Some of the most meaningful innovation happens when organizations come together around a shared vision.
That’s exactly what happened when Digital NEST’s BizzNEST partnered with the Modesto Children’s Museum (MoChiMu) to create an immersive installation that transforms movement into collaborative digital art. Designed and developed by BizzNEST associates alongside the MoChiMu team, the experience invites children and families to paint together through movement, demonstrating how technology can inspire creativity, connection, and play.
At the heart of the installation are three guiding concepts:
- Emergence — watching something new take shape through collaboration.
- Impermanence — embracing artwork that continuously evolves and fades.
- Shared Space — encouraging participants to create together rather than individually.
How It Works
Using computer vision technology, a camera tracks each participant’s movements and transforms their hands into virtual watercolor brushes across a large projected canvas. As multiple participants paint simultaneously, their colors blend naturally into new textures and hues, creating artwork that no one person could make alone.
The art is not only visual. Movements and their velocity also correspond to sound – composing a song in real time to complement the digital brushstrokes.
The music and brushstrokes gradually fade, inviting the next creation and reminding visitors that the joy of art is found in the process as much as the final piece.
The result is an experience that’s intuitive enough for young children to enjoy immediately while offering endless opportunities for experimentation, teamwork, and creative expression.
“This partnership highlights our commitment to empowering local youth through real-world technology projects right here in Modesto. By giving our BizzNEST associates the opportunity to build interactive, community-centered experiences, we’re deepening our presence and impact in the region.”
— Alex Rodriguez, [Interim Director of BizzNEST]
“The mission of the Modesto Children’s Museum is to enrich the lives of all children by nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and a love for lifelong learning. The Sound Canvas is an incredible embodiment of that, fusing the artful creativity and technological skills of the Central Valley into an experience that elicits awe, wonder, and joy for families who call this region home.”
— Brian Krosnick, [Director of Education & Experience ]
Learning Through Real-World Collaboration
Working alongside MOCHIMU gave BizzNEST associates the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, solve real client challenges, and strengthen both technical and creative skills throughout the development process.
Each Associate contributed their unique expertise while learning from one another:
- Aidan led computer vision development.
- Tanush designed the audio and musical experience.
- Diego supported software development.
- Joshua managed hardware integration and DevOps.
- Fern focused on interaction design and visitor facilitation.
Throughout the project, the team continually balanced technical innovation with user experience, asking not only how the installation should work, but how it should make participants feel.
The result is an experience designed for everyone, accessible enough for first-time visitors while encouraging deeper exploration every time a child steps onto the canvas.
A Partnership That Invests in Community
This collaboration reflects what happens when community organizations combine their strengths.
MoChiMu provided an opportunity to imagine a new kind of museum experience that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and exploration. Digital NEST empowered emerging technology professionals to gain hands-on experience by building a public-facing installation with real community impact.
We are grateful to the Modesto Children’s Museum for partnering with Digital NEST on this inspiring project and for believing in the talent of our BizzNEST associates. To experience the interactive installation in person, visit MoChiMu, located at 928 11th Street in downtown Modesto. The museum is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Tuesdays). Reserve your ticket online at modestochildrensmuseum.org.
Support BizzNEST – hire BizzNEST, make a financial contribution.
