Integrating technology into an archaeological museum exhibition

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: Design

Integrating technology: Design

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

Thank you.

Christie A. Ray / Merel van der Vaart

Digital Museum Expo 2014

V-MusT.net • Allard Pierson Museum