MCN2015

The evolution of the internet happens daily (if not hourly) thanks to easy access, the ability to quickly iterate, and a large number of people contributing to the overall ecosystem. As a result, websites and web-based apps tend to be the go-to source for multi-sensory storytelling. The good news is that this doesn’t mean the world of in-museum interactives has to lag behind.

This session will explore web-based interactives that are more flexible, updateable, and responsive. We’ll focus on two successful examples: The first is a project by the Florida Humanity Council which connects small-town museums around the state as part of the Smithsonian’s Museums on Main Street Program.

The second example is a series of digital orientation stations for Chicago’s Field Museum which allow visitors to create customized itineraries based on the day’s offerings and sync them with their phone. Both interactives are built on open-source content management systems like Wordpress and Drupal. and show how web-based back-ends are the future of museum touchscreens, interactive experiences and environments.