Project tasks

As part of the Livingstone Museum project, students worked in teams to investigate a hidden collection and design a proposal that could meaningfully enhance the museum’s engagement with visitors. To demonstrate their research, creativity, and leadership, each team completed three core tasks:

1. The proposal

Each group produced a written proposal outlining:

• the hidden collection they selected,

• why it matters for Zambia’s history and for today’s audiences,

• the challenges or opportunities they identified,

• their recommended solution, programme, or exhibition concept, and

• how the museum could implement it in a realistic and sustainable way.

The proposal needed to be clear, persuasive, practical, and informed by evidence gathered through research, interviews, observations, and the design cycle (explore → imagine → plan → create & test → reflect & improve).

2. The presentation

Teams created a short presentation for museum staff, teachers, and peers.

The presentation allowed students to:

• communicate their idea effectively,

• justify their design choices,

• demonstrate prototypes or visuals, and

• respond to questions as emerging leaders and problem-solvers.

The goal was not perfect polish, but clarity of thought, confidence, and the ability to persuade a real-world audience.

3. A useful artefact for the museum

Every group also created a tangible output that the museum could potentially use. Depending on the project, this artefact could be:

• a redesigned label, poster, or interpretive panel,

• a prototype of an interactive activity or exhibit,

• an educational resource or worksheet,

• a digital mock-up (website, app screen, audio guide script, etc.), or

• a community engagement tool, such as a survey or story-collection method.

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This task ensured that students moved from ideas to real, usable products, mirroring the practical work museums undertake to support visitors and communities.