Spot the Spots

Spot the Spots is a large-format memory game on the basis of non-invasive behavioral research conducted by theWild Nature Institute in Serengeti and Tarangire.

The interactive installation aims to draw attention to the protection of giraffe species and the conservation of their habitat, as they are threatened with extinction due to human activities. The game invites you to learn about pattern recognition software, which is used in wildlife research to recognize giraffes in photographs based on their unique fur patterns. While kids are very skilled memory players the game shows how difficult analogue pattern recognition is on a basis for (adult) humans. Artificial intelligence thus enables long-term and in-depth research projects without interfering with the reality of animals' lives, leaving them and their habitat intact and therefore shows itself as an essential non-invasive research tool.

Spot the Spots is a collaboration with Monica L. Bond, wildlife biologist and biodiversity activist (UZH), the scenographer Sonja Koch and graphic designer Meltem Kalayci. Concept and production by: Katharina Weikl, Head of the Art x Science Office at University of Zurich. 

Spot the Spots was part of our exhibition Bits, Byte & Biodiversität in Zernez and is currently shown at the exhibition GIRAFFE: A HEIGHTENED EXPERIENCE at THEMUSEUM.

Images: © Chris Kufske