation.

• Examples of physical and digital prototypes, wireframes, and experience documentation that illustrate design thinking and iterative development.

• Demonstrations of how user research and guest testing informed design decisions and led to measurable improvements in visitor engagement or understanding.

• Evidence of managing project timelines, budgets, and cross-functional team collaboration within exhibit development projects. Process Documentation:

• Examples of detailed exhibit concept proposals, including narrative development, visitor flow diagrams, and interaction models.

• Documentation of user research methodologies, testing plans, and analysis of guest behavior and feedback.

• Examples of graphic design standards, style guides, and final production-ready artwork for exhibit panels, wayfinding, and interactive interfaces.

• Functional specifications for interactive technologies, detailing system requirements, user interactions, and integration points.

• Project management documentation, including sample project schedules, milestone trackers, budget reports, and vendor coordination plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of a candidate's ability to manage the entire operational lifecycle of an exhibit, from conceptualization to on-site execution and evaluation. It needs to showcase not just design creativity but also process rigor and project management capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $130,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Optional supplemental insurance coverage for additional peace of mind.

• 401K retirement savings plan with a company match of up to 4% for full-time employees after one year of service.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) accrued for full-time employees.

• 10 paid company holidays annually, providing dedicated time for rest and celebration.

• Complimentary perks including 14 free general admission tickets per year and 4 Bubblefest tickets with admission.

• Discounts on on-site dining (10%) and shopping.

• Employee discounts available through ADP.

Working Hours: The role is listed as full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. However, given the project-based nature of exhibit development and installation, occasional overtime or adjusted hours may be required to meet project deadlines. The need to travel between campuses in Orange County and Los Angeles also suggests flexibility in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a strong indicator of the seniority and multidisciplinary expertise required for this role. The benefits package is competitive for a non-profit organization and includes attractive perks related to the museum's offerings. The "working hours" note acknowledges the reality of project-driven work in exhibit development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Science Education and Museum Operations. Discovery Cube operates within the non-profit sector, focusing on engaging the public, particularly children and educators, with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through interactive exhibits and educational programs. This industry demands creativity, educational rigor, and a strong community focus.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided data, the presence of multiple campuses (Orange County and Los Angeles) and diverse initiatives suggests a medium to large non-profit organization with a significant number of employees and volunteers. This size typically means a structured operational framework but also opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration.

Founded: Discovery Cube has been in operation for over 25 years, indicating a stable and established organization with a proven track record in science education and exhibit development. This longevity suggests a commitment to its mission and a deep understanding of its audience and operational needs.

Team Structure:

• The UX, Exhibit Content & Interactive Experience Designer will work within the Exhibit Development team, collaborating closely with Education, Software Development, Fabrication, and Creative teams.

• This role requires significant cross-functional coordination, bridging the gap between educational goals, creative design, technical implementation, and physical production.

• The reporting structure is likely to involve a senior manager within Exhibit Development or a similar department, with direct project leadership responsibilities. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The role emphasizes UX research and guest testing, requiring data collection and analysis to inform design decisions and measure exhibit effectiveness.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Project management responsibilities necessitate detailed workflow planning, critical path identification, and continuous optimization of the exhibit development process.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not directly an automation role, the integration of interactive technologies and the need for efficient project execution imply an appreciation for streamlined processes and effective use of tools.

Company Website: https://www.discoverycube.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is mission-driven, focused on inspiring learning through science. The operational structure supports a multidisciplinary approach to exhibit creation, requiring strong collaboration and clear communication channels.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a mid-to-senior level role within the specialized field of exhibit design and development. It requires a blend of creative expertise, technical knowledge, and project management acumen, indicating a professional who can independently manage complex projects and contribute strategically to exhibit planning.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager of Exhibit Development or a similar leadership role. They will collaborate extensively with peers and leads in Education, Software Development, Fabrication, and Creative departments, acting as a central point of coordination for exhibit projects.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the visitor experience and the educational mission of Discovery Cube. By designing engaging and effective exhibits, the designer influences guest satisfaction, learning outcomes, and the overall perception of the institution. Successful project execution directly contributes to the operational efficiency and financial health of the organization by ensuring exhibits are delivered on time and within budget.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced UX research methodologies, interactive technology integration (e.g., AR/VR, AI in exhibits), or complex fabrication coordination.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles with greater project oversight, team management, or strategic planning responsibilities within Exhibit Development or related departments.

• Cross-Departmental Mobility: Opportunities to move into roles focusing on curriculum development, educational programming, or even operational management of visitor experiences across the campuses.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to represent Discovery Cube at industry conferences, contribute to professional development, and stay at the forefront of trends in museum and exhibit design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within the specialized field of experiential design and museum operations, with opportunities for both technical specialization and broader leadership development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, requiring the designer to be present at the Discovery Cube campuses in Orange County and Los Angeles. This environment is likely dynamic, with a mix of office-based work for design and planning, and potential on-site visits to fabrication shops, installation sites, and public-facing exhibit areas.

Office Location(s): Santa Ana, California (Orange County Campus) and Los Angeles, California. The candidate must be available to travel between these locations as needed.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will foster collaboration with diverse teams, including designers, educators, developers, and fabricators. Expect a mix of individual focused work and team-based brainstorming sessions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software (Adobe Suite, Figma), potentially CAD software (AutoCAD, SketchUp), project management tools, and the necessary hardware for prototyping and testing interactive elements.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with cross-functional teams for project meetings, design reviews, user testing sessions, and installation coordination.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is expected, but flexibility may be required to accommodate project milestones, installation timelines, and event-driven needs. This might involve occasional evenings or weekends during critical installation phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is crucial for hands-on collaboration and direct engagement with the exhibit development and installation processes, which is essential for effective operations in this field.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational qualifications and relevant experience. Be prepared to highlight your most impactful exhibit design projects.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A session where you present key projects from your portfolio, focusing on your design process, UX research methodology, content development strategy, and interactive technology integration. Expect in-depth questions about your problem-solving approach and how you manage project complexities.

• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues from Education, Software Development, Fabrication, and Creative teams to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with Discovery Cube's mission and operational goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase the full spectrum of your skills: UX/UI design, exhibit content, interactive technology, graphic design, and project management.

• Tell a Story: For each project, walk through the problem statement, your design process, research findings, iterative design stages, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., improved visitor engagement, successful installation, budget adherence).

• Showcase Operations Acumen: Explicitly detail your role in project management, vendor coordination, budget tracking, and cross-functional collaboration. Use visual aids like Gantt charts or process diagrams if appropriate.

• Highlight User-Centered Design: Emphasize how you incorporated user research and testing to validate design decisions and enhance the visitor experience. Clearly articulate the "why" behind your design choices.

• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate your understanding of interactive technologies, software tools, and fabrication processes relevant to exhibit creation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Design Exercise: You might be asked to outline the process for developing a specific type of interactive exhibit, including key stages, stakeholders, potential challenges, and success metrics.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would address a hypothetical issue during exhibit development or installation (e.g., a technical malfunction, a budget overrun, a conflict between teams). Focus on your systematic approach to diagnosis and resolution.

• Content Strategy: You may be asked to brainstorm content themes or approaches for a given educational topic, demonstrating your ability to translate learning objectives into engaging narratives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only creative and technical skills but also the candidate's ability to manage the operational complexities of exhibit development, emphasizing process, collaboration, and project execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, image editing, and layout (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Figma: A leading tool for UI/UX design, wireframing, and prototyping of digital interfaces.

• AutoCAD or SketchUp (Preferred): For 3D modeling, spatial design, and creating technical drawings for fabrication.

• Microsoft Office Suite: For documentation, spreadsheets, presentations, and general productivity.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Research Tools: For conducting surveys, interviews, and analyzing visitor feedback.

• Analytics Platforms: Potentially used to track usage and engagement metrics for digital interactives within exhibits.

• Project Management Software: Such as Monday.com, Asana, Smartsheet, or Microsoft Project for scheduling, task management, and team coordination.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how exhibits might integrate with visitor engagement platforms or data collection systems could be beneficial.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, specific hardware and software for rapid prototyping and testing of interactive components.

Exhibit-Specific Technologies:

• Sensors: Understanding various sensor types for detecting presence, motion, or interaction.

• RFID Systems: For interactive identification and personalized experiences.

• AV Systems: Familiarity with audio-visual equipment and integration for dynamic displays.

• Touchscreen Interfaces: Designing and specifying touch-based interactions.

• Projection Systems: Knowledge of projection mapping and interactive projection technologies.

• Show Control Systems: Understanding how to synchronize multiple exhibit elements (lighting, audio, video, interactives).

• Lighting Integration: Designing lighting schemes that enhance the exhibit experience.

• Basic Software Development Processes: Understanding the lifecycle of software development to effectively collaborate with developers.

• Hardware Integration: Knowledge of how physical components and electronics are integrated into exhibit designs.

• Rapid Prototyping / 3D Printing: Practical experience or understanding of using these technologies for creating exhibit components and prototypes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is diverse, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the role. Proficiency in design software is foundational, but a strong understanding of interactive technologies and project management tools is critical for operational success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accountability: A core value emphasizing the commitment to delivering on project milestones, budgets, and quality standards for exhibit development. Operations professionals are expected to take ownership of their responsibilities.

• Effectiveness: A focus on achieving the mission of the institution through efficient and impactful execution. This translates to designing exhibits that not only engage but also educate effectively.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnership. Operations professionals must work seamlessly with diverse teams to bring complex projects to fruition.

• Innovation: Encouragement of creative problem-solving and the exploration of new technologies and design approaches to enhance visitor experiences.

• Visitor-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs and experiences of guests, particularly children and families, in all design and operational decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Project Teams: Projects are typically managed by multidisciplinary teams, requiring open communication and shared ownership.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: A culture that values constructive feedback and iterative design, where regular reviews and testing sessions are common.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across departments to foster continuous improvement in exhibit development and operations.

• Cross-Functional Problem Solving: A proactive approach to tackling challenges by bringing together expertise from different areas to find comprehensive solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated values of accountability and effectiveness are paramount for operational success in this role, ensuring that projects are managed with rigor and deliver on their intended impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Educational Goals with Engaging Experiences: The primary challenge is to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible, fun, and memorable experiences for a diverse audience, while ensuring educational integrity.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Coordinating input and expectations from educational specialists, software developers, fabricators, marketing, and executive leadership requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Integrating Complex Technologies: Staying current with rapidly evolving interactive technologies and successfully integrating them into physical exhibits, ensuring reliability and maintainability.

• Budget and Schedule Constraints: Delivering high-quality, innovative exhibits within defined budgets and strict installation timelines often requires creative problem-solving and efficient resource management.

• Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusivity: Designing exhibits that are accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds is a continuous operational and design challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Develop advanced project management techniques, budget oversight, and vendor negotiation skills through hands-on experience.

• Industry Conference Participation: Opportunities to attend conferences focused on museum exhibit design, experiential technology, and visitor engagement to learn about emerging trends and best practices.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Access to mentorship from experienced exhibit developers and opportunities to lead specific project components, fostering leadership potential.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in specific interactive technologies, prototyping methods, or design software through workshops and on-the-job training.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant operational challenges that are directly tied to the creative and technical demands of exhibit development, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth in a unique industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Exhibit Strategy: "Describe your process for translating an educational objective into a compelling interactive exhibit experience. What are the key considerations for visitor engagement and learning?" (Preparation: Focus on your structured approach, user-centered design principles, and how you balance content with interaction.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you manage conflicting priorities or feedback from different teams (e.g., Education vs. Fabrication) during an exhibit project?" (Preparation: Provide examples of negotiation, compromise, and finding solutions that serve the project's overall goals and operational efficiency.)

• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Walk me through a time you faced a significant technical or logistical challenge during an exhibit project. How did you diagnose the problem, what solutions did you propose, and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Use the STAR method, highlighting your analytical skills, creative problem-solving, and focus on efficiency and timely resolution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "Why are you passionate about science education and the mission of Discovery Cube?" (Preparation: Research the Cube's initiatives and connect your values and experience to their educational goals.)

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal collaborative environment and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic, especially when working with technical and creative teams." (Preparation: Emphasize your communication style, willingness to learn from others, and ability to bridge different disciplines.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of an exhibit beyond just installation? What metrics are important to you?" (Preparation: Discuss visitor engagement, learning outcomes, operational reliability, and visitor satisfaction.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, guiding the interviewer through the story of each project from conception to completion.

• Focus on Process & Operations: Don't just show the final product; explain how you got there. Detail your research, design iterations, technical choices, and your role in managing timelines, budgets, and vendor coordination.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs and the success of your project management.

• Showcase Technical Understanding: Clearly articulate your knowledge of interactive technologies and how you specified or integrated them.

• Engage and Interact: Be prepared for questions about your choices and be ready to discuss alternative approaches or future enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a holistic understanding of exhibit development, encompassing creative design, user experience, technical feasibility, and rigorous project operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX, Exhibit Content & Interactive Experience Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in exhibit design, UX/UI, interactive technology, graphic design, and project management. Use keywords from the job description, such as "visitor journeys," "interactive technology integration," and "project schedules." Quantify achievements with numbers and data whenever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your skills in UX design, exhibit content creation, interactive technology integration, graphic design, and project management. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your process, research methodologies, and operational contributions.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you managed project timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss specific technologies and their application.

• Research Discovery Cube: Familiarize yourself with Discovery Cube's mission, current exhibits, educational initiatives, and target audience. Understand their commitment to STEM education and how your role contributes to their overall operational success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.