Our Work

Reimagining the People's House for the Digital Age

“Together, we will work to open the doors of the White House wider and wider to more fully reflect the distinct beauty of all of our communities.”

Dr. Jill Biden

Former First Lady of the United States

As one of the world’s most iconic buildings, the White House has hosted public tours for more than 60 years. Yet despite the prestige of this powerful symbol of democracy, the tour experience remained unchanged for decades.

To refresh the tour for modern learners, ESI Design collaborated with Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and A&E to create an experience that utilizes inclusive, multisensory environments to inform the public, honor presidential history and reflect the changing needs of "The People's House."

Imbuing new life into its historic spaces, rooms and hallways, the tour's multimedia experiences illuminate the stories of the White House, and those who have lived and worked inside. It also allows visitors to step into spaces previously closed to the public, such as the Diplomatic Reception Room. Throughout each space, digital and physical reader rails, signage and pillars guide visitors with tactile and auditory elements to engage multiple senses, ages and abilities. Exhibit elements are designed as a modular “kit of parts” for daily installation and dismantling.

Experience Design

Concept

Content

Data Visualization

Media

Software

Exhibits

Games

Graphics

Interiors

Sound

Staff Training

Systems

Wayfinding

Activities

Identity

Production

Related Work

The White House Public Tour

Washington, D.C. • 2024

Reimagining the People's House for the Digital Age

“Together, we will work to open the doors of the White House wider and wider to more fully reflect the distinct beauty of all of our communities.”

As one of the world’s most iconic buildings, the White House has hosted public tours for more than 60 years. Yet despite the prestige of this powerful symbol of democracy, the tour experience remained unchanged for decades.

To refresh the tour for modern learners, ESI Design collaborated with Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and A&E to create an experience that utilizes inclusive, multisensory environments to inform the public, honor presidential history and reflect the changing needs of "The People's House."

Imbuing new life into its historic spaces, rooms and hallways, the tour's multimedia experiences illuminate the stories of the White House, and those who have lived and worked inside. It also allows visitors to step into spaces previously closed to the public, such as the Diplomatic Reception Room. Throughout each space, digital and physical reader rails, signage and pillars guide visitors with tactile and auditory elements to engage multiple senses, ages and abilities. Exhibit elements are designed as a modular “kit of parts” for daily installation and dismantling.