Editorial by Judith Rubin, InPark Magazine Editor
Alterface designed The Wander technology to give storytellers and operators extensive and profound options for the creation and implementation of interactive, non-linear guest experiences. We’re eagerly looking forward to seeing the first Wander-empowered experiences realized in the near future.
Meanwhile, a group of five graduate students from the UCF Themed Experience Program (in Orlando) set out to explore The Wander, with direct input and guidance from Alterface (in Belgium). The results of that exercise, published in this issue of InPark, show what great things can happen when industry and education join hands.
Collaborations such as this help students – tomorrow’s industry innovators and leaders – begin to grasp the real issues of attraction development. The Alterface exercise put cutting-edge tools into their hands and provided a platform for meaningful dialogue with the innovators.
The UCF graduate studies programs are headed by Professor Peter Weishar, a pioneer in themed experience education. They cultivate creative growth in partnership with industry, in exemplary fashion. These masters candidates are already working in the field, and the study program is tailored to accommodate that. Prof. Weishar brings experts and leaders into the classroom; he brings students into company settings; he forms ties to industry organizations and gets his students involved.
The students and the industry respond with enthusiasm. Alterface demonstrated the qualities that make them leaders in the field. Alterface principals were closely involved throughout this exercise and provided thoughtful feedback from a well of knowledge and experience, with keen awareness of the various practical and creative issues involved.
The industry’s growing academic arm reflects the characteristic bold creativity of the industry itself. These students don’t live in an academic bubble – they are learning in a transparent, collaborative setting. They will graduate already having connections and experience, a working knowledge of their chosen field and exposure to multiple disciplines – a strong basis from which to continue and contribute.
