Ua Qoob Ua Loo Exhibit
Kids Interactive Section
Role Lead Designer
Duration 2 months
Tools Google Docs & Spreadsheet, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, Microsoft Word
Context
I collaborated with the Project Manager and two assistants to develop the Ua Qoob Ua Loo exhibit, which highlights the integral role of Hmong farming as both a historical and contemporary way of life. My primary contribution to this project was leading the design of the Kids Interactive Section, an engaging, hands-on activity that allowed children to explore Hmong farming tools and vegetables through play, deepening their connection to the exhibit’s overarching narrative.
The interactive section was designed to simulate the Hmong farming experience. Children were provided with a kawm (basket) and flashcards featuring tools and vegetables. With these items, they "harvested" vegetables from the garden bed, replicating how Hmong people traverse mountainous terrain to tend and gather crops. To encourage participation, we included a fun incentive: Hmong Museum buttons, which I had designed in a previous project.
01
Research & Preperation
The design process for the Kids Interactive Section required extensive research to ensure cultural and educational accuracy. I spent significant time reviewing books, PDFs, videos, and websites to identify the tools and vegetables integral to Hmong farming and ensure proper English translations. Collaborating with my coworker, we sourced authentic tools from our families’ collections, Hmong Village, and HmongTown Marketplace. One challenge we faced was finding culturally accurate replicas of vegetables; to address this, we procured realistic fake vegetables, which was incorporated into a custom-built mock garden bed. This allowed us to create an interactive experience where children could engage with the exhibit in a meaningful and playful way.
02
Design
To bring the visuals to life, I used Adobe Photoshop to design graphics for the poster and flashcards, focusing on vibrant, cartoonish illustrations that would appeal to children. I then used Canva to finalize the layouts, ensuring they were clear and engaging. The poster featured a background inspired by the mountainous landscapes of Laos and Thailand, a nod to the regions where many Hmong communities reside. Short, concise directions were included for ease of understanding, and the flashcards emphasized Hmong translations with phonetic spellings to help children remember them better.
03
Assembling
Once the poster was printed, we adhered it to foam boards and mounted it on the wall at a child-friendly height. Below the poster, we hung two kawms and placed one on the ground to accommodate children of varying heights. Flashcards were displayed nearby on an acrylic shelf liner in a protective envelope to prevent damage. Additionally, tools were mounted securely on the wall using custom-welded metal brackets, and the garden bed was placed next to the tsev teb (farmhouse), a structure traditionally used by Hmong farmers for rest and shelter in the fields. This thoughtfully arranged layout was designed to create an immersive and educational experience for young visitors.
*Side Note: The graphics in the posters above the garden bed were created by me.
04
Final Product
We have received incredible feedback from visitors about the interactive activity, especially from parents and elders who deeply appreciate having a space where young children and the youth can learn about Hmong farming and culture. Hearing their gratitude and excitement has been incredibly fulfilling and has reinforced the value of this project.
While working at the exhibit, I’ve genuinely enjoyed interacting with the kids, guiding them through the activity, and helping them discover the tools and vegetables used in Hmong farming. Watching their curiosity spark and seeing them engage with their cultural heritage in a hands-on way has been a rewarding experience. This project not only allowed me to grow as a designer but also strengthened my connection to my Hmong heritage, reminding me of the importance of preserving and sharing our traditions with future generations.
