Hello

I find this question of categorising interactives fascinating, and possibly one of the most important to my work. One of the exercises that I have done on my latest project was to draw up an exhibit matrix, listing out exhibits, then collecting data from all divisions of the museum. The information ranged from square footage and required services, level of mechanical complexity, to content objectives, dwel time, target age, activity level. The most interesting of these columns were: cost, the most iconic exhibit, and which exhibit was most important to the content.

My goals were to provide a framework to convey information to external designers and fabricators, but this has become a global decision-making tool for the project. I will use this matrix to anchor schedules and define production goals, but it will also prove useful in evaluation.

Linden Roberts

Exhibits Contracts Coordinator

Science Museum

London

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Siegel <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: May 20, 2006 1:22 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Interactivity

Hello, Angelina:

Can you tell us more about the use of such a categorization? It is an interesting question, as interactives are the heart and soul of science centers, and I have yet to hear anyone propose a categorization in that field. Computer vs mechanical; open ended vs didactic; age range; how long the interaction is....

Eric Siegel
Executive Vice President
Programs and Planning
New York Hall of Science

On 5/16/06, Angelina Tsitoura < [log in to unmask]> wrote:

Hello all,

I am doing a research on possible use of Interactivity in museums. I have been trying to find a universal categorization of interactives but unfortunately with no luck. Apart from computer related or not, which are the most appropriate aspects to look for, in order to do such a categorization?

Any suggestions or guidance would be very much appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

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