824 17th Street
I Moline, Illinois 61265
I 309.797.9898
I silveroaks.com

The Atmosphere
You’re an organization looking for creative ways to share ideas and information. Choose
Silver Oaks, and you’ll get an entire team inspired by the compulsion to create – over 50
in-house designers, writers, programmers, producers and support staff dedicated to a pursuit
for authentic communication. We start by connecting with our clients, absorbing their values
and understanding their goals. Then we do our best to exceed their expectations.
Our on-site production facilities allow us Axiem, Millenium and Silver Microphone awards
complete control over our work to ensure that have been added to our collection over the
Silver Oaks’ high standards of quality and years, as well as awards from the National
excellence are met. By centering every aspect Association of Interpretation, London
of your project in one place, you’ll benefit from International Advertising Awards, American
increased clarity, smoother production flow Institute of Architects and American
and significant cost-savings. We don’t limit Association of Museums.
ourselves to just areas of creative or
Although we are honored to receive these
production. Instead, we do it all, with a single
awards, it is the strength of the relationships
integrated focus.
with our diverse clientele that ultimately
But while new concepts are constantly makes our work invaluable. Audiences around
evolving here, never do we lose sight of our the world have given us the opportunity to
quest: to engage, inform and impact your broaden their views. Let us reach yours.
audience. For these efforts, recognition has
We appreciate your consideration and look
come at both the national and international
forward to beginning your next project.
levels. ADDY, Telly, Aurora, Global, Omni,
824 17th Street
I Moline, Illinois 61265
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The Elements
Creativity. It’s what we love, so it’s what we do. At Silver Oaks, our work is consistently done
with a level of passion and excitement that is hard to find anywhere else. Each day is an
opportunity for us to do something different, to combine our talents in a way that offers the
best possible solution for you. It’s who we are, and who we will always be.
Animation
Get serious and get moving. With advanced • Logo animation
animation techniques, all the ways you can • Scoreboard animations
shine... or bounce, spin, squish, roll and • Product and process demonstrations
morph... truly are limitless. • Medical procedures and equipment
functioning
• Prototype renderings
• CAD visualizations
Audio
Engage your audience with full-feature audio • Radio
recordings, edited and mixed inside the Silver • Sound effects
Oaks studio. HD digital recording software and • Voice-over narration
surround-sound capabilities work to enhance • Original music scores
the listening experience. • Field recording
• Natural sound
Graphic Design
Our designers have a knack for originality • Ads
that translates into distinct and effective • Annual reports
communications pieces. • Logos and corporate identity materials
• Multimedia and web design
• Direct mail
• Billboards and signage
• Posters
• Packaging
• Catalogs and magazines
• Books – page layout and cover design
• Brochures, inserts and newsletters
• Tradeshow booths, displays and
environmental design
824 17th Street
I Moline, Illinois 61265
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Interactive
Forget the complexities of outsourcing your • Educational exhibits for museums
programming and the craziness of coordinating and public spaces
with multiple vendors. Our award-winning • Computer-based training
interactives have the fun covered. • Touchscreen interpretives
• Interactive CD and DVD presentations
• Games
Marketing
Our marketing department works hand in hand • Research
with our creative team to develop a strategic • Analysis
plan based on your specific needs. We’ll pair our • Media planning and placement
expertise with yours, inspiring customers and • Project coordination
increasing the appeal of your product or brand. • Creative conceptualization
• Promotional development
Photography
Original photography adds impact. It can tell • Magazines
a story, set a mood, inform and delight. With • Catalogs
experience that includes tabletop, location, • Brochures
fashion, industrial and food, photography • Packaging
from Silver Oaks does all that and more. • Posters
• Ads
• Calendars
• Websites
• Multimedia presentations
• Videos
PreMedia
Your final product will come alive through • Data management
vibrant colors, vivid images and a focused • Scanning
attention to detail. Our premedia department • Color correction
digitally prepares nearly every kind of product • Image retouching
for print – from catalogs and packaging to • Pre-flight
brochures, posters and magazines. • Color proofing via the industry-standard
Oris Certified Proofing System
• Image management
824 17th Street
I Moline, Illinois 61265
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Video Production
On location or in our studio, no matter how • Television commercials
challenging – we’ve got you covered with • Corporate image development
digital and HD video formats. • Training tools
• Television programs
• Sales and marketing
• Motivational/fundraising campaigns
• Public relations
• Meeting presentations
• Internal communications
Web Development
From analysis and interface design to coding • Site planning and development
and testing, we’ll customize an online solution • Custom programming applications
specifically for you. • Flash and Shockwave components
• Hosting and online statistics
• SEO-focused, standards-compliant coding
• Content management tools
• Support for a variety of Internet technologies
and services, including: HTML, XHTML, CSS,
C#, PHP, ASP.NET, SQL Server, XML, AJAX,
JSON, Java, JavaScript, Flash and more
Writing
Words are the sparks that ignite ideas. Our • Printed materials
writers compose with a creative fire, an energy • Corporate communications
that drives communications and gets results. • Radio and television scripts
• Website and interactive content
• Brainstorming
• Interviews and research
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I Moline, Illinois 61265
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The Personalities
Greg Scott – President
Greg founded Silver Oaks in 1983 and serves as president. With over 35 years of experience in the
communication industry, he actively participates in all major projects, giving visual direction and
supervising artistic development and production. From a project’s conceptual stages through
completion, he administers his expertise and provides valuable insight. Greg earned his degrees
in Art and Speech from Augustana College.
Tim Wren – Account Representative
Facilitating business development at Silver Oaks, Tim is involved in client communications and
project consultation, helping to formulate the best communications solution for each individual
client’s needs. He has a special concentration in web marketing, online optimization and
e-commerce strategies. Tim earned his BA in Communications from the University of Iowa.
Grace Burt – Project Manager
As a project manager, Grace is frequently drawing on her background in public relations and
marketing communications. Through her skilled coordination among each of our departments, she
sees to it that all details are thoroughly attended to and scheduling and budgetary goals are kept
on track. A team leader, Grace supervises project production up to the final stages of its
completion. She earned her BA in Communications from St. Ambrose University.
Kyle Krier – Visual Director
As visual director, Kyle oversees creative production in all departments, including graphic design,
video, multimedia and web production. With an overall strong eye for design and an innate sense
for detail, he assesses and maintains creative quality as a whole. Kyle serves a crucial role,
specifically directing the conceptual and design stages of all Silver Oaks projects. Drawing upon
his 17 years of experience at Silver Oaks, he works carefully with our creative team to develop
stimulating designs that effectively translate into dynamic communication materials. Kyle earned
his BFA in Graphic Design from Iowa State University.
Dan Diederich – Art Director
With over 35 years of experience in the design industry, Dan is one of the original members of
Silver Oaks. As art director, he manages the design department, overseeing the artistic
development of Silver Oaks design projects. Dan works closely with our designers, providing
creative consultation and direction, assisting with idea generation, concepting and visual
analysis. He earned his BFA in Visual Communications from Northern Illinois University.
824 17th Street
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Greg Marten – Video/Audio/Animation Department Manager and Director
An integral part of Silver Oaks since its inception, Greg has over 30 years of experience in
producing, shooting and editing video for broadcast, sales, training and corporate communications.
He is the recipient of numerous awards, and as manager of our video, audio and 3D animation
departments, he oversees all video and audio production from scripting to final edits. In addition
to managing, Greg also serves as Silver Oaks’ lead videographer and editor. He earned his degree
in TV Production from Black Hawk College.
Julie Wine Johnston – Interactive/Web Department Manager
Julie coordinates all media development from the initial planning stages to content creation and
production for all interactive projects. Supervising her team of web and multimedia programmers,
she assigns individual project components according to each person’s expertise, making sure
design and content are seamlessly integrated with functionality. Julie has been a member of
Silver Oaks for nearly 20 years, first as a designer and copywriter before moving to interactive
media. Her work has received regional, national and international recognition for excellence. She
earned her BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University.
Mary Feeney – Editor
Over 25 years of experience in marketing, advertising and journalism has aided Mary’s high level
of expertise. Editing and proofing copy on all projects, she also provides coordination among the
Silver Oaks writing staff. Mary works closely with our creative teams, checking for accuracy and
clarity in print and electronic formats, allowing for a consistent, professional look to our clients’
communication pieces. She earned her BA in Communications/Advertising from St. Ambrose University.
Kate Macke – Information Architect/Technical Coordinator
As Information Architect and Technical Coordinator, Kate uses her extensive programming
knowledge to develop the technical structure for websites and other interactive media
applications. She conducts careful research, analyzing individual project needs and providing the
basis for successful organization of system design elements. With 16 years of experience in PDF
and Flash programming, as well as a background in graphic design, Kate works closely with our
clients to help ensure clarity in communicating complex procedures. She earned her AAS in
Graphic Arts and Newspaper Technology from the Graphic Arts Technology Center of Iowa.
824 17th Street
I Moline, Illinois 61265
I 309.797.9898
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Silver Oaks Complete Team
CEO Marketing
Greg Scott Jenn Verscha
CFO PreMedia
Shelly Shehorn Diana Hawbaker
Administrative Services Manager Pat Esp
Mary Gorsh Dave Nichols
Janet Lange
Account Representatives
Joanne DeCapp
Mary Jo Freund
Tim Wren Video Production
Kara Blanche Greg Marten
Jennifer Sautter Jerry Bert
Emily Snyder Denise Hollmer
Joe Zerull
Project Managers
Matt Heilig
Sandy Carlson
Grace Burt Animation
Tammy Geertz Steve Brown
Writing Interactive
Mary Feeney Julie Wine Johnston
Rebecca Tubbs Lichter Pete Natvig
Mallory Jenkins Kate Macke
Tim Boniger
Graphic Design
Angie Gibson
Dan Diederich
Chris Voth
Kyle Krier
Danny O’Leary Web Development
Scott Kelty Ed Wied
Quan Vi Nick Ballinger
Josh Nelson Information Technology
Clint Thomas Charles Dostale
Photography Mark Weitzel
Ed Neaves Office Support Staff
Matt Wince Kristen Pirch
Audio
Archie Kukarans
824 17th Street
I Moline, Illinois 61265
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How We Work
Working within a creative environment requires great balance to ensure that the development
and the delivery of every project remains in sync. At Silver Oaks, we utilize a collaborative
team process, embracing the input and expert knowledge from all members. Over 25 years of
experience has shown us that a successful project relies on open communication, including
that among designers, fabricators, content developers and field experts.
Step 1: Exploring Opportunities
Before any creative work begins, we first identify specific goals, key messages and other
important aspects about your project. Once the initial details have been finalized, our team
drafts a timeline to reflect your desired completion date. This timeline establishes a series of due
dates for every facet of the project, including production, testing, client revisions and approvals.
Since we produce almost every aspect of our projects internally, we are not dependent upon
outside vendors or hindered by excess turnaround times.
Step 2: Expanding Ideas
Next, our design, video and interactive teams develop concepts and storyboards outlining ideas,
and determine the most effective way to capture attention and bring these concepts to life.
Meetings are arranged as needed, and we have a password-protected transfer site where designs
and documents can be downloaded and viewed immediately. This helps facilitate timely approvals
and allows us to easily connect with you anywhere.
Step 3: Executing Your Vision
Finally, because organization and communication is an essential part of the creative process,
Silver Oaks routinely dedicates a project manager to handle all of the logistics and details. We
take great pride in our ability to meet client deadlines, completing projects on time and on
budget. Our project managers keep you and our team members up to date while ensuring that a
strong, consistent message is maintained from start to finish. Choose us, and you’ll find that no
matter what your creative challenge, Silver Oaks has everything it takes to get you there.
824 17th Street
I Moline, Illinois 61265
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Client List
In any given year, we produce a wide variety of materials for over 100 different businesses
and organizations, ranging from museums to Fortune 500 companies. Below is a partial
list of our clients.
1220 Exhibits Mississippi River Visitor Center
Albany Pine Bush Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
Amaze Design Missouri State University
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Chicago History Museum National Geographic Museum
Crater of Diamonds State Park National Park Service
Dillon Nature Center National Mississippi River Museum
Discovery Channel/TLC Oxley Nature Center
Dubuque Chamber of Commerce Palm Beach County History Museum
Dubuque County Historical Society Pro Football Hall of Fame
Exhibit Concepts Inc. Putnam Museum and IMAX Theatre
Exhibit Engineering River Music Experience
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Split Rock Studios
Figge Art Museum Synthesis Design
Grand Portage Visitor Center Tacoma Art Museum
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Taylor Studios
Gwinnett Environmental Tennessee State Secondary Athletic Assoc.
& Heritage Center
The University of Iowa Athletic Hall of Fame
Illinois Council on Food
The University of Iowa Museum
and Agricultural Research
of Natural History
Iowa Hall of Pride
University of Kansas Athletic Hall of Fame
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
USDA Natural Resources
The John Deere Pavilion Conservation Service
John G. Shedd Aquarium University of Northern Iowa Hall of Fame
Lincoln Park Zoo Wichita Water Center
Longwood Gardens Workshop Design
Middle Tennessee State University
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Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo
Silver Oaks completely redesigned the Farm-in-the-Zoo at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo. From
designing the logo and signage to producing 17 interpretives for the newly renovated Main Barn,
Silver Oaks created, wrote, programmed and installed it all. We partnered with architects,
fabricators and zoo experts to transform the 3-acre site into an entertaining, educational
environment where over 3 million people a year come to learn about
the Midwest’s farming industry.
Creating a barn full of captivating exhibits, our team developed innovative
displays and coordinated with our educators to make the designs come
to life. The resulting exhibits engage all senses and learning styles.
Interactive media displays explain in a fun, simplified way various
aspects of agriculture. Visitors can “drive” a tractor over the fields of a
42" touchscreen monitor, discovering how farmers use precision farming
techniques to steward their natural resources. Touchscreen monitors are
also housed in the seed bins of a real John Deere planter, allowing
children to sort corn, soybean and sunflower seeds by shape and color.
824 17th Street
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In addition, realistic 3D animation, amazing sound effects and
time-lapse video provide visitors with a glimpse at the fascinating
life of honeybees through a multi-award-winning interactive game.
Complementing the interactive media are creative hands-on activities that allow for experiential
learning. Children can plant root vegetables in a make-believe tractor tire garden built with
full-size tractor tires and climb through a maze of hatched eggs. By stepping into the Weather
Station, visitors can also experience through various audio, light and wind effects how harsh
weather conditions affect Midwest crops. The musically inclined can even try their ear at composing
a song of animal sounds, where each sound is matched to a pitched note.
Visitors can also watch chicks hatch in an incubation chamber and observe a live bee hive, as
well as sneak a peak into custom-fabricated seed sacks to discover mice and a snake, each in
their respective habitats.
Along with the partnering architect, Silver Oaks was honored by the American Institute of
Architects with a Distinguished Building Award for the renovation of Farm-in-the-Zoo.
824 17th Street
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Iowa Hall of Pride
Silver Oaks completed seven multimedia interactives for
the Iowa High School Athletic Association for use in
the Iowa Hall of Pride museum. Located in Des Moines,
Iowa, the Iowa Hall of Pride features exhibits honoring
Iowa’s student athletes and scholars, sports legends,
movie stars, musicians and scientists in an entirely
interactive environment.
For sport enthusiasts, there is one-on-one “Basketball
Trivia.” Each player with his or her own 19" touchscreen monitor races against time to answer 12
questions about high school basketball. After four periods, the player with the most points wins.
Visitors can also have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to call their own play-by-play in an
exciting collegiate athletic event. “Sports Broadcasting” allows the user to select one of six sports
video highlights and be recorded via a studio microphone. The video is then replayed with the
user’s new voice-over.
Using a touchscreen monitor, visitors can also build an orchestra, seating one section at a time
and then isolate the individual instruments to hear the respective parts. In addition, the
musically inclined can experience their recording debut. Presented karaoke-style, “Choir” allows
the user to sing along to words and music that scroll across the bottom of the monitor, while
being recorded.
Silver Oaks also developed the “Database of Activities,” which lists
biographical information on Iowa students that have participated in
sports, music, debate and theater; as well as “Board of Directors”
and “Board of Controls,” which are smaller databases that include
pictures and biographical information on the respective members.
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U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service
Bringing life to a clod of dirt, Silver Oaks created an interactive interpretive that
explores the importance of soil for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Exhibited at the Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo, the display features an educational
game on a 37" touchscreen plasma monitor, as well as reveals the “recipe” for
soil and explains the different soil layers and soil types found in Illinois.
In the computer-based game, “Claude,” an original animated
character, takes visitors on an above- and below-ground tour
to show how soil is made. Encouraging discovery, the game
invites users to scroll through the above- and below-ground
scenes, where hot spots trigger information panels to pop
up with entertaining animations and short video clips.
Information is relayed through fun, colorful illustrations, appealing
to young children yet communicating facts targeted to middle school-aged children and adults.
Users are also quizzed on precautionary measures that can be taken to prevent soil erosion. A CD
version of the game was later created and has been distributed nationwide in schools and libraries.
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Due to the success of the original “Scoop on Soil” display
Silver Oaks completed a similar display for the Illinois
Department of Agriculture’s Watershed Park, located at the
Illinois State Fairgrounds. Housing a 37"
touchscreen plasma monitor that features the original “Scoop on Soil” game,
the display has a general feel that is very similar to that of the one created
for the USDA. The primary difference being that this display was custom
constructed for its outdoor location, with precautionary weatherproofing methods
taken for the preservation of the display and the equipment.
824 17th Street
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HNI Corporation
The creative team at Silver Oaks worked closely with HNI Corporation to produce HNI’s “Yesterday
& Today” exhibit at the Muscatine History and Industry Center, located in Muscatine, Iowa. From
start to finish, Silver Oaks employed its full range of in-house capabilities – from design, writing,
media production, video and audio to final fabrication and installation. The end result is a
dynamic 13-display exhibit that showcases the rich heritage of
HNI Corporation, explaining how a fledgling company in 1943 has
become one of America’s Most Admired Companies today.
As visitors walk around the room, they encounter a tasteful
blend of nostalgic team member photos, early product and
contemporary workstations. Configurations of large, custom
black powder-coated frames strung with stainless steel wiring
systems feature collages of photos and text – highlighting
the company’s early beginnings and product, the members who have made and continue to
make the company a success, and HNI’s current operating companies. A display is even devoted to
the evolution of chairs, illustrating how styles and trends in ergonomics and materials have changed
over the past decades. Original filing cabinets and desks are also integrated with a modern panel
system that was customized to chronicle the history of desks.
Keeping in style with HNI’s quality reputation in the furniture
industry, Silver Oaks took careful measures to integrate a
mixture of textures and finishes, incorporating rich cherry veneers,
woven fabrics and large specialty image glass panels. Dramatic
images of product detail shots are hung on the walls as focal
points, and one entire wall mural is devoted to showcasing the
HNI “We Believe” statements.
Visitors can learn about the HNI culture in a DVD-based
interactive, as well as watch a video of retirees discussing
the early days of what was then The Home-O-Nize Co.
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University of Iowa Athletic Hall of Fame
Silver Oaks created five computer-based interactives for the University of Iowa Athletic Hall of
Fame. As part of a larger exhibit that commemorates the Hawkeyes, the interactives highlight
historical sports team moments, outstanding athletes and influential coaches. Housed in
individual displays featuring University of Iowa’s football, wrestling, and men’s and women’s
basketball programs, the interactives use 15" touchscreen monitors to allow sports enthusiasts
to view video clips and photographs dating back to the 1920s. Visitors can also search the
extensive “Database of Athletes” to review biographies, photos, sports participated in, year(s)
of participation and honors received for any legendary Hawkeye since 1877. Containing over
17,000 records, the database is updated annually.
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University of Kansas
Silver Oaks designed and programmed three interactives for the University of Kansas Athletic Hall
of Fame. Each program informs visitors about the university’s greatest coaches, teams and
athletes, such as Gale Sayers and Wilt Chamberlain – providing statistics, biographies, photos,
news, schedules and much more.
Displayed in the new exhibit space in the historic Allen
Fieldhouse, the programs include “The Story of Sport,”
a database program that highlights all of The University of
Kansas student athletes; the “Hall of Champions,” featuring
profiles of the top KU Jayhawk Hall of Fame inductees; and
“Jayhawk Today,” which allows visitors access to web-based
information on University of Kansas athletics.
824 17th Street
I Moline, Illinois 61265
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The John Deere Pavilion
Working with John Deere scientists and engineers, Silver Oaks designed, wrote and produced
a series of six interactive interpretives that are a part of The John Deere Pavilion, an agricultural
museum. The touchscreen interpretives demonstrate the importance of farming; its effect on
people’s daily lives; and the past, present and future of agribusiness.
Four of the interactive interpretives explore complex concepts like
biotechnology, precision farming and sustainability through entertaining
scenarios and simulations that incorporate video and animation. Visitors
can take their turn as a biotech scientist and create new foods, learning
how biotechnology continues to transform agriculture. They can also see
the direct effects of urban sprawl on agricultural yields and calculate how
much food is needed to feed the world and its growing population.
Simulated virtual tours of two John Deere factories are also available, where visitors can see the
step-by-step assembly of a John Deere tractor and combine. Video clips and 2D animations
demonstrate the important functions of the equipment, as well as provide users with a better
understanding of how a tractor and combine work.
In addition to developing interactive interpretives, Silver Oaks also produced a multi-channel
synchronized audio program for “The Past” exhibit. Through narrated readings of letters and diary
entries, story telling, music and sound effects, the
multi-layered audio tracks create the essence of American
farm life from the early 1800s to present day.
Silver Oaks continues to work closely with Deere &
Company to maintain the Pavilion, providing technical
maintenance support and equipment retrofits, as well
as creating custom software applications.
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University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History is the setting for our internationally acclaimed,
award-winning educational exhibit that explores regional birds and their unique songs. “Why
Birds Sing,” which was totally created and installed by Silver Oaks, is a freestanding, computer-
based touchscreen interactive. It examines bird songs, provides information about the structure
of the songs and illustrates through video clips how the calls correspond with distinct behaviors.
Users are able to see the differences and complexity of the songs by viewing sonograms that depict
the pitch, frequency and variation in the sound of various calls.
Using an interactive soundboard, visitors can create their own
symphony of bird songs, playing as many as 30 birdcalls
simultaneously. In addition, they can challenge their knowledge
with a birdcall identifier game, where they match the species
with their respective sound. Examples of unusual bird sounds are
also highlighted, revealing birdcalls that sound like a car alarm,
rocks plunking in water or wolves howling.
Among other awards, “Why Birds Sing” received top honors from
the London International Advertising Awards and Interactive of
the Year from the National Association for Interpretation.
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Museum of Science and Industry
Silver Oaks teamed up with the genetic experts at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry
to revamp the museum’s “Virtual Embryo” exhibit. Initially charged with the task of modifying
the existing display, our team recognized the potential for a more interactive and
educational user-experience with the integration of touchscreen technology and
stunning 3D animations. Using the existing content as a point of reference, we
created a new 4-minute interactive experience that explains the role of master
control genes and highlights the major milestones of embryonic development in the
first eight weeks of human pregnancy.
Bridging the gap between outside the womb and the chromosome level, Silver Oaks utilized a
dynamic combination of color morphing footage of fetal development, a black and white edited
sequence of embryonic development, and 3D animation – literally immersing the user into a
virtual realm through fast-paced dive down and zooming sequences into the body and along
strands of unwinding DNA.
The interactive program prompts users to command the master control genes. By touching one
of the flashing chromosomes on the screen, the user dives down through the skin level to
unwinding strands of DNA to locate the appropriate master control gene. Once located, the master
control gene sends out signals to other genes, switching them on and off respectively, and
guiding the embryo’s development. A sequence of footage then plays, showing that stage of
growth. This series of events occurs a total of three times.
When producing the program, research was critical in the conceptual phase – ensuring the
information conveyed was accurate in content and appearance, yet general enough for the visitor
to walk away with a simple understanding. Medical photographs and animations were reviewed
and analyzed, examining colors, textures and shapes for the newly created animations that were
designed in Autodesk Maya and eventually edited with video in Final Cut Pro.
In addition to producing the content, Silver Oaks also designed and coordinated the production
of exhibit signage, graphics and electronics. Programmed for DVD and formatted for wide screen,
the interactive program is controlled by a
touchscreen monitor that also projects the
image on a large concave screen.
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Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Over the past several years, Silver Oaks has worked with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
to update its Visitor Center, developing various exhibits from the design stage through media
production and fabrication.
To replace the in-person visit to the Cash Room,
Silver Oaks created an exhibit that simulates the
firsthand experience of observing the processing
of millions of dollars. The exhibit provides the
viewer with the illusion of looking through a
steel-barred window into the Cash Room’s security
monitoring station, providing a “live” view of all
aspects of the inspection process. Artwork and
compositing techniques were used in the video to
create the security station setting, allowing for seven video sequences to
play simultaneously on one large monitor – thus providing the illusion of a
bank of monitors where each is presumably being fed by a security camera.
Silver Oaks also completed a “photo-op” exhibit, where
visitors have the opportunity to have their picture
taken with a briefcase filled with one million dollars.
The Fed had previously installed the “photo-op
environment” but contracted Silver Oaks to handle the
technical side of incorporating the necessary equipment
and hardware. To make the experience as user-friendly as possible, we designed
an instructional display unit that sits across from the photo-op area. The
display lists detailed user instructions, as well as houses all of the equipment.
Visitors are directed, via audio prompts, to press the “camera” button on
the front of the display, and then stand on footprints next to the briefcase
and smile at the camera mounted in the opposite corner. A color photo then
prints out and dispenses from the printer housed in the display, and the
visitors’ experience is captured and complete with a million dollar photo.
In addition, Silver Oaks has modified the look of existing exhibit
graphics to be more informative and user-friendly as well as created
graphics for several new displays.
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Chicago History Museum
In the past couple of years, Silver Oaks has had the opportunity to develop several interactive
touchscreen intrepretives for the Chicago History Museum.
Tracing the teenage experience through the twentieth
century, Silver Oaks created three award-winning,
DVD-based interactive interpretives for the “Teen
Chicago” exhibit. “Clubs,” “Bedrooms” and “Work”
explore the responsibilities and pastimes of
generations of Chicago teenagers and provide
glimpses of their working, school and
home lives. Structured as matching games
and displayed on 42" touchscreen
monitors, the interpretives invite visitors
to select a photo of a person or group of
people and then try to match it to the
appropriate job, school club or bedroom,
respectively. Once a match is successfully made, a brief description
highlighting the relationship appears. Recognized by the American
Association of Museums Media and Technology committee, “Clubs,”
“Bedrooms” and “Work” received the highly acclaimed MUSE Award.
Most recently, as part of the museum’s interior renovation project, Silver Oaks produced and
fabricated “Street Smarts.” Located on the second floor balcony, the look and theme of the
interactive display correlates with a large street sign mobile that hangs over the entry hall. The
DVD-based interpretive is designed as a multiple choice game and quizzes visitors on their
historical street smarts. Clues are provided, and visitors are charged with the task of identifying
the correct street or intersection. Historical and modern-day photos with various factoids are
incorporated on each screen, as well as fun animations that bring
the photos “to life” when a street or intersection is correctly
identified. The 42" touchscreen monitor is housed in a simple,
clean cut, angular wood display that blends with the tones of the
surrounding oak floor and maple wall.
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Crater of Diamonds State Park
Partnering with an exhibit design firm, Silver Oaks produced a five-minute video that is integrated
into an exhibit at the Crater of Diamonds State Park Object Theater, located in Murfreesboro,
Arkansas. Front projected on a large screen hung behind a campsite set, the video provides a
brief geological and historical overview of the park and its prized treasures. In the video, a
grandfather character takes his two grandchildren and the audience back in time and walks them
through the natural phenomenon that created the current diamond field, how the “stones” were
discovered and the subsequent diamond rush.
Silver Oaks used special compositing techniques to create the “camp scene” illusion, placing
live action characters in a realistically illustrated setting – a silhouetted woods background
under a beautiful, clear night sky with a flickering campfire. Ambient night sounds of crickets
chirping and fire crackling also add to the realism, making the audience feel a part of the scene.
Throughout the story, 2D animations are intertwined to create dream-like sequences and
illustrate the volcanic explosion.
824 17th Street
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Discovery Channel/TLC
Discovery Channel/TLC took their
hit show “What Not to Wear” on
the road with an interactive
touchscreen kiosk that enables
mall shoppers to fine tune their
fashion sense. Stepping into a
virtual world, shoppers create a
virtual body, go shopping and
then get feedback from hosts
Stacy and Clinton.
In the experience, which Silver
Oaks designed and programmed,
the user begins by creating his or her own virtual model,
entering information about gender, body type, skin tone,
height, hair color, hair length and age. A set of custom
fashion “rules” is then presented for the user to follow
when virtual shopping.
Then it’s on to the shopping! The virtual mall contains three
stores, each with a different theme – Work Wear, Evening
Wear and Weekend Wear. Upon entering each store, the
user mixes and matches tops, bottoms and shoes to
create different outfits. Once a satisfactory outfit is
selected, the user has the option to show Stacy and
Clinton. Through the use of videos and logic built into the
computer program, Stacy and Clinton critique the selections
based on the fashion rules for the respective user.
Throughout the experience, the user can save up to four
outfits, which are provided on a take-away piece at the
end of the experience. The full-color custom printout
contains the user’s virtual model description, fashion
rules and details of the saved outfits, providing the user
with the fashion guidelines needed to ensure a
successful “real” shopping experience.
824 17th Street
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John G. Shedd Aquarium
As part of the “Lizards and The Komodo King” exhibit at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago,
Illinois, Silver Oaks created a series of four computer-based touchscreen interactives titled
“What’s for Lunch?” The interactives are incorporated into a 1950s diner display. Users are
invited to sit down at the diner display counter and help the waitress, Liz, sort through a mess
of orders placed by a bunch of lizards. Assisted by a series of clues provided by the other diner
employees, users are charged with the task of figuring which lizard ordered what meal.
The diner employees were filmed as green screen videos, allowing Silver Oaks to place the
characters in customized settings. Silver Oaks designed these backgrounds using a combination
of photos and graphics, making the characters appear as if they are actually behind the diner
counter. The menu serves as the interface, and the clues are supplemented by animations and
actual footage of what lizards really eat.
824 17th Street
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Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
For the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, California, Silver
Oaks created “We All Live in a Watershed,” a computer-based
touchscreen interactive. The program allows visitors to enter their
LA County ZIP code to see which watershed they live in, what
makes it unique and the respective path of water flow to the
ocean. 3D animation techniques simulate rippling water as images
“float” across during the attract loop. Once the screen is touched,
the water “drains” off and the map comes to the surface, allowing the user to then enter his
or her ZIP code.
Most recently, Silver Oaks has also produced a “Thanks to Our
Doners” touchscreen interactive. Created to be easily updated by
the client, the program honors their charitable donors, organized
by the contribution levels.
824 17th Street
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Deere & Company
As part of the Museum of Science and Industry’s redesign of the “Farm Tech” exhibit, Deere &
Company entrusted Silver Oaks with the task of creating an educational kiosk and program to
showcase the John Deere StarFire™ GPS system. Consulting with agricultural specialists and
product engineers, we worked to develop an informative display on highly advanced technology
that is fun and engaging for kids, as well as interesting for adults. The interactive display puts
the visitor in the farmer’s shoes – where, in the context of a farm’s growing cycle, the visitor can
stand behind the wheel and make the decisions of a precision farmer.
As the “farmer,” the visitor not only gets to select his or her field and crop, but has the opportunity
to “drive” a 3D, on-screen tractor with a genuine John Deere steering wheel. In addition, he or
she also learns how GPS technology is used to spot treat problem areas in the field and steers an
on-screen combine to clear the field and see the year’s yield. Each season is followed with a
“How Does It Work?” section, where the visitor has the opportunity to delve further into topics
relevant to that season and to see how the respective technology works.
The dual-station kiosk utilizes two 32" touchscreens for input, along with John Deere steering
wheels – one from a combine and one from a tractor.
Shortly following the installation of the “StarFire GPS” display at the Museum of Science and
Industry, Silver Oaks designed a similar display for The John Deere Pavilion, which features the
same educational interactive program but complements the look of the Pavilion’s existing displays.
Recognized by the American Association of Museums Media and Technology committee, “StarFire
GPS” recently received the highly acclaimed MUSE Award.
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Wichita Water Center
Silver Oaks teamed up with another design firm to make water conservation fun and intriguing at
the Wichita Water Center, in Kansas. Part of a larger exhibit, the two computer-based touchscreen
interpretives that Silver Oaks produced distill down the complicated concepts associated with water
and soil preservation in a readily understandable manner that is receptive for visitors of all ages.
“Make Your Own Soil” walks visitors through the age-old recipe
for soil, along the way prompting their involvement. In a very
simplified manner, visitors learn how bedrock or parent rock
creates soil, once it is exposed to mechanical and chemical
weathering, with the addition of organisms and water, and then
“baked” for hundreds of years.
“Healthy Yardscape” uses bright, light-hearted graphics to illustrate 10 daily activities and aspects
associated with a yardscape that can be easily altered to make the surrounding environment
healthier. Visitors are prompted to find the 10 items and upon the discovery of each, they learn
the respective conservation tips. Enlivening the
scene, Silver Oaks incorporated several sillihouetted
characters – produced as looping videos that were
then integrated into the illustrated scene. This
particular program was deemed to be such a success,
it was later slightly modified and also installed
at the Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
824 17th Street
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Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center
Teaming up with another exhibit design firm, Silver
Oaks developed the multimedia components for the
Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center in
Grand Portage, Minnesota. Combining the talents
of our designers, writers, editors, audio engineers
and programmers, we created three educational
experiences that provide visitors with an in-depth look
at the rich history of the Grand Portage community.
Using authentic audio clips from local Grand Portage
community members and historical images, we wove
together a series of memoirs to create the computer-
based touchscreen interactive “Grand Portage Stories.”
The “Great Carrying Place” video, which is tightly
integrated into its 3-dimensional exhibit setting
through corresponding lighting effects, tells of the
role Grand Portage played in the late 18th-century
fur trade industry between North America and Europe.
The most complicated of the three, “Art of the Trade,”
poses visitors with the unique opportunity to partake
in a fur trade dialogue. The computer-based
interactive interfaces a 15" touch screen with a 73"
video monitor that is integrated into an elaborate
set design of an authentic-looking Ojibwe winter
lodge. The resulting effect provides visitors with the
illusion of looking in on the exchange between an
Ojibwe woman and a fur trader, where the selections
that the visitors choose directly affect the responses
and transaction that take place. From the scripting,
to the in-studio video shoot, to final programming,
our team worked closely with the content experts
and set designers to ensure all details aligned to
complete a highly effective visitor experience.
824 17th Street
I Moline, Illinois 61265
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National Geographic Museum
To enhance the “Birds of North America” exhibit, the National Geographic Museum, located in
Washington, D.C., contracted Silver Oaks to produce a touchscreen interactive soundboard of bird
calls. The resulting program, “Bird Songs,” allows visitors to select calls from 28 North American
birds. With the ability to play multiple calls simultaneously, the interactive program easily
transforms the museum’s exhibit hall into a forest of birds.
824 17th Street
I Moline, Illinois 61265
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Missouri State University
Partnering with an exhibit design firm, Silver Oaks recently created for the newly constructed
JQH Arena a touchscreen interactive program honoring Missouri State University’s great athletes.
Part of the Hall of Fame exhibit area, the interactive program allows users to search for their
favorite Missouri Bear Hall of Famers – displaying a biography and photo. In addition, users can
also review some of the key athletic moments in Missouri State’s sporting events. The resulting
interactive program was created in such a way that content can be easily updated on a regular
basis by the client as new inductees are added each year.
824 17th Street
I Moline, Illinois 61265
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Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
When Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center opened its “My BodyWorks” exhibit, Silver Oaks was there
behind the scenes involved in multimedia production. Working closely with the Exploreum’s educators,
we developed a unique interactive experience for children to explore the implications of diabetes.
“The Adventures of Captain Insulin” educates visitors about the importance of choosing healthy
foods and activities. The storyline revolves around accepting Captain Insulin’s mission to be a
targeting specialist and ensure that the body is supplied with the insulin its cells need to absorb
glucose. During a period of one day, visitors must make food, activity and medication choices,
and then experience the resulting effects in the body. Armed with a joystick, they must shoot
insulin to the cells in need of glucose.
To enhance the experience, special effects are incorporated so that “playability” and ease of
shooting during the game play mode is directly impacted by the visitors’ respective choices.
For instance if sugar levels get too high, game play becomes sluggish – thus providing visitors
with an “in body” glimpse of someone who struggles with diabetes.
In addition, Silver Oaks also partnered with another multimedia software developer to design
a series of interactives that showcase the human anatomy, explain the concept of the Body Mass
Index, and illustrate the importance of food choices for planning a healthy diet.
824 17th Street
I Moline, Illinois 61265
I 309.797.9898
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