Hivemind
Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
2020

Studio Starr developed the visual identity, graphic system and photographic language for Hivemind, an interactive engagement installation created for the Museum of Australian Democracy as part of the Canberra Enlighten Festival.

The project invited visitors to contribute personal ideas by writing on hexagonal tiles and placing them within a growing wall-based structure, forming a collective “hive” of responses over time.

Working from an established engagement concept, Studio Starr developed a bold and highly distinctive visual approach that supported participation while creating a cohesive and immersive environment. The graphic system incorporated custom photography, texture and colour to establish a rich, layered aesthetic across the installation.

A series of photographic elements, capturing natural textures and organic structures, were combined with typography and colour to create a dynamic, collage-based visual language. This approach reinforced the collective and evolving nature of the installation while ensuring strong visual impact within the space.

Studio Starr also contributed to the refinement of the participation flow, developing clear graphic instructions and interfaces that supported visitor interaction and ease of use. The graphic system was integrated into the physical structure in collaboration with the exhibition designer, ensuring consistency across both visual and spatial elements.

Originally conceived as a temporary installation, Hivemind was later adapted into a semi-permanent gallery installation within the museum.

Studio Starr’s impressive multi-disciplinary toolkit was critically important to the success of Hivemind. This was a complex project requiring expertise in branding, exhibition design & wayfinding signage, collateral development, photography as well as a sophisticated digital and social campaign. The team worked seamlessly with me across each of these elements to craft a highly successful event and exhibition that benchmarks museum best practice. I couldn’t be happier with the results.

Nanette Louchart-Fletcher
Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House