Evaluation of computer interactives in the museum space

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness in terms of user satisfaction, the use of computer interactives in museums. Overseas research has affirmed the success of interactives in terms of their popularity and the enjoyment experienced by the user. New Zealand museums have followed their overseas counterparts and adopted interactive technology in the museum exhibition space. However, despite this, little evaluation has been undertaken in New Zealand museums to assume the widespread adoption of such technology. This study has been designed as a mere pilot study to larger possible research endeavor. Quantitative research was used in this investigation via a questionnaire, which was distributed at two Wellington Museums: the National Museum of Te Papa Tongawera and the Museum of Wellington City & Sea. Two interactives were selected from each location to be included in the study, and basic descriptive statistics have been utilized to analyse and display the data collected. The interactives included in this project were evaluated in terms of effectiveness, defined for the context of this study. The overall findings were compared to evaluation work carried out in museums overseas, and the New Zealand context can be perceived as relative to their overseas counterparts. No significant differences in results were detected in comparison. Conclusively, the interactives worked to enhance the user experience of each museum exhibition respectively. However, this result was relative to each individual's experience. A profile of interactive users was established, with the majority of users being young males between the ages of 26-35, moderate to highly educated. Interactive users did not necessarily prefer interactives to other exhibits, and in no way were the interactives distracting for museum users. The interactives were easy to use, easy to navigate and instructions were clearly stated according to users. Effectively, interactives worked to enhance and entertain the user via an alternative medium to convey the exhibition subject matter.