---
title: Drawing Attention: A Field Study of Sketch-Based Penguin Identification for Aquarium Visitor Engagement
tags:  #penguin #identification #drawing #aquarium #field study #engagement #chi #chi2026  
author: [Nakamura Laboratory (Meiji University)](https://docswell.com/user/nkmr-lab)
site: [Docswell](https://www.docswell.com/)
thumbnail: https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/PER98Q3NJ9.jpg?width=480
description: Zoos and aquariums often house animals in groups, making it difficult for visitors to recognize individuals. Penguins exemplify this challenge, even though identifying individuals can foster empathy and engagement. We addressed the following research questions: (RQ1) How do zoos and aquariums currently provide individual identification and what challenges remain? (RQ2) How does a sketch-based identification system affect visitor behavior and awareness in a real-world setting? To answer these questions, we (1) surveyed 25 facilities and clarified the limitations of existing practices, (2) refined a drawing-based retrieval algorithm to handle partial observations, (3) implemented a practical interactive system, and (4) validated it in a field study with 167 visitor groups (270 individuals). Results showed that the system encouraged name-based conversations, enhanced recognition of individual penguins, and increased dwell time. These findings suggest that sketch-based retrieval can enrich visitor experiences by promoting active observation and deeper engagement.
published: June 15, 26
canonical: https://docswell.com/s/nkmr-lab/ZQ2X4N-2026-06-15-165828
---
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Drawing Attention: A Field Study of
Sketch-Based Penguin Identification for
Aquarium Visitor Engagement
Yuki Nakagawa, Meiji University
Satoshi Nakamura, Meiji University


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Background
Leisure
Zoos
&
Education
Aquariums
Research
Conservation
We aim to support better observation experiences in aquariums
through individual identification.
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Background
• Previous work suggests that identifying
individual animals increases empathy
and conservation awareness.
[Smith+ 2024]
• Visitors tend to observe the group as a
whole, with limited attention to
individual characteristics and behaviors.
Smith, P., Mann, J. and Marsh, A.: Empathy for wildlife: The importance of the individual, Ambio, Vol. 53, No. 9, pp. 1269–1280 (2024).
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Survey of Penguin Exhibition Practices
How do zoos and aquariums provide individual animal identification and
RQ1：information today, and what challenges remain in improving visitor experiences?
• Visited 25 zoos and aquariums exhibiting penguins (17 in Japan and 8
overseas), and investigated how penguins were presented in these exhibits.
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Survey of Penguin Exhibition Practices
• Most zoos and aquariums identified individuals using flipper bands.
Name-tagged bands
Color-coded bands
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Survey of Penguin Exhibition Practices
• Some zoos and aquariums displayed information about individual.
Individual penguin list
Penguin relationship diagram
(SEA LIFE Sydney)
（Kakegawa Kachouen）
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Survey of Penguin Exhibition Practices
Key Challenges
Low
visibility
Shallow
information
Weak
individual
linkage
Limited
visitor
agency
Flipper bands are
hard to see.
Information is mostly
at the species level,
with little detail on
individuals.
It is difficult to link a
penguin to its
corresponding
information.
Static displays offer
limited opportunities
for interaction.
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Method
Drawing an abdominal pattern.
×
Retrieve the name from the drawing.
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System Design
Draw the penguin’s spot pattern.
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System Design
The system retrieves and ranks
candidate penguins by similarity.
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System Design
Tap a penguin to view its profile
information.
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Catalog
Album
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Field Study
RQ2： How does a sketch-based identification system influence visitor
behaviors in a real-world aquarium setting?
• We conducted a six-day field study at Sunshine Aquarium (Tokyo).
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Findings
• During the six-day deployment,
167 visitor groups (270 individuals) used the system.
Collaborative observation and conversation
Ah, Potato! So cute.
Shared device
This one has many spots !
Those two penguins
are a pair!
Multiple devices
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Findings
• The system appeared to increase dwell time at the exhibit,
with visitors becoming deeply engaged in drawing.
• Access to individual penguin
profiles helped visitors feel
closer to specific penguins.
This penguin has a
similar birthday to mine.
Formed personal connection
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Findings
• Most drawings focused on abdominal spot patterns as intended.
• Some visitors added observed characteristics outside the abdomen.
BOSS
Typical drawing
Creative use
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Takeaways
Drawing shifts observation from groups to individuals.
Sketch-based identification promotes active engagement and
conversation.
Access to detailed individual information helps visitors form
personal connections with animals.
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Limitations & Future work
• Conduct quantitative analysis using detailed log data to better
understand visitor behavior.
• Address possible self-selection bias by evaluating the system with more
diverse visitor groups.
• Extend the study through longer-term deployments across multiple
facilities to improve generalizability.
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Thank you for listening.
I’m currently looking for study abroad opportunities.
I’m also interested in conducting similar studies in international settings.
If you have any suggestions, I’d really appreciate it.
Scan to read Paper
Contact :
Yuki Nakagawa
nakagawa@nkmr-lab.org