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Audience Research for the British Galleries Project
Silver Gallery Discovery Area Part 1: Introduction, Summary of Findings and Recommendations
Audience Research for the British Galleries Project
Silver Gallery Discovery Area
Part 1 (of 3): Introduction, Summary of Findings and
Recommendations
Contract Reference: VA/CON/50/97
6 March 1998
Prepared for:
The British Galleries Project Team of the V&A Museum
Prepared by:
Creative Research
11/12 The Green
London W5 5DA
: 0181 567 6974
Fax: 0181 567 6979
Table of Contents Page
PART 1: Introduction, Summary of Findings and Recommendations
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 BACKGROUND................................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................................... 4
2. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................. 6
2.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.3 RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 17
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
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This report describes the findings of a research project to evaluate visitor
response to the Discovery Area of the refurbished Silver Gallery at the V&A.
The Area incorporates some of the types of interpretation being considered
for inclusion in the redeveloped British Galleries and the research therefore
sets out to provide valuable information for the development team working on
this important project.
The research was conducted in two stages; qualitative research via focus
groups, followed by a larger scale quantitative survey.
The report is in three parts; in this first part we provide an introduction to the
research, its aims and objectives and methodology. This is then followed by a
summary of the findings across both research stages, incorporating our
recommendations.
The second part of the report contains the detail of the main findings from the
larger scale quantitative survey with its appendices.
The third part contains the main findings of the qualitative research, again with
its relevant appendices.
1.2 Aims and Objectives
The overall aim of the research study (5.1 of the brief) is to provide in-depth
information about how visitors feel about the presentation approach contained
within the Discovery Area, with a view to developing some general principles
which will help the Project Team develop activity areas in the refurbished
British Galleries.
The objectives of the project have been divided into Primary Requirements
and Other Things for Possible Investigation. Extracting from the brief, these
are as follows:
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5.3 Primary Requirements
5.3.1 What People Like and Dislike about The Discovery Area
Information is sought on:
whether visitors like the Discovery Area
whether they go in and why
whether they avoid it and why
what they like and dislike about it.
5.3.2 How Well the Various Interpretive Devices Work
whether the devices work as intended
whether visitors understand how to use them
whether visitors enjoy using them
whether they direct visitors to examine objects more closely (in
the Discovery Area or later in the main Silver Gallery)
whether they hold visitors’ attention and the nature of that
attention
what visitors think they learn; what are visitors’ aims in visiting
the Discovery Area and are these achieved?
5.3.4 Who is Using the Discovery Area
Information is sought on the age, sex, socio-economic background and
educational level of visitors. This is to be compared to the original target
audiences for the Silver Gallery (specialists, the general public and children)
and possibly to the eight target audiences for the British Galleries.
5.3.5 How People Feel about The Discovery Area as a Physical Space
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− at whom is the Discovery Area seen as being aimed?
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Information sought here includes:
response to its physical size
response to its ambient temperature; perceptions of warmth/cold
response to the current noise levels and the possibility of further
interactives with sound
response to the light level
response to the design
response to the separation of the Discovery Area from the Main
Gallery.
5.3.6 Visitors’ Attitudes to Learning
the role played by the Discovery Area in helping visitors to learn
further exploration of attitudes to learning in the museum context
5.4 Other Things for Possible Investigation
5.4.1 Learning Style and Interpretation Preference
The linking of visitors’ learning styles to their attitudes to the Discovery Area
with a view to considering whether learning style is significant for planning
interpretation.
5.4.2 Other Types of Interpretation that People would like to see in the
Future
Exploration of the type of interpretation that visitors consider appropriate for
the Museum. Does exposure to the Discovery Area lead to a less
conservative view than that indicated by the earlier research conducted in the
British Galleries?
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1.3 Methodology
The research was carried out in two stages. A first qualitative stage involved
focus groups with representatives of three of the target groups for the British
Galleries (Family Visitors, Independent Learners and Specialists) and
provided a thorough exploration of many of the issues.
A second quantitative stage, based on structured interviews with visitors to
the Silver Gallery, provided a more robust measurement of feelings on key
issues and gave a picture of who was visiting the Discovery Area.
Greater detail about the method adopted in each research stage is provided in
the appendices, as follows;
Quantitative Stage: Appendix I:
locations for interviewing
details of the number of visitors contacted to achieve the sample
how we defined members of the various target audiences for the
purposes of the survey
how we categorised respondents in terms of learning style
preferences
how respondents who were visiting as a member of a group
were treated in the analysis
the definition of social grades as applied to the sample
an explanation of sampling tolerances as a guide to determining
the statistical significance of any differences in the results
reported
the questionnaire used in the interviews along with the
instructions to interviewers about who to interview and how to
select them.
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Qualitative Stage: Appendix II:
definition of the target audiences used for recruiting the focus
groups and other criteria applied
timing of the groups and attendance achieved
the topic guide used in directing the discussion
the recruitment questionnaire.
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2. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1 Introduction
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In this section we have firstly pulled together the key findings of the two
stages of research in responding to the different aspects of the brief. This is
then followed by our recommendations which attempt to develop some
general principles to help the Project Team in developing ‘activity areas’ in the
refurbished British Galleries.
The conclusions and recommendations are based on two different pieces of
research - a quantitative survey among visitors to the Silver Gallery, including
those who went into the Discovery Area; and focus groups among three of the
key target audiences. When drawing conclusions from these two strands, it is
important to bear in mind the effect of the different methodologies.
The quantitative survey is based on interviews with visitors immediately after a
visit to the gallery. In this sense, it is very realistic; questions about behaviour
and attitudes can be answered on the basis of what visitors actually did and
felt during a ‘proper’ visit. If, at times, their responses seemed superficial, this
reflects the fact that most visitors spend relatively little time at any one exhibit
and, unless something in particular grabs their attention, they may not
become engaged intellectually with a display. We are recording the views of
visitors ‘at the coal face’, as it were.
These interviews are, of course, limited in scope and we do not have the
opportunity of probing into visitors’ replies or following up what they tell us.
A particular difficulty with this form of research is that visitors are very
reluctant to criticise anything. This is an example of what is know as the ‘halo
effect’. National institutions, such as the V&A, are generally held in very high
regard, and this, coupled with a desire to ‘please’ the interviewer, means that
most people put a positive slant on their replies. Thus, the findings from the
quantitative survey are likely to paint a more positive picture than is actually
the case.
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The qualitative study is based on the views of a smaller number of visitors
who have been asked to put the Discovery Area under the spotlight. Being
invited to come to the Museum outside normal opening hours, spending time
purposefully studying the Discovery Area and then talking about it for well
over an hour, is hardly a natural or realistic set of behaviours.
Indeed, the whole process provides respondents with a licence to be critical -
something the moderator encourages. The end result is that everything ends
up being rather larger than life; those things which respondents like tend to
take on an even more positive perspective, whereas things which they dislike,
even fairly trivial things, take on much greater significance. Indeed, because
of the dynamic nature of a group discussion, respondents may not have even
thought about an issue at all until someone else happens to mention it but,
once it is raised, it can take on greater significance for the group.
So, whereas the quantitative results may paint a very rosy picture, the
qualitative findings are more likely to give (possibly) undue emphasis to those
aspects of the Discovery Area that respondents did not like or which they felt
could be improved.
Taken together, the two sets of research findings provide a more balanced
view about the Discovery Area; if we were to sum it up in one sentence, the
overall conclusion would be that the Discovery Area was well received by just
about everyone although there is considerable room for improvement.
2.2 Conclusions
5.3.1 What People Like and Dislike about The Discovery Area
Reaction to the Discovery Area was on the whole positive in both stages of
the research. The findings of the discussion groups tended to be more critical
but even here, there was a consensus that there is a place and a role for
these types of exhibits within the V&A. Family respondents were overall very
enthusiastic about the Discovery Area but even Specialists and Independent
Learners found things they liked.
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Over half of the visitors involved in the quantitative survey to the Silver Gallery
went into the Discovery Area. Of those who did not, they were not particularly
avoiding it but simply had not noticed it or said they would visit it later. A
quarter did not go in because they did not have time (again not really avoiding
it) and a small number made a positive decision not to go in because their
interest lay elsewhere. Only one respondent had avoided it because he/she
thought it more suitable for children.
An average score of 7.4 out of 10 was given to reflect how interesting visitors
found the Discovery Area. The general things that visitors liked were the
hands-on approach, its combining of education/information with
entertainment, and certain of the exhibits.
The exhibits emerging as particularly well liked differed slightly in the
qualitative and quantitative research; while Stamping and Hallmark Rubbing
came out well in both, the Discovery Wall and Computer Street Scene which
came out well in the quantitative survey attracted both strong advocates and
critics in the discussion groups.
The Flatware Display and Making a Coffee Pot which were well liked by the
focus group participants were not appreciated as much by the undirected
visitors of the quantitative survey. We suspect that this is because in being
asked to look very closely at the Discovery Area and consider its function, the
issue of finding out about the complete silver making process was uppermost
in group members’ minds. For the more casual visitor who is ‘dipping into’ the
Discovery Area however, there is less soul searching about the function of the
Area and these exhibits made less impact.
With respect to dislikes, the quantitative survey threw up very few negative
comments. Most related to a desire for greater space for the Discovery Area,
or to frustration with some aspect of the interpretive devices that meant they
could not be used effectively. This echoed much of what was said in the
earlier qualitative work.
5.3.2 How Well the Various Interpretive Devices Work
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As indicated above, some of the interpretive devices were not working as
intended, either because they were simply not functioning or their design did
not enable them to be used effectively.
The research highlighted issues with the design of:
the Computer Interactive:
the difficulty of accessing information for those not
conversant with computers
surprise that only three periods were available
the programme was too long so that there was an
insufficient turnover of users
the Discovery Wall:
the positioning of some of the elements made its
use difficult for adults
the point of the exhibit was not clear to some of the
group participants (or, perhaps, they were looking
for something more than was intended)
Magnetic Board:
its positioning made access potentially difficult for
children
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X-rays:
the lack of information about what to look for and
where to find it made these difficult to interpret
Peg Bench:
this was largely unnoticed because it
communicated nothing of the silversmith’s craft; it
therefore was seen as part of the background
rather than something in its own right
Hallmark Rubbing:
there was a problem with the paper moving
around, especially for children
the pencils were not always sharp and it was
thought that crayons might be better for younger
children.
Other devices worked very well; ‘Flatware Display’, ‘Making a Coffee Pot’ and
‘Touch Objects’ were praised in the discussion groups, and overall, ‘Stamping’
and ‘Hallmark Rubbing’ came out well.
Some of the text panels also attracted visitors’ attention and were found to be
of interest, although they were unlikely to be mentioned by Family Visitors in
the quantitative survey.
In summary, it seems that every device found some appeal with certain
audiences and most visitors to the Discovery Area found something that they
enjoyed using.
From the group discussions we can see that certain devices held visitors’
attention more than others for a variety of reasons; the complexity of the
device, level of interest, and puzzlement about what the device is showing.
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From this research it is not possible to tell with certainty whether the devices
directed visitors to examine objects more closely in the Discovery Area or the
Main Gallery since this had to be discussed as a hypothetical scenario in the
groups. For some, it was felt that the Discovery Area would help with a
greater appreciation of the objects in the Main Gallery but not specifically with
directing them to look more closely.
5.3.4 Who is Using the Discovery Area?
A very positive finding to emerge from the research was that the Discovery
Area held appeal for all types of visitor.
The quantitative survey revealed that all demographic variables, the three
target audiences for the Silver Gallery, all of the eight key target audiences for
the British Galleries and all of the four learning styles, were represented by
visitors to the Discovery Area.
Even those audiences which one might expect to find the Area of less
interest, such as the Specialists, were found among its visitors; and the
groups that were most critical in the qualitative research (some Specialists
and Independent Learners) were again, still attracted to the Area.
Members of the AB social group and family groups (especially those with
younger children) were more heavily represented.
Of the four learning styles, Imaginative Learners were least likely to visit the
Discovery Area.
It is clear from the quantitative survey that the Discovery Area is being used
as a complement, rather than an alternative to, the Main Gallery. Ninety-three
percent of visitors who went into the Discovery Area also visited the Main
Gallery. Moreover, visitors to the Discovery Area spent just as much time
visiting the Main Gallery as they did in the Discovery Area.
On average, visitors spent ten minutes in the Discovery Area and twelve
minutes in the Main Gallery. When the respective size of the two areas are
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taken into account, the Discovery Area is holding visitors’ attention for longer
than the Main Gallery.
When evaluating visitors’ subsequent answers about what they got out of their
visit to the Discovery Area, it is worth bearing in mind that many visitors spent
only a few minutes in the Discovery Area.
Family Groups and Independent Learners spent, on average, the most time in
the Discovery Area. Specialists, on the other hand, spent more time in the
Main Gallery.
5.3.5 How People Feel about the Discovery Area as a Physical Space
From the qualitative research, two main schools of thought emerged
concerning whom the Discovery Area was seen as being aimed at. Those
who were more familiar with, and open to, an interactive style of museum
exhibit, appreciated that it was not just children who got something out of such
exhibits.
Others, (mainly Independent Learners and Specialists) saw the Discovery
Area as mainly for children, although they acknowledged that they could have
got more out of it themselves if a fuller picture of silver making had been
conveyed and the interpretive devices had been less ‘gimmicky’. However,
there was no evidence from the quantitative survey that people were avoiding
the Area because they considered it to be only for children.
Both stages of the research indicated that the size of the Discovery Area was
seen as being inadequate for the number of exhibits in it. Some felt that the
area should be enlarged while others felt that some of the devices could be
removed. The prime aim was to gain more space for circulating and gaining
access to the devices.
In the discussion groups it was the Family Visitors who liked the separation of
the Discovery Area from the Main Gallery, mainly because it gave a defined
space in which to ‘contain’ their children. Some in the other groups also liked
the separation for the same reason i.e. children were confined to an area.
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The separation did however seem to create some problems for linkage
between the information provided in the Discovery Area and that in the Main
Gallery. By visiting the two areas, the more complete picture of silver making
sought by some visitors, is to some extent provided, but this was not picked
up by them.
It is of interest however that the quantitative research demonstrated that the
Discovery Area is used as a complement, not an alternative, to the Main
Gallery with similar amounts of time being spent in each, so that although
physically separate, the two areas tend to be seen as an integrated
experience.
The ambient temperature, light level and noise level were generally unnoticed,
although two points are worth noting:
the Discovery Area was bypassed by some who did not notice it
because it is set back and not ‘highlighted’ in some way
while not disruptive, there was a feeling that visitors would not
like to see more computer interactives with a similar volume of
sound.
On the issue of noise level, there are clearly certain types of sound which are
acceptable, and others which are less so. Several participants in the
discussion groups felt that background period music could have a role to play
in creating atmosphere, but there was general resistance to background
soundtracks which accompany computer programmes or film footage and
which can be found rather irritating.
The general design of the area was criticised by some visitors in the groups,
particularly those with a design background. The L-shape of the area
extending under the stairwell made it a difficult area to utilise well and the
positioning of some of the exhibits was felt to be misguided.
Family Visitors, on the other hand, felt that the quality of the materials and
craftsmanship was high and would be respected by children.
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5.3.6 Visitors’ Attitudes to Learning
Learning provides an important motivation for visiting museums, mainly
because they are recognised as providing opportunities to learn effectively
through an interesting and enjoyable experience.
Learning is seen as taking several forms; from the conventional absorption of
information (the broad picture or isolated ‘gems’) through, the development of
an aesthetic appreciation and socially acceptable behaviour (in children), to
the enhancement of the intellect or spirit.
The visitors involved in the quantitative survey gave a score of 5.7 out of 10
based on the extent to which they felt they had learned something (this
compared to 4.1 for the British Galleries). Those who found the Discovery
Area of greater interest also gave a higher learning score; reinforcing what
was said in the groups that more effective learning goes hand in hand with
enjoyment.
A broad spectrum of points that had been learned were mentioned by visitors,
showing again, that the Area is catering for a range of needs and interests.
Family Groups, in particular, stood out as having learned something from the
Computer Interactive and Hallmarking exhibits.
The visitors involved in the groups had time to take a more analytical view of
what they had seen. They tended to view the Discovery Area more as an
orientation centre and therefore had higher expectations about learning about
the full process of turning silver from its raw state into fully crafted objects.
5.4.1 Learning Style and Interpretation Preference
This research has only touched upon the subject of learning styles and how
they might influence the types of interpretation preferred. While we have
drawn some conclusions based on the findings of the quantitative research,
we are conscious that a rather crude method of assessing learning style had
to be used because of the timing constraints of the interview. We therefore
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feel that the area needs further research to determine any links between
learning style and interpretation preferences.
From responses to a series of questions about the type of interpretation
people would like to see at the V&A, we can see that most visitors of all types
wanted a range of information about the objects on display and would
welcome the use of a range of display techniques.
There were some differences in attitudes to interpretation based on the
different learning styles and therefore it may be useful to take the range of
styles into account when designing the Galleries.
Experiential Learners, perhaps unsurprisingly, agreed most strongly with
many of the statements, while Imaginative Learners were less in agreement.
Moreover, it was the Imaginative Learners who were significantly less
represented in the sample of visitors to the Discovery Area included in the
quantitative survey. Finally, while Experiential Learners gave the highest
learning scores, Imaginative Learners gave the lowest interest ratings.
If Experiential Learners are being particularly well catered for at present, more
thought may need to be given to how other groups (particularly the
Imaginative Learners) can be better engaged.
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5.4.2 Other Types of Interpretation that People Would Like to See in the
Future
Levels of agreement with the series of statements about content and method
of presentation were high in the quantitative survey, regardless of whether
visitors had been into the Discovery Area.
It was noticeable that Specialists (with what in many cases must be
considerably higher levels of knowledge) agreed strongly with many of the
statements.
As indicated under 5.4.1, there was a clear difference in opinion according to
the preferred learning style. Experiential learners, in particular, agreed
strongly with many of the statements; in contrast, Imaginative Learners
tended to adopt a more conservative attitude.
While overall, the higher levels of agreement among both those visiting and
not visiting the Discovery Area, would suggest that visiting did not lead to a
less conservative view, there were two statements where there were
significant differences in the numbers agreeing or agreeing strongly. These
were, ‘it would be really good if you could touch some of the objects’ and
‘computer-based exhibits should be used’. With both these, a higher
proportion of those visiting the Discovery Area than not visiting it were in
agreement. This may have been because their experience of the touching
exhibit and computer interactive demonstrated the appeal of these
techniques.
The issue of whether exposure to the Discovery Area had led to a less
conservative view about interpretation styles was approached differently in the
qualitative research, with participants completing the questionnaire before and
after exposure to the Discovery Area. This showed that experiencing the
Discovery Area did seem to influence people in certain respects. In line with
the quantitative survey findings, more visitors agreed that ‘it would be really
good if you could touch some of the objects’, again perhaps because of
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exposure to being able to do this ‘safely’, especially where children are
concerned.
More generally however, certain Specialists and Independent Learners who
had previously been more conservative in their views on interpretation, did
soften their views after visiting the Discovery Area.
2.3 Recommendations
Clearly there is a role for ‘activity areas’ in the V & A, both in making a visit
more rewarding for existing visitors, and in attracting new visitors, particularly
those in family groups. Given the high level of demand for greater
interpretation of objects generally, interpretive devices have a potentially
important role to play.
Visitors want information on various levels, from anecdotal snippets which
capture the imagination, to more factual data about the origins of objects and
how they are made.
There also seems to be a great opportunity for the Museum to create a style
of interactive exhibit which is different to that found in the other major
museums; one which reflects the needs and experiences of its visitors yet is
also is in keeping with the ethos and ambience of the V & A.
All types of people are candidates for visiting an ‘activity area’ at the V & A so
that a broad range of physical and intellectual needs should be catered for,
from children to Specialists.
Firstly, there are some general points about the relationship of ‘activity areas’
to the Main Gallery:
the interpretive devices should complement the objects on
display rather than ‘replace’ them
the relationship between the interpretive devices and the objects
on display should be made explicit so that visitors understand
the relevance of the device and the point being made. It should
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thereby be clear to visitors that the interactive is there to provide
guidance, insights or whatever, which they would not otherwise
have gained. Without this, the devices are likely to be seen as
‘gimmicky’, something that is not associated with the V & A
if the purpose of the interpretive device is to guide visitors in
how to look at the objects, then it may be appropriate for the
device to be located near to some relevant sample objects
while it may be desirable to incorporate interactive exhibits into
the Main Gallery to provide a clear linkage with the objects,
thought also needs to be given to:
the disruptive effect that exhibits such as popular
computer interactives or audio-visuals can have
on traffic flow and on people’s enjoyment because
of background noise levels
the need for parents to be able to ‘keep an eye’ on
younger children
while it is clearly not essential that interpretive devices are kept
together in a defined and physically separate area, there may be
some merit in setting aside some such areas in the above
circumstances, i.e. where clusters of ‘noisy’ interactives are
called for or where there are devices aimed specifically at
younger children
if ‘activity areas’ are created separate from the Main Gallery,
then these need prominent ‘signposting’ so that visitors do not
pass them by.
Secondly, practical issues to do with access to exhibits need careful
consideration. These include:
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space is needed for more than one visitor, and perhaps a family,
to view a device
where devices are particularly popular, multiple versions may be
needed or where a screen is involved, the additional ‘observer
screen’ should be supplied (as in the street computer
interactive)
computer interactives should contain programmes which are
limited in scope so that any one user does not occupy the
device for an extended period. Further interactives of the same
type but with slightly different programmes may be necessary if
more ground is to be covered.
Regarding the design of the interpretive exhibits, there seem to be a number
of useful pointers from the research. These include:
a range of display techniques is desirable, selection depending
on which technique conveys most effectively the point being
made. For example, video or film footage is seen as potentially
having its downsides (e.g. noise level, interruption to circulation),
but scores highly where there is a need to convey a process or
where one wishes to bring an object ‘to life’ without
compromising the object itself
the fact that ‘interactive’ does not necessarily mean ‘hi-tech’.
Indeed, the views expressed in the qualitative research would
suggest that if there is a bias, it should be towards the more ‘low
tech’ exhibit, such as those involving lifting flaps, touching
objects, carrying out very simple activities, dressing up or
playing with facsimiles of objects. These often combine the
virtues of rarely ‘going wrong’, being easily understood and
offering the opportunity to discuss what is in front of you (rather
than being carried along by a computer programme or film)
Audience Research for the British Galleries Project Silver Gallery Discovery Area
Part 1: Introduction, Summary of Findings and Recommendations
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where more ‘hi-tech’ devices are in use (though this does not
apply exclusively to them), there is a need to ensure that their
functioning is monitored and maintained in a timely fashion
careful consideration needs to be given to which audiences are
likely to get the most out of certain exhibits and to the design of
them in accordance with this, both in terms of their ergonomics,
and tone and type of information provided
where exhibits are aimed more at children, perhaps some kind
of graphic device could be used to signal that this is the case,
without deterring children from using other devices or adults
from using the ‘childrens’ exhibits
good quality materials and a high level of craftsmanship should
be used in ‘building’ the interpretive devices so as to reflect the
special character of the Museum
the incorporation of some devices which have a ‘product’ i.e.
something that visitors can take away with them or materials to
be completed (such as treasure trail quizzes) which lead to a
sense of achievement, especially in children
opportunities for personal interaction with Museum staff through
activities, presentations/tours and opportunities to have
questions answered.
Audience Research for the British Galleries Project Silver Gallery Discovery Area
Part 1: Introduction, Summary of Findings and Recommendations
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Creative Research, 11/12 The Green, London W5 5DA
MAIN FINDINGS:
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH STAGE