Interactive Paleontology Study with Rive

Fossil is a concept for an interactive paleontology study: a Parasaurolophus explored from its living reconstruction down to its skeleton, its crest and a comparison with Ankylosaurus.

I designed the interaction model, art direction, interface and motion, and built a working prototype in Rive.

Overview shows the whole specimen, Cranial Study focuses on the crest, and Comparison brings in a second animal. Each level asks a different question while the subject stays recognizable.

The look draws on scientific plates and museum graphics. Engraved illustrations carry the detail, while fine rules, registration marks and technical labels form an analytical layer around them.

One control blends the living reconstruction into its skeleton, in the same pose. The selected region stays active while its labels, card and Field Notes update together.

Entering Cranial Study reframes the specimen around its crest. The skull holds its position across Anatomy, Growth and Acoustics, and in Acoustics the diagrams follow the timing and intensity of a synthetic sound.

Parasaurolophus and Ankylosaurus are compared through six lenses: body plan, cranial structure, feeding, defense, posture and time. Each lens brings its own study points, 22 in total, from a local structure to a relationship across the whole body.

View models, state machines and timelines drive the interface, with bones and mesh deformation for the posture and Luau for coordination. Text, diagrams and motion are native, so the whole piece stays editable in the Rive Editor.

Try it live (desktop): https://fossil-live.vercel.app