Mobile Devices in the Museum Context Doron Goldfarb Electronic Commerce Group Institute of Software Technology and Interactive Systems Vienna University of Technology Favoritenstraße 9-11/ Vienna. Austria/Europe Fax: +43 (1)

Interpretation A museum’s interpretation policy provides directions for the ways in which it will communicate and exhibit information and objects for the purpose of study, education and enjoyment Seeks to teach certain truths, reveal meanings Based in original objects, natural or manmade, aesthetic, historical or scientific Supported by sound scientific research to secure more effective communication 2/8

Mobile Interpretation In the beginning there was... the Audio Guide A practical response to a real problem... replace content delivered via docent led tours... to provide mobile interpretation 3/8

From Audio to Multimedia Guides Many new features: text, images, videos, networking... Multimedia devices ( PDA‘s, Smartphones ) require a new content model Most current applications follow „tour“ model, where visitor is reduced to consumer 4/8

Make entire collection available – and searchable Locate – indoors / outdoors Recommend – by description, by expert, by visitors Contextualize – overcome physical limitations 5/8 Extended possibilites...

User generated content tags, comments... Community based discovery „treasure hunts“ for kids user generated tours 6/8 Involve the visitors

Know your audience Currently, 78-90% of visitors read wall texts Far smaller amount uses computer kiosks or audio guides Don‘t try to force change of habits Find smarter and more intuitive ways of dosing technological mediation Do not charge fees for the use of mobile devices 7/8

8/8 Many Questions...

THANKS