MCN2015

One Small Step: Transforming the Exhibition Process and the Digital/Physical Connection

How early is digital visitor experience considered in the exhibition design process? Is it integrated from the start or added on at the end? How does digital experience become viewed as an important element of the overall museum visitor experience? Digital transformation may not happen overnight, but every now and then a project comes along that serves as a catalyst for digital transformation in exhibition practice. 

This case study builds off a recent project at the National Air and Space Museum, a temporary exhibition entitled “Outside the Spacecraft: 50 Years of Extra-Vehicular Activity,” and how it became a positive example of collaborative practice and integrated digital and physical exhibition design. Following on the heels of a newly developed digital engagement strategy, at a time of renewed openness to change, the project brought together a team of forward-thinking, motivated staff who collectively considered the digital visitor experience to be an integral part of the exhibition process. This allowed the team to consider audience and learning objectives across digital and physical contexts, embracing the unique ways in which visitors consume content and engage with museum exhibitions depending on where they are and the platforms they are using.

With the digital experience accomplished a small budget and tight timeline may be subtle, the positive impact on internal practice continues to resonate. For cultural heritage professionals hoping to advance the digital experience, this project demonstrates how focusing on process, internal culture, team dynamics, and an integrated digital/physical approach from project start can be critical to success.