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Electronic Guidebook Forum:
This two-day forum brought together researchers and
developers for discussion of the latest findings on the application
of handheld computers and wireless networks in museum exhibitions.
The discussion centered on interrelated aspects of electronic guidebook projects in museums:
Participants addressed emerging questions from the
field, such as:
When do handheld computers
enhance a visitor's experience of physical exhibits--and when do they
detract?
What combination of network
and location technologies are currently in use? What are the strengths
and limitations of each system?
What is known about social
interaction and learning in museums that can inform applications of
these technologies?
How can electronic guidebooks
be designed for audiences with different needs?
What's different about developing
electronic guidebooks for different types of museums (art, history,
science and technology)?
How have project teams organized
to make the most of expertise of individuals from differing fields
(including education, exhibits, design, engineering, computer science,
and human-computer interface)?
What research has been done
on the use of handheld computers in exhibits? What methodologies are
appropriate for doing user studies in the museum domain? What are
intriguing and useful directions to pursue?
The goal of this forum was to identify key issues
to inform further work in the museum field.
Participants compared approaches and shared observations (both disappointing and inspiring) based on their experiences.
Now
available: A full report on the Electronic Guidebook Forum
The Electronic Guidebook Forum was made possible
by a research grant from the National Science Foundation.
Program Organizers:
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