This is in response to Mara Anderson's question regarding video installations. While working at the Milwaukee Public Museum, we integrated videos in various formats into exhibit areas, from tape to disc! In the process we learned that the longest most visitors would watch a video was six minutes, with 3-4 minutes being optimum. It's very important that you include the running time of the video so that visitors know how long they have to wait to see the entire piece. We found that by giving visitors a few choices which they activated themselves, they would stay longer and watch up to 30 minutes if they were in control of the selection process. Therefore, you could break up a longer video into sections (like chapters in a book) and title them accordingly with running times. With CD technology, it's easy to have several selections on a disc.
If the video is an orientation to an exhibit hall and is optional, I would opt for allowing visitors to activate it with the push of a button. If however, the video is integrated into the exhibit itself and is important as a more sophisticated "label" - then I would have a motion sensor trigger the video. A third scenario is if you install a video as part of a resouce center. In that instance, I'd treat it as the orientation example, and give visitors control by pushing buttons to select their choices.
Environment is important - always provide comfortable seating (except when it's within an actual exhibit), a dimly lit viewing area, and carpeting where possible (even on walls) for acoustical effectiveness. Buy directional speakers so that ambient sound does not infiltrate other exhibit areas. I'd consult with audio experts for designing optimum sound environments. Each building has different characteristics - and therefore different requirements.
The best questions to begin with are, why are you using video? Is it the best medium for your objective? It should be designed right into the exhibit script. How many visitors will be gathering to watch it at a time? Is it going to be used to orient groups to a larger hall? If so, you need a different sort of space and seating. The worst thing for visitors to discover in your video area is an out of order sign.
Good luck,
Sharon Kayne Chaplock
Marquette University
-----Original Message-----
From: Cecelia Ottenweller [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tue 7/22/2003 11:59 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
Subject: Re: Video In Museums
These are great questions! Please answer on list!
*:)Cecelia Ottenweller
--- Mara Andersen <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Video questions
>
> I'm trying to learn more about how videos are used in conjunction
> with permanent collections in museums. We've determined the
> purpose and general content for several video projects, but would
> like to learn what we can about making them work best for visitors.
> If you could take the time to answer any, or all, of the following
> questions, I'd appreciate it.
>
>
> Running times on videos vary greatly. How long is too long? How
> short is too short? What criteria factor into your decision about
> length?
>
>
> Have you tried or experienced anything new or innovative that you
> could tell us about (e.g. a motion sensor to trigger the video)?
>
> Where in a gallery, or series of galleries, should a video be
> located? Are there places where video should not be located?
>
>
> Have you learned anything about visitor psychology as it relates to
> the video watching environment (i.e. seating, lighting, walls,
> labeling)?
>
>
> What have been the best and worst seating arrangements you've
> experienced? What about standing or leaning?
>
>
> What sound systems (ie speakers, headphones, closed captioning,
> sound-proof barriers) have worked well? What ones have failed?
> Why?
>
>
>
> Again, thank you for your time.
>
>
> Education Department
> Denver Art Museum
> (720) 913-0070
>
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