Loving the low-tech interactives!
October 3, 2010
How often do we see computer-based interactives in museums with ‘out of order’ signs on them? The museums I’ve visited in Great Yarmouth don’t necessarily have huge budgets, but they’ve made an effort to provide interactives for all the family that won’t break down.
When thinking about visitor experience, it is important to think about different learning styles and means of interpretation. Interactive elements in displays provide visitors with a break from reading and a chance to interact with each other as well as the display. Museums in Great Yarmouth provide examples of relatively low-cost and low technology ways of helping people to engage in all sorts of ways with the stories that the museums are sharing.
October 5, 2010 at 7:37 am
A good reminder that sometimes the simple things work best. What I want to know is do they refresh their spices regularly?
October 5, 2010 at 2:49 pm
I guess you’d have to, if you want them to keep smelling good!
October 5, 2010 at 9:10 am
I love the giant game outside at The Nelson Museum- allows museum visitors, particularly young museum visitors, the opportunity to move about and be active in the museum environment. Great idea!
October 5, 2010 at 2:47 pm
There was a whole courtyard full of these sorts of activities – an oversized domino game, skittles and all sorts!
October 5, 2010 at 11:31 am
Yes I think sometimes we go overboard trying to be keep up with all the new multimedia approaches to exhibition design when there are some very simple, much cheaper options. There’s nothing worse than going to a museum where there are ‘Out of Order’ signs on so many of the displays. Does the museum have an inhouse designer or are these educational ideas contracted out? Can’t wait to share some of these ideas.
October 5, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Hi Pauline,
I gather that there is a design team that works regionally, but I suspect that most of these interactives were put together when the museum opened.
I agree – I can’t wait to see some more of these ideas in use when I get home.
Cheers
Allison