Increasing the Usability of the Museum: Four Studies

Pruulmann-vengerfeldt, P., Runnel, Pille (2011). Increasing the Usability of the Museum: Four Studies. Re-thinking technology in museums: emerging experiences. Limerick, Ireland 25-26. May. 2011..

http://www.idc.ul.ie/techmuseums11/paper/paper21.pdf

Abstract: This article looks at the changing relations between audiences and museum institutions through the case of the Estonian National Museum. We also bring in the notion of usability as conceptualised by Jakob Nielsen in order to add ICT and marketing related knowledge to the discussion. We argue that in order to activate participation in heritage institutions, publics should not be left to find their own way around, but rather heritage institutions need to make a conscious attempt to create spaces of participation that are user friendly and engaging. This often means combining both online and offline tools and approaches.