Dream Job: Attraction Designer

Attraction design is where creativity meets adventure! It’s all about dreaming up thrilling rides, magical worlds, and unforgettable experiences that make you feel like a kid again. Whether it’s a theme park or a nature park, Attraction Designers are the masterminds behind the fun, turning wild ideas into real-life wonders.

In this special feature, we explore the world of attraction design through the eyes of two talented Fun-Makers from Pico Play: Lachlan O'Bryan, Attraction Designer based on the Gold Coast, and Janice Mak, Senior Attraction Designer from our Kuala Lumpur office. They share their experiences, insights, and passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences in the themed entertainment industry.

‍

Pico Play: What sparked your interest in becoming an Attraction Designer?

Janice: Design is fun, always a new challenge on each project. All the attractions are never the same, which keeps me excited and curious about the end products and results. Good design is not only about making products look nice—it is about creating solutions to problems, considering the user's needs, and ensuring durability and functionality.

Pico Play: Can you walk us through your typical day as an Attraction Designer?

Janice: When I start any design or a new project, I first understand the client’s requirements, communicate with team members, and collaborate on creative ideas through brainstorming. Next, I develop content such as sketches, PowerPoint presentations, CAD working drawings, and Photoshop colouring to establish the design intent. Then, I select and prepare materials boards, finishes schedules, etc. Finally, necessary coordination with suppliers or builders is required.

Pico Play: Could you share a project you’ve worked on that stands out in your career?

Janice: Universal Studios Singapore—Wow! It made my dream come true, from drafting board to reality!

Pico Play: What skills and traits do you believe are essential for success in attraction design?

Janice: Think beyond...be sensitive to your surroundings and try putting yourself in the shoes of the end user, such as the guest experience. Ask yourself, what would you like to see? Do you enjoy the attraction you designed? Having both creative and technical skills to draw complex settings and worlds is a huge benefit for anyone wanting to break into this career. But designers also need to be team players who can collaborate with a wide range of professionals to envision spaces, rides, and attractions.

Pico Play: What advice would you offer to someone aspiring to enter the field of attraction design?

Janice: “Passion”... be creative and innovative. I always believe that 1+1 is not necessarily equal to 2... it can be 11... or more, so be flexible. Teamwork also plays an important role, and staying alert to the latest trends is essential.

‍

‍

Pico Play: What do you find most fulfilling about working in attraction industry?

Lachlan: The blend of STEM and the Arts in the creative process is particularly fascinating to me. One day you get to brainstorm something otherworldly and the next? You get to make it a reality!

Pico Play: How would you describe your time at Disney as an intern and how did that experience influence your approach to attraction design?              

Lachlan: Working at the Magic Kingdom was a dream come true for a theme park enthusiast like me. Operating attractions I loved and experiencing the themed entertainment industry from multiple perspectives deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of attraction design.

Pico Play: What insights did you gain from working at the Disney that have impacted your design process?

Lachlan: One crucial insight was the importance of understanding guest behaviour. Navigating large crowds and intense summer heat at an attraction can be stressful, so it’s essential for designs to avoid overcomplication. Designers should experience the industry firsthand to understand the guest experience and minimize confusion while maximizing enjoyment.

Pico Play: What keeps you inspired to create new and exciting attractions?

Lachlan: Potential is the most exciting thing. There are so many more stories to be told, worlds to create, and combinations of old and new technologies to be experimented with. Creativity is never ending!

Pico Play: How do you ensure your designs are both innovative and engaging for guests?

Lachlan: As a chronically online millennial, I enjoy staying updated with themed entertainment industry posts and major events like the TEA’s THEA Awards. These panels and discussions with industry professionals offer valuable insights into the development and technical aspects of new experiences.

‍

‍

‍

‍

Both Lachlan and Janice exemplify the passion, creativity, and dedication it takes to thrive in the world of Attraction Design. Their journeys highlight the diverse paths one can take in this dynamic field, where the only limit is the imagination.

Want to be our next Attraction Designer superstar? Join the Fun-Makers: pico-play.com/careers

‍