Putting the "Play" Back into Display: Interactive Exhibits in Small Museums

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Date

2017-06-01

Authors

Stillwell, Baylie

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Abstract

Museums of the late 20th and into the 21st century are moving from a focus on collections to museum audiences. The result of this shift culminates in more diverse programming, as well as more inclusive exhibition design for a participatory experience. Interactive displays and technology are often utilized to encourage a more hands-on museum visit. This graduate research project lays a foundation for the historical context of exhibits and interpretation; explores museum theorist insights on visitor needs; researches the internal and external influences of exhibition development; and ultimately answers the question of how museums can develop interactive displays on a minimal budget. The purpose of the research is to offer guidance for museums to create interactive exhibits on a small budget, while including computer-based and noncomputer-based activities. The result of this research is a comprehensive list of interactive display categories and suggestions for how inexpensive and sustainable technologies can be woven into the exhibition development plan.

Description

76 pages

Keywords

Interactive displays, Museum exhibits, Hands-on, Participation, Organizational structure, Budgets, Small budgets

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