SUCCESS STORY >

NREL VISITOR EXPERIENCE

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) introduces guests to the lab’s groundbreaking renewable energy research through engaging, interactive, and educational exhibits. Designed to showcase innovation, sustainability, and impact, the experience combines clear visuals, compelling storytelling, and hands-on elements to make complex energy concepts accessible and memorable for diverse audiences.

CHALLENGE

  • Outdated displays, inconsistent messaging, and unclear visitor flow.
  • Stakeholders across communications, facilities, and education had differing priorities.
  • Tight timeline and budget required seamless collaboration between internal teams and external vendors.

SOLUTION

  • Experience Design: Defined visitor journey, flow, and interactive storytelling aligned with NREL’s brand and sustainability ethos.
  • Facilitation: Unified input from scientists, leadership, and educators to clarify storytelling goals.
  • Creative Execution: Developed an interpretive design system—integrating brand-aligned graphics and interactive elements—to communicate NREL’s research, values, and impact across the visitor experience.
  • Project Management: Led full process from strategy and stakeholder workshops to installation and launch.
  • Vendor Coordination: Managed designers, fabricators, media producers, and installers for cohesive execution.

IMPACT

  • Delivered an immersive, cohesive visitor experience showcasing NREL’s innovation and impact.
  • Simplified complex research, boosting visitor engagement and comprehension.
  • Strengthened internal alignment and institutional pride.

"John is highly competent and takes pressure off of the rest of an organization with his ability to handle multiple tasks with a deft touch…excels at project management—keeping complex timelines on track, aligning teams, and ensuring no detail falls through the cracks…fantastic at coordinating with vendors, from printers to fabricators, communicating clearly and anticipating needs so that production runs smoothly.”"
–Kathleen Morton, NREL