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Phase 1 · Explore

From Object to Character

Pick a museum object that pulls you in. Investigate it slowly, with eyes only — no AI yet. Ask whose voice the museum left out. Then, and only then, use AI to generate a first image of that missing person.

Duration · ~60 minutesSteps · 4Output · Character description & first AI image
1. Pick an object from the museum

Pick ONE object that feels interesting, surprising, beautiful, uncomfortable, or important.

Capture the basics

  • Object name — what is it called on the museum label?
  • Object description — a few sentences in your own words.
  • Quick sketch — even a rough drawing helps you look more carefully.
2. Investigate your object

Get to know your object. Be curious. Investigate it further. Do not use AI yet. Do not start the story yet. Just look.

Write at least 5 things you can see

Stick to what is literally visible. Examples of openers:

  • It is made of…
  • It is the colour…
  • It is big / small…
  • It has symbols…
  • It looks old / broken / shiny / heavy…
  • It looks beautiful / ugly / strange because…

What does the museum NOT tell us?

Read the museum label or exhibition text. Pick the most useful information. Now ask:

  • Who used this object?
  • Who made it?
  • How did people feel about it?
  • Who benefited from it?
  • Who is missing from this story?
3. Ask: Whose story is missing?

Now think about people connected to the object. Who could be missing? Who is not visible in the museum story?

For example: maker, worker, child, woman, trader, servant, traveller, outsider, religious person.

The four corners

For your object, brainstorm a person in each of these four roles:

Who used it?Who benefited?
The everyday users — the people whose hands actually touched this object.The people who gained — wealth, power, status, comfort — because this object existed.
Who made it?Who suffered?
The makers — workers, craftspeople, artisans who produced it. Often anonymous.The people who paid the cost — those whose labour, freedom, or wellbeing was taken to make this object exist.

Dot vote

Each team selects one character linked to the object to tell an "untold story." 2 dots per team.

CHECKIs your missing character realistic?
  • 1. ASK — Ask someone who may know: a teacher, museum guide, museum staff, or expert.
  • 2. SEARCH — Find 2 trusted sources. Good sources: museum text, museum website, encyclopedia, university/history website, archive, heritage website, or teacher-approved source.
  • 3. COMPARE — Do your sources agree? If not, write what is different.
  • Final check · Can this person really be linked to the object, time, and place? If unsure, write: "We are not sure because…"
4. Generate a first image of your character

Now — and only now — use AI to generate a first image of your persona. This is your starting point, not your final image. You will improve it.

AFirst prompt

Prompt · paste into your AI image tool
Create an image of [persona], a [role] living in [time/place], connected to [museum object]. Make it realistic and historically plausible.

BMake your AI image better

Your first AI image will probably not be perfect. Improve it by using all of these strategies:

  1. Add context — time, place, role, clothing, object, setting, mood.
  2. Use reference images — verified images from the museum, archive, heritage website, or teacher-approved source.
  3. Improve your prompt — avoid vague terms; be specific about period, place, materials, dignity.
  4. Try different LLMs — compare outputs across models. Some are better at historical accuracy.
  5. Try again — generate a new version. Compare: what improved, what still feels wrong?
Vague
"old worker"
Good
"a textile worker in 19th-century Belgium, standing near a wooden loom, realistic style"

Tip: ask your AI to rewrite your prompt with more historical detail. Or use a prompt-writing tool like promptcowboy.com.

CVerify your output

Run through this checklist after each iteration:

Time & place

  • Clothes fit the time
  • Buildings / background fit the place
  • Tools / objects fit the period
  • Nothing looks too modern

Object connection

  • The person clearly connects to the museum object
  • The object is used in a believable way
  • The image helps explain the story

Stereotypes

  • The image avoids clichés
  • The person looks specific, not like a cartoon type
  • The image shows dignity and respect
  • It does not make the culture look strange

Evidence

  • We can explain what is based on a source
  • We can explain what AI invented
  • We can explain what we are still unsure about

DComplete your character

Template · fill in for your character
I am a __________________________________________ I live in / come from ____________________________ My connection to the object is: __________________ This perspective is interesting because __________
CHECKIs your AI image realistic?
  • 1. LOOK — Look carefully at the image. Does the person, clothing, place, and object fit the time period?
  • 2. CHECK — Compare the image with your sources. Use museum text, museum website, existing reference images, history websites, archives, or teacher-approved sources.
  • 3. SPOT AI MISTAKES — AI can invent details. Look for things that seem too modern, too clean, too stereotypical, or not connected to the object.
  • Final check · Does the image fit the object, time, place, and character? If unsure, write: "We are not sure because…"