DinoHunt
Secret Location
Illustration
Web design
Dinohunt is a socially-driven interactive documentary created in partnership with the History Channel and the Royal Ontario Museum. Focused on the discovery of a brand new dinosaur species in Canada, this multi-phased digital experience blends storytelling, science, and user participation to bring the prehistoric into the present.
Summary
This project follows the journey of a newly discovered dinosaur—from excavation to exhibition—highlighting the people and processes behind the scenes. The platform not only educates audiences but also invites them to participate by submitting name ideas for the dinosaur, allowing the public to directly shape history. As part of the creative team, I contributed both UX design and visual illustration, including hand-drawn portraits of the paleontologists who made the discovery possible.
Challenge
The main challenge was to translate a complex, science-heavy subject into an accessible and emotionally engaging digital experience. The goal was to avoid a static, museum-like tone and instead create something that felt alive—encouraging curiosity, interaction, and personal connection. We also had to design for multiple audiences: dinosaur enthusiasts, casual viewers, families, and students—while staying true to the academic integrity of the museum and broadcast partner.
Solutions
To bridge the gap between scientific discovery and public engagement, we designed a dynamic, interactive website that served as the heart of the Dinohunt experience.
The site invited audiences not just to learn, but to participate—through multimedia storytelling, interactive fossil content, and a national naming campaign for the newly discovered dinosaur. The website unfolded in phases, echoing the real-time progress of the dig and restoration process.
This approach kept users coming back, deepened their connection to the story, and made the science feel immediate and alive. I helped shape the user experience to guide curiosity while making the interface approachable and easy to navigate. I also created custom illustrations of the paleontologists involved—adding warmth, personality, and a sense of real human presence to the digital space.
Process
