Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center: BaseBuild
Problem solving and teamwork through a 3D modeling curriculum and websiteFlyleaf worked with the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center and educators to conceptualize and create a STEM program for students to learn CAD software in a web-based environment.
Flyleaf Creative…
- Designed a brand for the BaseBuild program that is exciting, motivational, and age-appropriate
- Worked with CAD experts and educators to understand the challenges of teaching CAD in the classroom
- Built a website complete with video tutorials and animations to support learning
- Launched BaseBuild as a summer pilot program
An Exciting, Motivational, Youth-Oriented Brand
We researched the visual language of CAD software, online learning, and youth-oriented brands. We then developed an underlying brand platform that lays out the values of the brand, and presented options for moodboards, style tiles, nomenclature, and logo.
We settled on the name “BaseBuild” and developed a logo that highlights its connection to the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center. We created a final brand system with logo, color palette, typography, pattern, visual style, and animated logo with sound to use in tutorial videos.
Curriculum Development & Teacher Workshop
Flyleaf evaluated existing tutorials and CAD software to understand the approaches to teaching CAD that work best. Working with Montclair State University’s MIX Lab, we partnered with two engineering students, Ronnie and Brenda. Together we brainstormed themes and developed a preliminary curriculum.
We workshopped this curriculum with Newark STEM coordinators and teachers. Through this experience, we made the decision to redevelop the curriculum around a universal theme. After many brainstorming sessions, we landed on 3D printing as a tool to upcycle trash.
Our engineering expert students developed this theme into 5 modules which we tested, iterated on, and tested again.
Flyleaf participated in weekly meetings to track the curriculum progress, and provided feedback. We tested each module under development, and worked on diagrams to help illustrate complex concepts.
A Website to Support Learning
Our team designed and built a BaseBuild website to house the curriculum and excite educators and supporters about the program. We included a variety of ways for students and educators to engage with the curriculum, including lessons with video tutorials with optional subtitles, written step-by-step instructions, a glossary, keyboard shortcut animations, and a help center with in-depth explanations of CAD features.
To give users flexibility, we provided printable PDF versions of reference materials (like keyboard shortcuts), the lessons themselves, and teacher resources. The BaseBuild website is responsive so users can have the instructions and CAD software open side by side on screen, or on their phone.
To create the website’s video tutorials, we directed a video shoot at the Yogi Berra Museum where we recorded Ronnie and Brenda presenting each module. In preparation for the shoot, we wrote scripts based on their curriculum, and rehearsed the content with Ronnie and Brenda.
We then edited the video shoot footage together with screen recordings of CAD software and animations that illustrate complex information, distilling the curriculum modules into easy-to-follow tutorial videos.
Launched BaseBuild as a Summer Pilot Program
In 2023 and again in 2024, the Yogi Berra Museum partnered with Title 1 schools in Newark and Paterson, NJ to beta test the website and curriculum with students partaking in a 4-week BaseBuild summer pilot program. Teachers had support from Ronnie and Brenda to facilitate the program, as well as access to MSU’s MIX Lab for day trips to 3D print their designs.
