ilmi Readiness Plan: Reimagining STREAM Learning in Motion

Activating ilmi’s learning strategy through portable science experiences for youth

ilmi, a new science discovery center in Riyadh for children and youth, aims to reimagine how STREAM learning reaches communities. As the first activation of its broader learning and digital strategy, we co-created mobile Science Trolleys and inclusive workshops—bringing immersive, age-inclusive learning beyond museum walls and into everyday life across the Kingdom.

Years

2025-Present

Industry

Education, Science, Nonprofit,
Cultural Institutions

Scope

Product Design,
Experience Design,
Service Design,
Learning Design

Offering

Experience

50

Facilitators Trained

2

Science Trolleys Shipped

15 +

Schools Targeted in Year 1

1000 +

Learners Projected to be Reached Annually

THE CHALLENGE

ilmi—a bold new science center in Riyadh for learners aged 6–16—was founded with a mission to inspire future generations across Saudi Arabia through immersive, hands-on education. As a flagship initiative of Misk Foundation, ilmi aims to spark scientific curiosity and catalyze a culture of lifelong learning aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

In 2023, ATÖLYE partnered with ilmi to craft its learning and digital strategy, laying the groundwork for a system of adaptive, age-inclusive learning. But this strategy wasn’t meant to stay on paper. ilmi’s team sought to translate it into tangible, mobile touchpoints that could reach far beyond the museum walls.

The brief: Design a traveling learning ecosystem: one that could roll into schools, public spaces, and community centers; bringing STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to life in ways that are inclusive, interactive, and joyfully unexpected. How do you design a learning experience that’s mobile, magical, and meaningful—all at once?

THE APPROACH

To bring ilmi’s learning strategy to life, ATÖLYE and Curiosity Lab co-designed a mobile program that delivers STREAM education beyond museum walls. At its core: two custom-built Science Trolleys, five adaptable workshops, and 15 modular activities—each crafted to spark curiosity through hands-on, age-inclusive learning.

Designed with educators and accessibility teams, the experience blends play, storytelling, and inclusive design. A spin-the-wheel feature adds surprise, while bilingual and sensory-friendly materials ensure access for all.

More than a product, this was strategy in actio; embedding ilmi’s values into a scalable, community-powered learning model ready to travel across Saudi Arabia.

THE IMPACT

Still early in rollout, the Science Trolleys have already reached schools, learning festivals, and community spaces across Saudi Arabia—sparking strong engagement among learners and facilitators alike.

50+ facilitators trained
2 trolleys activated (more in production)
15+ sites in year one
Thousands of learners expected annually

Beyond engagement, the project fostered internal alignment at ilmi—showing how a bold strategy can become a tangible, joyful experience. The trolleys now serve as ilmi’s first public expression of its long-term learning ecosystem.