Good planning is half the battle

01.03.2018

The February - #artedutalk  on 21.2.2018 dealt with the topic "Use of digital mediation tools". Here some interesting questions were raised. Of course, the usefulness of Apps was illuminated again. Attached here is the thread on the question about the challenges of introducing digital tools. Much of this can only be confirmed by tuomi's museum expert Barbara Weber-Dellacroce from deepest conviction, although we as technicians and developers would like to add a few more points.

One thing seems certain: By now, many people seem to have come to the realization that very few visitors are willing to download an app to their own device for every exhibition or before visiting a museum. And if they do, then the apps must offer a recognizable added value. Or offer teaser qualities like the #ConstructKlee app of the Pinakotheken.

After the app was long considered, the means of choice to supplement or replace the traditional audio guide, disillusionment has set in. The search for alternatives holds many opportunities, but also dangers. A musermeku article by Angelika Schoder has inspired me to have my thoughts on the subject. In this contribution to the Hanseatic Museum in Lübeck, I got stuck on the mention of RFID technology. Since we at tuomi work a lot with NFC in the most diverse areas of application, this naturally interested me. Especially because the article (commenting on an article by journalist Lina Timm) is critical of the digital exhibition technology used. Since I have not visited the museum yet, I cannot evaluate the criticism. But I can only confirm the core statement: Digital exhibition technology is not an end in itself, but a mediation tool. Otherwise, it will almost certainly become a debacle to use innovative technologies. That applies not only to RFID, but to everything that is on the market. Just because something is technically possible does not necessarily mean it already makes sense.

Actually, the following, completely unpretentious points, which in our view play a decisive role in the planning and implementation process (especially the adherence to the sequence), should be self-evident However, experience shows that in many cases this is unfortunately not the case.

 

1. Before it makes sense to find out about the technical possibilities, the goals are clearly formulated. For the later choice of technology, it is important to know for whom a mediation tool is to be created. At best, the different needs have been determined, e.g. through visitor surveys (about expectations or criticism of already existing guide solutions). Especially in inclusive projects, experts (especially the later users) should be involved from the beginning. It should also be clear which goals are to be achieved. Turning analogue content into a well-functioning digital story is the biggest, most difficult, and time-consuming task of the whole project. Even if the story is not yet defined, it should be clear that a team will invest a lot of time and effort in the project. (This is in line with the statements made at today's first impulse panel at the smART places conference at the zkm Karlsruhe, which thankfully can be followed via stream on YouTube).

2. A stocktaking in the building is of great importance. Architectural as well as climatic conditions and the technical infrastructure must be analyzed. The average number of visitors also plays a major role. This information is the basis for the choice of digital technology. This is the only way to ensure that the systems will work reliably afterwards.

3. Particularly in the case of special exhibitions or redesign of permanent exhibitions, the question should be asked at an early stage as to what significance digital media will have. As an integral part of an exhibition, they should be planned as early as possible. A team of all those involved in the project in different areas (curating, design, mediation and inclusion, digital technology, public relations and marketing and, last but not least, finance) should therefore enter into a close exchange as early as possible.

4. Technological development is progressing so fast that it is hardly possible to keep track of it all. In order to achieve a satisfying (in the best case inspiring) result, content, mediation concepts, technology, visitor expectations and environmental conditions in the broadest sense must interact perfectly. External expert advice in the field of technology can be very helpful here in making the right choice from the large pool of possibilities. At this point in the process, mediation concepts can be further sharpened, as it is now clear which digital possibilities can be used and fit in with the expected users and objectives. A flexible and scalable system should be chosen to make trial and error, possible failure, and subsequent improvement possible at low cost and without effort.

5. There should also be clarity about the budget (which also includes follow-up costs for support, maintenance, and updates) so that a digital project can be operated sustainably.

6. Last but not least, aspects relevant to data protection should be considered. Under certain circonstances, consulting is also useful here.

In any case, these questions should be answered before a decision on digital media is made. The answers are also the basis for the formulation of an invitation to tender and a set of specifications to achieve the right result for your own company, your visitors and your employees.

0No comments available yet.

Your comment
Answer to: Answer directly
7994 - 2

Data protection notice

This website uses Cookies and external components (e.g. fonts, maps, videos or analysis tools), to improve your user experience. By continuing you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more in our Data Privacy.