Our Work

A dynamic simulation

of the U.S. Senate

This dynamic learning environment features interactive technology, informative visual content, and collaborative activities that take place in and around a full-scale replica of the Senate chamber.

ESI fulfilled Senator Kennedy’s vision for a new model for civic education and public discourse.

Opportunity: Senator Edward M. Kennedy envisioned the EMK Institute as a new model for civic education and public discourse about the challenges facing the nation. To fulfill that vision, ESI Design created the Institute as a portal into the legislative process and a training ground for the decision-makers of the future.

Solution: ESI designed a dynamic, participatory learning environment with interactive technology, highly visual and information-rich content, and collaborative activities that take place in and around a full-scale replica of the U.S. Senate Chamber. The result is an unparalleled immersive experience that directly engages visitors in the spirit of civic dialogue, compromise, and collaboration.

The heart of the EMK Institute experience is a groundbreaking, dynamic group simulation of the U.S. Senate (the Senate Immersion Module, or SIM) for up to 100 visitors (most often students and leadership training groups). Visitors take on the roles of senators for a day to study issues, debate, negotiate, craft bills and amendments, and vote on legislation. Through these programs, participants learn about the legislative process, and that debate and negotiation play key roles in the passage of effective legislation.

Result: EMKI has received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the past 3 years. Last year more than 300 schools visited and nearly 22,000 participants became Senator for a day. “It’s hard for our children to see the possibilities of our democracy,” said Former President Barack Obama. “This place can help change that, can plant the seed of noble ambition in the minds of future generations.”

Experience Design

Concept

Content

Data Visualization

Media

Software

Exhibits

Games

Graphics

Interiors

Sound

Staff Training

Systems

Wayfinding

Activities

Identity

Production

“How do you design an experience that makes learning about the U.S. Senate fun? You let visitors role-play senators.”

Fast Company

18,000 Today’s Vote participants in the first year

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Related Work

Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate

Boston, MA • 2015

A dynamic simulation

of the U.S. Senate

This dynamic learning environment features interactive technology, informative visual content, and collaborative activities that take place in and around a full-scale replica of the Senate chamber.

ESI fulfilled Senator Kennedy’s vision for a new model for civic education and public discourse.

Opportunity: Senator Edward M. Kennedy envisioned the EMK Institute as a new model for civic education and public discourse about the challenges facing the nation. To fulfill that vision, ESI Design created the Institute as a portal into the legislative process and a training ground for the decision-makers of the future.

Solution: ESI designed a dynamic, participatory learning environment with interactive technology, highly visual and information-rich content, and collaborative activities that take place in and around a full-scale replica of the U.S. Senate Chamber. The result is an unparalleled immersive experience that directly engages visitors in the spirit of civic dialogue, compromise, and collaboration.

The heart of the EMK Institute experience is a groundbreaking, dynamic group simulation of the U.S. Senate (the Senate Immersion Module, or SIM) for up to 100 visitors (most often students and leadership training groups). Visitors take on the roles of senators for a day to study issues, debate, negotiate, craft bills and amendments, and vote on legislation. Through these programs, participants learn about the legislative process, and that debate and negotiation play key roles in the passage of effective legislation.

Result: EMKI has received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the past 3 years. Last year more than 300 schools visited and nearly 22,000 participants became Senator for a day. “It’s hard for our children to see the possibilities of our democracy,” said Former President Barack Obama. “This place can help change that, can plant the seed of noble ambition in the minds of future generations.”

“How do you design an experience that makes learning about the U.S. Senate fun? You let visitors role-play senators.”

Fast Company