WHAT NOW?: MUSEUM TECHNOLOGY POST-PANDEMIC

Technology Tuesdays | Jaime Meier

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This winter, my roommates and I have been kept very warm, at times much TOO warm, by the radiators in our apartment. The design of this intense heating system was to combat a previous pandemic – the Spanish Influenza in 1918. Radiators were created to be so hot that occupants would open their windows to maintain a livable temperature, which would also allow fresh air to circulate through homes, schools, and workplaces. There is no doubt that CoVID-19 will have a similar impact on museum infrastructure which will affect interpretation and engagement technology.

3D-printed replicas of stone spear points. | Source

One of the greatest opportunities for new technology in museums is through ensuring there is not a backslide in sensory museology, primarily through touch and hands-on experiences, while implementing important health and safety measures. Tactile objects may still be utilized as 3D printed replicas because the plastic is easily sanitized, and the object can easily be replaced after significant wear. It is also important to keep in mind possible barriers for blind people who rely on touch for reading and interpreting information. One of the most simple and cost-efficient solutions is raised drawing boards that allow for an easily embossed and readable handout. 

With museums and their exhibitions moving online, ideally there would be a continuation in forms of remote museum learning. In addition to exhibitions and educational programming available online, a possible accompaniment would be travelling outreach kits that would be available to not only teachers, but also other organizations and groups that promote learning and play. While this form of engagement is on hold for now, as the pandemic retreats it will likely become a popular option to fulfill educational desires and maintain the health of users.

Example of a museum mobile app. | Source

A final key in maintaining engagement is museums taking advantage of their mobile apps. The level of usability for museum apps fluctuates from institution to institution, with some museums charging for their content and others offering little more than a few audio guides or a map. A mobile app provides the opportunity for personal engagement via built-in tours and programming within museums as well as opportunities for learning outside of the museum. However, there are still accessibility issues with this form of engagement, as not everyone is able to own a mobile device or a mobile device with the required operating system. 

One of the highlights for me when visiting museums is experiencing new or exciting interpretation strategies. I am looking forward to the day when I am able to return to museums and for the technological innovations that will be implemented. What form of museum engagement are you hoping to see when museums open again?

CANADIAN MUSEUM FOR HUMAN RIGHTS MOBILE APP

MUSEUM INNOVATIONS

BY KELLY MACKENZIE



For my final Musings post, I decided to look at museum mobile apps. Numerous museums have them, which was making it difficult to choose one.

Until I read, “first of its kind for any museum”. . . Canadian Museum for Human Rights, you have caught my attention.

No, check that one out! (source)

According to their website, the app, designed by Acoustiguide, “contains a fully accessible self-guided tour (using audio, images, text and video), interactive map, mood meter, online ticketing, information to help plan your visit, and more”.

Step 1: Download the app, Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Step 2: Explore.

This is a little difficult as I was not at the museum. However, if I was planning a visit, it would be useful as it provides the layout of the museum and what can be found in each gallery. The app was designed to be as accessible as possible and it shows with two written and spoken languages and an ASL option.

The “near me’ option presents the user with information when they are near 120 exhibition elements. Even the map/floorplan are used to present addition information through clickable images (see image below).

Screenshot of the floorplan 

While this app is certainly unique and well-rounded it does raise one concern, as all these apps do: does relying on your phone during a museum visit isolate you from others? Arguably, someone using this app will have headphones on or be reading the text, which could take away from the sense of community within the museum — something important for museums presenting difficult topics. Or worse, it could look like cellphones are taking over the museum; remember the Rembrandt ‘kids on phones’ photo.

Engagement mistaken for boredom. Photo: Gijsbert van der Wal via The Telegraph. 

On the other hand, as long as the user “gets something” out of their experience, does it really matter? After all, apps have numerous benefits including; a museum map they cannot misplace, describe the layout for the visually impaired, provide additional information about an event or artefact, and allow the user to indicate their mood after a gallery. 

Screenshot of the Mood Map available after each gallery

Not all museums can replicate what the CMHR has created. The number of resources required for this app cannot be underestimated and smaller institutions may not have a need for an app this inclusive.

So for my final Musings post, I want to leave you with some things to consider:

1. The role of technology in museums is growing, but remember, any app you create has to be based on the information and collection of your institution. If you do want to create an app, consider what will benefit your institution most: is it a larger, complex app like the CMHR or would a type of game or simple interactive work best?

2. Resources, resources, resources! Consider your resources and if you may qualify for any grants. These apps can be expensive, codes need to be written, designers may be needed, voice actors, translations, Bluetooth technology in your museum, Wi-Fi may need to be installed, etc.

3. Who is your target audience and are they likely to use the technology or support you in creating it?

New technology is wonderful and helpful. But sometimes you don’t need it.

iBEACONS AND THE PERSONALIZED MUSEUM

TECHNOLOGY TUESDAYS

BY: JENNY FORD

Back in 2013, Apple quietly launched iBeacons on the ever-burgeoning tech scene. In a world where smart phones ruled, the aim of iBeacons was to personalize the retail experience like never before. Now museums and libraries are using the technology to re-imagine their visitor experiences.

The museum just got personal, thanks to iBeacons. Source

HOW IT WORKS

In a nutshell, iBeacons use small wireless sensors that send location-triggered information to your phone. The iBeacons send locale-specific info about products, objects, or maps to the corresponding app. The sensors are placed in strategic areas so they send your phone the right information at the right moment.

If you’re in a clothing store, for instance, and pass a sale rack, the iBeacon can send your phone information about the sale and products that automatically pops up on your device. As you enter a coffee shop, the iBeacon sends your “Jo’s Coffee Shop” app coupons and promotions. No longer are we burdened with scanning QR codes – the beacons know your location automatically and help accordingly.

Estimote is one of the more popular wireless sensor suppliers.

THE PERSONALIZED MUSEUM EXPERIENCE

The iBeacon has been transitioning from the retail world to museums and libraries in the last year, thanks to a number of tech start-ups working with cultural institutions. Take the company Spotzer based in Boston. Spotzer’s CEO and founder, Brendan Ciecko, has worked with a number of art galleries to incorporate iBeacons as part of the museum experience. These include the Neue Galerie in New York City and the Public Art Collection at the MIT List Visual Arts Centre.

Here’s how it works: the wireless sensors are placed at certain locations in the museum. As you linger in front of a Monet, the iBeacon sends information to your Spotzer app about the painting, including associated audio, pictures, text, and more. Not only that, it can suggest other art pieces you may enjoy in the museum, or tell you about a special Monet lecture series happening that weekend.

Some good museum marketing. Source.

Now instead of wandering aimlessly through a museum, the Spotzer app can help chart a personalized route based on your interests and which objects you linger in front of. You can also favourite works and share them.

Libraries have also picked up on the technology. Companies such as BluuBeam and Capira Technologies are working with libraries to personalize the visiting experience. Library iBeacons send users info about library events and if they have an overdue book. If you’re browsing through cookbooks, the BluuBeam or Capira app can let you know about the cooking course Friday night at the library, for example.

A NEW KIND OF VISITOR RESEARCH

But cultural institutions can get something in return from using iBeacon technology: visitor data. How are visitors moving through the gallery? What objects are they stopping in front of longest? What objects are they favouriting and sharing? How does a personalized path change their behaviour?

While iBeacons are still a new phenomenon in cultural institutions, it’s easy to see how they can apply to any museum type, form historic sites to science centres. It’s once again reinventing and re-personalizing the museum experience.

MUSEUM INNOVATIONS: FIVE AWESOME MUSEUM APPS THAT YOU HAVE TO TRY

BY: JAIME CLIFTON-ROSS

1. ART OF SCIENCE: BUTTERFLY AND MOTH PAINTING 

by The Australian Museum

As part of a special exhibition, this delightful mobile app explores the biology paintings of Harriet and Helena Scott. They were known as colonial Sydney's most famous female natural history artists, naturalists, and collectors. This app contains various features including: images of paintings with a high-resolution zoom-in feature; videos that document the development of the exhibition; biographical information; a timed puzzle that challenges users to match cut-out butterfly illustrations with hollow outlines. This app is simple, user friendly, and facilitates a more intimate and engaging experience with illustrations on display.

Download it here.

Screenshot of Art of Science 

2. BJÖRK: BIOPHELIA

from The MoMA collections

There’s no denying that Björk is an incredibly talented musician and performance artist. Through elaborate costumes and a distinct musical style, she continues to innovate through experimental music and art. As the first musician to release an album through a mobile app (2011), she has transformed and adapted with the passage of time. While this was released a couple of years ago, The Modern Museum of Art recently inducted this album app into their permanent collections. You can enjoy her avant garde melodies through games and interactives. 

Download it here.

iTunes App Introduction

3. STARRY NIGHT INTERACTIVE ANIMATION (Yes, I know I’ve already featured this on the blog and it wasn't technically developed by a museum, but it’s just so cool!)

by Petros Vrellis

This mobile app essentially animates Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic Starry Night painting. By moving your fingers along the painting, colourful brushstrokes begin to swirl about as if being gently pushed by the wind. This user-controlled movement also initiates soothing melodic chimes. You will be absolutely mesmerized!

Download it here.

Demonstration

4. STREETMUSEUM

by The Museum of London

This stunning app displays black and white images of 19th and early 20th century London, based on a pre-set map of the city. Using augmented reality technology, it essentially identifies your location through your wifi and overlays historic images of your locale using the camera view of your smartphone. Users are basically transported back in time to witness the haunting transformation of the city. 

Demonstration

5. YOUR ART

by National Gallery of Art in Washington

This app features several standard museum app elements including: images of artworks with a high-resolution zoom-in feature and contextual information; audio guides for kids; general museum information (i.e. events, hours of operation, maps, etc.). I first encountered this app in Washington, DC during our school trip. We were lucky enough to participate in a Google Hangout—hosted by Nancy Proctor—that examined museums and mobile technology. While many museums have developed similar apps, Your Art perfectly complimented my museum visit through its vibrant, informative, engaging, and user-friendly design.   

Download it here.

http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/visit/tours-and-guides/mobile-app/jcr%3Acontent/parmain/image.img.jpg/1385653239748.jpg