- With the opening of the modern wing the museum installed Pathfinder "touch screen" maps to aide patrons in their search for general information, specific pieces or locations of special exhibitions. While this is an innovative (and fun) way to guide visitors I feel that there is still potential to be reached. One map is located in the original main building and is easily accessible to passing visitors. Another however is located in the modern wing near the entry hall of the Education Center where it sees little foot traffic / usage from the general patrons.
-Upon completion of the modern wing addition the entire museum received a "signage makeover" so to speak. New directional signs went up throughout the building, floor plans were redesigned and multiple new pamphlet guides were displayed. Some of these additions however are viewed as misleading or simply confusing to visitors. Therefore many patrons rely on the staff members and volunteers to direct them.
- Despite the addition of new signage, floor plans and self-guides the majority of patrons prefer the "ask before you look" method. I'd have to say that 90% of people prefer to simply ask a staff member before acknowledging available signage or floor plan displays. You would be amazed how many people come up to the checkroom and/or podium with cash in hand to purchase tickets. As a member of the staff myself I can say firsthand from experience could be more technology / directional assets to assist the visitors. We receive a number of comments / complaints regarding the signage issue - everything from the lack of "push/pull" signs on the doors in the modern wing to the display of museum rules/policies. However, I believe that for the majority of visitors it will always be easier to simple ask a "live" person. You can only get so much from a screen or booklet.
-The museum offers a number of tours that visitors can choose from based on their general interests. The Directors Tour is guided by James Cuno and focuses on a selection of significant pieces within the museum. The American Arts Tour offers information on American decorative arts, painting and sculpture. The Lions Trail Tour if offered to families with young children - usually from 5-10 years old. The Collections Highlights Tour covers selected works throughout the museum - everything from Ancient Greece to Modern & Contempoary.
- The Education Center is a wonderful asset for teachers and families. The space itself is beautifully designed and a major improvement on the previous space. As a staff member interacting with visitors I have noticed that the general patron usually does not realize that the Education Center is available to them.
-The AIC website offers a wide range of interactive and informational media. Everything from Twitter to Podcasts - the website seems very up-to-date with current tech savy interactive media. Current special exhibitions are clearly displayed on the sites main home page along with basic information regarding hours and admission prices. The website also offers a series of Self-Guide documents that visitors can access prior to their visit.
If I were to design a more "effective" interactive feature for the museum I would institute a more physical interactive design. I feel that by offering more in depth guided tours and gallery talks visitors could come away with a more informed experience. Create opportunities for visitors to interact more closely with staff and even curators in the hopes of getting a better understanding of not only the history and significance of the art work but also the thought process and issues of designing a layout and installation of great works. The "Becoming Edvard Munch" exhibit for example - a number of visitors voiced complaints / comments regarding the purpose of placing Munch's work along side his contemporaries. Many viewed it as simply "filling space". However those who read further, got an audio guide or participated in the curators gallery talk thought it was an excellent way to present the material.
You bring a really unique perspective to this question, jenna, and I think it'll be great when we talk in class about the museum. some great points you make in your blog too.
ReplyDeletei absolutely agree that the education space feels underutilized. it was a point brought up during our visit thursday night. and it's really too bad. is it too late for an education entryway overhaul? :)
interesting point about signage and vistor interaction too. rachel mentioned some thoughts about the pathfinder on her blog, and i wondered whether visitors rely on the actual museum staff for info rather than the tech because they're there and you then don't have to 'fiddle' with technology. maybe if we took away the person and made the tech interactive the primary source, people would learn to adapt?
i like that there are podcasts, etc. but am disappointed that there isn't anything especially recent on there. it's all several months old. how about a podcast of an artist talk from last week? something that will make me want to go to catch a special exhibition while it's still up?
i like the notion of a more physical interactive design. could we utilize short videos by the curators to introduce the exhibits rather than wall text? a kiosk where someone could ask a question and have an immediate chat response from a museum curator?
Nice, Jeanna! I totally agree about the behind-the-scenes aspect. Even the videos of weaving tapestries last year were great, but a way to make transparent some of what goes on at the museum would be really engaging.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, Ray, about taking away the live people. In my observation, the people who use the pathfinder are children who think it looks "cool" and savvy museum goers, esp. young adult members. If we want to ensure a great experience, esp. for new visitors who describe the museum as "intimidating" or themselves as lacking the education necessary to appreciate the collection, I still think there is no replacement for a live person to cultivate a connection-- provided that person is sensitive and interested!
i hear you, rachel. On the surface I agree that nothing can really replace a well-trained and informed live person. (I've encountered one too many docents who just made stuff up on the spot) But in a way I think that having the person there will always limit the usage of technology. We'll never fully embrace it. How can we facilitate usage of the technology so it is more inviting? What ways can technology break down the barriers to broader museum participation?
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