Marble Speedway at The Strong National Museum of Play, Rochester, NY (350-ft interactive marble track).

Marble Speedway

Story Factory Studios — The Strong National Museum of Play (Rochester, NY, USA)

Project Type: Permanent Interactive Exhibit
Role: Industrial Designer / Detailer

Project Overview

Marble Speedway is a large-scale interactive exhibit at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. It challenges visitors to race giant marbles along a dynamic 350-ft track with obstacles, pits, and a whirlpool, blending physical interaction with playful exploration. The exhibit also connects to histories of play and the cultural role of marbles.

My Role & Responsibilities

I served as Industrial Designer / Detailer, working directly with the project manager, creative director, vendors, and the client throughout the design, fabrication, and installation process. My responsibilities included:

Engaging in project meetings to align on design and technical goals.
Contributing to creative direction through rapid 3D exploration and iterative design.
Creating agile conceptual models in Rhinoceros for flexibility during design development.
Converting approved design concepts into accurate SolidWorks models suitable for fabrication and industry standards.
Producing detailed production drawings for components and assemblies issued to vendors.
Providing on-site technical support during the test installation phase by reviewing drawings, coordinating with the installation team, and helping resolve design or fabrication issues

Design and Technical Workflow

We began with flexible modeling and quick design iterations in Rhinoceros to support creative exploration and rapid changes. Once directions stabilized, models were transferred to SolidWorks for precision and manufacturability. Detailed drawings were then prepared for production, ensuring all parts met tolerance and installation requirements.

Installation & Problem Solving

During the test installation at the warehouse in Toronto, I identified and resolved technical challenges — from fit issues to fabrication discrepancies — collaborating with the team and vendors to refine solutions before final museum installation.