Idaho History Project
A Treefort Exhibit in The Stein Luminary
- Role Team Lead · Lead Developer
- ToolsUnreal · Photogrammerty · TouchDesigner · Switchboard
- DurationSeptember 2025 - March 2026
- Exhibit Date March 27th, 2026
- Team 4 people
Overview
The Idaho History Project is an interactive exhibit designed to immerse visitors in the rich history of Idaho, while educating them about locations that are often difficult to access or rarely visited. During the development of the project, the team selected Swan Falls Dam as the primary focus of the exhibit. Swan Falls Dam is a hydroelectric dam located on the Snake River in southwestern Idaho and holds significant importance in the region’s history and infrastructure. As one of the oldest hydroelectric dams in Idaho, it has played a critical role in providing power to surrounding communities while also becoming a well-known recreational destination. Beyond its historical value, Swan Falls is known for its dramatic geological history, stunning views of the Snake River, and its location within the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, making it an important site for both geological research and wildlife conservation.
My Role & Contributions
As the Team Lead and Lead Developer, I was responsible for overseeing the project’s development, coordinating team efforts, and contributing to the technical implementation of the exhibit. My contributions included:
- Developing and building the interactive exhibit within Unreal Engine
- Team Leadership and Project Management
Process & Development
MARCH 2026:
Exhibt is open to the Public for Treefort!Go check out our opening day →
Project Gallery
The Team
Daria Brown
Team Lead · Lead Developer
Jaden Rodgers
3D specialist
Carla Watts
2D Artist
Anja Perry
Lighting Design
Challenges & Solutions
One of the main challenges we faced during the development process was the connection and seamless synchronization between Unreal Engine and the thee computer. This integration was crucial for achieving the desired interactive experience, but it required careful configuration and troubleshooting to ensure smooth communication between the two platforms. Using nDisplay to address this challenge, we conducted testing and researched to resolve any issues that arose during development.
What I Learned
Through this project, I gained valuable experience in leading a team and managing a complex development process. I also deepened my technical skills in Unreal Engine and learned how to effectively integrate it with other software tools like TouchDesigner and Switchboard. Additionally, I developed a greater understanding of the challenges involved in creating interactive exhibits and the importance of collaboration and communication in overcoming those challenges. I am proud of the work we accomplished and the team's ability to work through difficult challenges that pushed us back many times.