Supporting individual penguin observation in aquarium exhibits through sketching abdominal spot patterns

In penguin exhibits at aquariums and zoos, multiple individuals are often housed together, and visitors tend to observe them as a group rather than as distinct individuals. Although some facilities provide names and individual information for each penguin, it remains difficult for visitors to connect the animal in front of them with information displayed on-site. To address this challenge, we present an interactive approach that supports individual-level penguin observation through visitors’ active engagement. Focusing on the unique abdominal spot patterns of penguins, we developed a smartphone-based system that invites visitors to observe the abdominal pattern, sketch it on the interface, identify the individual, and access information about the penguin. By requiring visitors to actively inspect and sketch the pattern, the system is designed not only to identify individuals but also to encourage closer observation. We deployed the system in collaboration with Sunshine Aquarium in Tokyo and conducted a field study with over 400 visitors across two one-week deployments to examine how the system shaped observation behavior at the exhibit. The results showed that the system increased conversations among visitors, encouraged attention to individual penguins, and increased time spent at the exhibit. Visitors were also observed calling penguins by their names and relating penguin profiles to themselves, suggesting growing familiarity. In addition, some visitors revisited the exhibit, including on multiple days. These findings suggest that sketch-based identification can serve as an effective interactive approach for promoting active, individual-level observation of penguins in aquarium exhibits and for deepening visitor engagement with animals.