Post on 16-Jul-2015
Integrating Technology into a(n Archaeological) Museum Exhibition:
Lessons from Keys 2 Rome
Christie A. Ray / Merel van der Vaart
Digital Museum Expo 2014
V-MusT.net • Allard Pierson Museum
Christie A. Ray PhD Candidate University of Amsterdam/Allard Pierson MuseumV-MusT.net (2011-2015)
“What is the impact of instruction on visitorsengaging with on-gallery interactivesin the museum context?”
Introduction
Merel van der VaartPhD Candidate University of Amsterdam/Allard Pierson MuseummeSch (2013-2017)
Mediating the Museum: The impact of on-gallery technology on visitors' engagement with museum objects
Developing Keys to Rome
Integrating technology: Content and Objects
Integrating technology: Design
Integrating technology: Visitor Experience
Behind the Scenes…
Lessons learned from Keys 2 Rome
Introduction
Developing Keys to RomeKeys to Rome was developed for 4 sites in Europe: Trajan’s Market – Rome, Sarajevo Town Hall –Bosnia, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt & the Allard Pierson Museum, the Netherlands.
Integrating technology: Content and Objects
Storytelling
What story do you tell?
How do you want to tell it?
Aligning wishes of four sites can be a challenge.
Integrating technology: Content and Objects
‘Augmenting’ objectsintegrates technology in a subtle way.
What we learned:
Buttons work.
So does magic.
All screens are touch screens. (as far as your audience is concerned)
Top picture: Virtex; Bottom picture: Revealing Flashlight
Integrating technology: Content and Objects
The exhibition made use of:Virtual objects &
Virtual environments
How do you bridge the gap between museum experience & virtual world?
Top picture: Virtually restored replica of museum object. Bottom picture: AdMotum environment.
Integrating technology: Content and Objects
In the Allard Pierson Museum, visitors could choose between 3
Perspectives when visiting the exhibition.They could unlock their chosen content
with the use of a key-card.
What we learned:
If you have a great idea…test it!
It will only get better.
Integrating technology: Visitor Experience
Attention is limited, motivated and selective.
S. Bitgood (2000)
Keep this in mind when designing your exhibition.Ask yourself: What will the visitor journey be like?
Integrating technology: Visitor Experience
Start simple, let visitors developer their skills & confidence first.
Introduction video & Instruction.
Login – First use of key-card.
Use key-card at theme station.
Use Virtex smart object.
Use revealing Flashlight.
Explore Ad Motum virtual environment.
Think about:
Requirements of the technology to be installed WIFI, power supply, air circulation.
Accessibility to technology/computers for museum staff.
Security of technology/computers from museum visitors.
Working with conservation staff to ensure museum standards are being maintained.
Behind the Scenes…
Technology is different, yet the same.Make it part of the entire development process.
Clearly define exhibition plan early.Installation development has a longer trajectory that traditional development timeline
Consider visitor flow when planning technology in exhibition.
Have a maintenance plan.
Communication is key.
Lessons learned from Keys 2 Rome