Neuron Leap is an interactive exhibit based on research by Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscientist who is studying the link between exercise and memory formation. Using a Kinect to track body movements, a player becomes a ball of energy moving along the axon of a neuron. Players must exercise by swinging their hips side to side to move forward and jump up to catch a protein called BDNF that improves conditions for memory formation. When more than three BDNF are caught, players win the game and a memory is formed.

 

This game was designed to convey complex scientific research in a museum exhibit setting for 2-3 minutes of interactivity. It was shown at the ITP Spring Show 2013 as well as the World Science Festival's Innovator's Square in May 2013.

The game was designed and developed by: Andres Taraciuk & Omer Shapira - Unity, Kinect, MaxMSP; Kristen Barry - Sound; Greg Dorsainville - Motion Graphics; & Liz Khoo - 3D Assets. We all contributed to the storyboarding, conceptualizing, research, and overall user experience.