Dear Seth,

There are many, many ways of doing computer interactives, and the best one depends
on the goals of the particular exhibit.  Generally, your statements are correct, but there
are important trade-offs.  Browser-based interactives can be simple and inexpensive to
set up, but browser software is notoriously unstable.  DVDs are a good, cheap way to
deliver video but are very limited in terms of interactivity and response time.  Custom
programming can be expensive, but is used most frequently because it can create
unique experiences, and makes for easier maintenance and better stability (ideally);
when compared with the maintenance costs of browsers, for example, the benefits can
far exceed the costs.

Beyond these, there are microcontrollers, personal video recorders, and a whole world of
physical computing devices beyond the mouse and keyboard.  (Some are detailed on my
site, linked below.)  Again, it really depends on what you want to do.  Networking is
preferable in most cases for maintenance and ease of updating, but these days
hardware is cheap enough to simply swap out whole machines.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Kevin Walker
http://www.exhibitresearch.com
---

Quoting Seth Frankel <[log in to unmask]>:

> So much has changed along the line of computer-based interactives in
> recent
> years.  I am preparing to begin consideration of new interactives for
> a
> museum client (science based) and wonder what new formats people are
> finding
> to be easy to use, cost effective and with little maintenance
> requirements.
>
> Options I1ve seen lately include:
> 1. Browser-based interactives (advantages seem to be public1s
> familiarity
> with the format and cost of production)
> 2. DVD based format with menu options (seems a good solution for video
> options)
> 3. Traditional one-off programming (pricy!)
>
> Also, it seems that most institutions are leaning toward networked
> control
> and monitoring of all computer interactives.  This seems to be the
> best
> solution to help ensure the most 3up time2.
>
> Have others used different formats for interactives lately?
> Any comments on stand-alone units versus networking?
>
> Thank you.
> Seth Frankel
>
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