We have researched and analysed a number of tools that museums use today. They vary a lot since the different museums have different target groups. The most surprising discoveries are that none of the museums we researched were very successful in creating a unique experience that would not otherwise be possible, and few offered solutions that were aimed at kids.
The Swedish Museum of Natural History (SMNH) writes on the website that they aim to be a knowledge center and a natural meeting point for both the public and experts. However, the interactive touch screens they use seem to focus on their experience for kids. At Moderna Museet (MM) they offer a guide tour app to complement the exhibition but keep the activities with a focus on children scheduled on "family sundays".
We saw some good effects the different tools offered during our observations. For example the MM app has a nice simple design that is easy to navigate intuitively. The karaoke stage at the ABBA museum (AM) really draws the visitors in to the exhibition and makes them want to experience more. The touch screens at SMNH create natural stopping points in the tour and helps kids stay interested.
To summarize, there is a variety of different interactive solutions in use in museums today but none of them seem to get the experience just right. The stage at AM immerses one in the experience but also shares the experience with all surrounding people, both willing and unwilling. MM's application can be used without affecting others, but isolates the users from their surroundings to a large extent by occupying the sense of hearing. We believe that there must be a sweet-spot between disturbance and isolation.
Furthermore, not all solutions use the possibilities of digital tools to their limit. The interactive screens at SMNH could be replaced by regular printed text without much of a change in the user experience and the MM application is mostly digital version of a traditional guided tour. We imagine that there is way to use the possibilities only available in digital technology to offer a more innovative experience.
Looking at our analyses the biggest problem we need to address when we work on our project appears to be "How do we create something truly engaging for kids without disturbing the other visitors"?
contributing with a short summary of my state-of-the-art analyses, I'd have to say that I think the Tekniska Museet were successfull in creating a unique experience for the target users they were supppose to target with the "Virtual Autopsy Table". Awake curiosity and educate kids,students and adults in a non-disturbing and non-isolating way. Don't get me wrong, I do agree with you all on a sweet-spot between disturbance and isolation, but here might be an example where it was achievable :)
ReplyDeleteplease feel free to comment and share your opinion if you manage to find a flaw with the virtual autopsy.
Cheers!