Unlocking Visitor Engagement: Innovative Strategies for UK Museums to Create Interactive Exhibits

Unlocking Visitor Engagement: Innovative Strategies for UK Museums to Create Interactive Exhibits

In the ever-evolving landscape of museum exhibitions, engaging visitors has become a paramount goal. Traditional static displays are giving way to innovative, interactive exhibits that not only captivate but also educate and inspire. Here, we delve into the cutting-edge strategies that UK museums are employing to create immersive and engaging experiences for their visitors.

The Power of Storytelling in Museums

Storytelling is at the heart of any successful museum exhibit. It is the narrative that binds the artifacts, the history, and the visitor together, creating a memorable and impactful experience.

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“It’s the stories that matter. We always try and lead with that,” says Olivia O’Leary, International Engagement Manager at the British Museum. “You think about what intriguing story you are telling, and then you build the objects and message around that. And that’s your hook. You’ve got to appeal to the young, to the old, everybody in between. The subject matter expert or someone who doesn’t know anything.”

Museums like the British Museum are leveraging storytelling to develop their touring exhibitions. For instance, the “Journey through to the afterlife” exhibit, inspired by the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, immerses visitors in an interactive environment where they can understand the context and significance of the artifacts in a way that goes beyond mere observation.

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Interactive and Tactile Experiences

Interactive exhibits are no longer just a novelty; they are a necessity for enhancing visitor engagement. One innovative example is the BentoMuseum, a 3D and layered interactive museum map designed specifically for blind visitors.

The BentoMuseum features stackable, three-dimensional floor maps with embedded touchpoints that provide audio-tactile interactions. This system allows users to explore the museum’s layout and exhibits through tactile explorations, building a mental map of the space and its contents. The results from the study showed that participants were able to actively obtain information, choose exhibits of interest, and develop a rough mental map of the museum, highlighting the effectiveness of such interactive tools.

Virtual Tours and Virtual Reality

Virtual tours and virtual reality (VR) are revolutionizing the way visitors experience museums. These technologies allow for immersive and interactive experiences that can be accessed from anywhere, making museums more inclusive and accessible.

For example, the British Museum has launched an AR app that enables visitors to view artifacts in their original contexts by pointing their smartphones at specific objects. This not only enhances the visitor experience but also provides a new layer of educational value by offering detailed information and historical context.

Here is a comparison of traditional museum visits with virtual tours and VR experiences:

Feature Traditional Museum Visit Virtual Tours Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences
Accessibility Limited by physical location Accessible from anywhere Accessible from anywhere
Immersive Experience Static displays Interactive 360-degree views Fully immersive, interactive environment
Educational Value Limited to on-site information Detailed information and context Interactive learning with real-time feedback
Engagement Passive observation Interactive exploration Active participation and engagement
Cost Free or ticketed entry Often free or low-cost Can be more expensive due to technology requirements

Enhancing Visitor Engagement Through Technology

Technology is a key driver in creating interactive exhibits that enhance visitor engagement. From augmented reality (AR) to interactive touchscreens, museums are leveraging various technologies to make their exhibits more engaging.

At the British Museum, for instance, the use of technology is not just about adopting new tools but also about doing it in a considered way to ensure sustainability and effectiveness. “I think museums are historically slow to adopt technologies,” notes O’Leary. “It’s expensive. And could be obsolete in a couple of years. It’s so fast-moving, and you have to think about how quickly you can adopt new approaches. Technology can move you forward, but you have to do it in a considered way.”

Here are some ways museums can use technology to enhance visitor engagement:

  • Augmented Reality (AR) Apps: Allow visitors to view artifacts in their original contexts and provide additional information.
  • Interactive Touchscreens: Enable visitors to explore exhibits in a more interactive and engaging way.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences: Create fully immersive environments that simulate historical or scientific contexts.
  • Mobile Apps: Provide guided tours, additional content, and interactive features to enhance the visitor experience.

Creating Meaningful Connections Through Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-based learning is another strategy that museums are using to create more engaging and educational experiences. This approach encourages visitors to actively participate in the learning process rather than passively observing exhibits.

Claire Bown’s Thinking Museum® Approach is a prime example of this. Her method emphasizes the use of inquiry-led discussions and tools like the 10 Questioning Practices and the CHOOSE framework to foster deep engagement and build collaborative communities. “The Thinking Museum® Approach is a way to engage audiences with what they are looking at, who they’re with and where they are. It fosters meaningful connections: between educators and participants, amongst the participants themselves, and with the artwork or object being explored,” Bown explains.

Here are some practical tips for implementing inquiry-based learning in museums:

  • Encourage Active Participation: Design exhibits that prompt visitors to ask questions and seek answers.
  • Use Open-Ended Questions: Foster critical thinking and curiosity through open-ended questioning practices.
  • Facilitate Group Discussions: Create spaces for visitors to discuss and share their observations and insights.
  • Provide Interactive Tools: Use interactive tools like touchscreens, VR headsets, and AR apps to enhance the learning experience.

Case Study: The British Museum’s International Touring Exhibitions

The British Museum’s international touring exhibitions program is a case study in how museums can create engaging and meaningful experiences for diverse audiences. By focusing on storytelling and using technology to enhance the visitor experience, the British Museum has been able to reach new audiences and create impactful exhibitions.

For example, the “British Museum Unseen” series of exhibitions uses digital images to unlock stories in the museum’s collection that are not typically known. This approach not only reduces physical barriers to touring but also allows the museum to share its collection in new and innovative ways.

The Future of Museums: Embracing Change and Innovation

As we look to the future, it is clear that museums must continue to innovate and adapt to changing visitor expectations. The integration of technology, the use of storytelling, and the adoption of inquiry-based learning are just a few strategies that will shape the future of museum exhibitions.

In the words of Claire Bown, “Museum education is evolving, and so are the ways we engage our audiences. The days of traditional lecture-style tours are numbered, as more and more museums want to offer more dynamic, participant-driven experiences.”

Here are some key takeaways for museums looking to create more interactive and engaging exhibits:

  • Embrace Technology: Leverage AR, VR, and other technologies to create immersive and interactive experiences.
  • Focus on Storytelling: Use compelling narratives to connect visitors with the artifacts and exhibits.
  • Encourage Active Learning: Implement inquiry-based learning approaches to foster deep engagement and educational value.
  • Ensure Accessibility: Use tools like the BentoMuseum to make exhibits accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities.

By adopting these strategies, UK museums can create exhibits that are not just static displays but dynamic, interactive experiences that engage, educate, and inspire their visitors. The future of museums is one of innovation, engagement, and continuous learning, and it is an exciting time to be a part of this evolving landscape.

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