incorporating design and technology into the museum experience:the new audio guides
DESCRIPTION
Bruce Nussbaum's Design At The EdgeTRANSCRIPT
THE METROPOLITANMUSEUM OF ART
Theodore Allegrini, Justin Besson, Nayana Malhotra, Miri Meischberger, and Chia Schmitz
Design At The Edge Spring 2010
Incorporating Design and Technology into the Museum Experience:The New Audio Guides
The Question:
How can we improve the museum experienceby enhancing the information technology
currently used at museums?
how are people using them? how do they work? what was the �nal outcome?
The Research:
Tag-Alongs/Participant Observation, Videos, Photos, Interactions, Extreme Users & Interviews
Information points were not synchronised to allow for a seamless experience.
1. Plaques are the main source of information and o�er little to the museum experience.
2. Other information was compartmentalized into brochures, posters, etc. and information was lost or hard to �nd.
Current audio guides arecomplicated to use and require excessive instructions for simple tasks.
1. Required instructional manuals.
2. Did not use intuitive symbols or visual cues.
3. Not being utilized for special exhibitions and had limited usability for foreign speakers [ prime users ].
We observed a disconnect between user’s audio and visual experience.
1. People were not reaping the full potential of the audio guides due to confusion.
2. Many abandoned audio guides because it was burdensome to use.
The current audio guide is not adaptable to individual needs.
1. In an attempt to be universal the guides failed to address speci�c needs of di�erent user groups.
2. Often, many users brought their own tools: cameras, cell phones and other guides for their museum experience.
The Problems:
IsolativeUnintuitiveBulkyNot IntegrativeNot FlexibleArchaicUnengaging
The Inspiration:
The Solution:
Intuitive Informative FlexibleVisual
Our Solution:
An intuitive interface that is easy to access on multiple devices and adaptable to di�erent museums.
We focused �rst on developing individual elements that would help the user navigate the space and provide them
with the tools to have a better museum experience.
Intuitive:
The guide structure allows for easy navigation and clear understanding no matter what language you speak.
Informative:
The guide provides the user with a comprehensive variety of information.
Visual:The guide provides visual cues that the user can interact with directly.
Back Information Search FavoritesBack Information Search Favorites
Flexible:
The guide allows users to create their own experience.
Future Developements:
$$
Syncing to other devices creating community.
Connectivity to other platforms creating a network database.
Sponsored tours for a source of advertisement and revenue.
Thank you
The guide structure allows for easy navigation and clear understanding no matter what language you speak.
