focus research
environmental behavior
Environmental behavior is defined as how people react and interact with the built environment. This research is specifically applied to learning styles and exhibit design. Behavioral connections can be described in terms of four psychological senses and a perceptual fifth dimension- seeing (visual), hearing (auditory), touching (tactile), smelling (olfactory), and perceiving (symbolic).
Pertinent information such as the amount of time visitors spend (holding power), monitoring visitors' movements (attracting power) and visitor interaction with the exhibit and each other is beneficial to understanding environmental behavior. Learning experiences in museums have as much to do with cultural and personal variables and social interaction as they do with the exhibit itself. Learning is influenced by several factors, the individual, interaction with the exhibit, the exhibit itself, and social interaction. More time spent with a n exhibit and textual information in coordination with visual displays promote greater knowledge gain and holding power. Interactive exhibits engage visitors, especially children and encourage social interaction and questions among groups.
Age of visitor, level of education, and visitor's agenda influence learning experience. Family visits are fairly predictable, and can be broken down into 4 phases- orientation, preparation, viewing, and cruising. Field trips have a different behavioral dynamic than family visits. Knowledge gain on field trips is more effect if there is advance preparation and follow-up. |
wayfinding
Wayfinding is the process individuals use to navigate in unfamiliar surroundings and is instrumental in finding a desired destination. Wayfinding and cognitive mapping go hand-in-hand. The cognitive map is a person's internal spatial representation of points, lines, areas, and surfaces that are learned, experienced, and recorded to orient the way finder. Cognitive wayfinding can help in returning patrons to their point of origin and also aid in emergency evacuations.
Wayfinding is an integral part of an aquarium as a confusing layout with poor signage can cause visitors to get lost and miss entire exhibits as well as causing them stress and frustration, therefore, deterring people from coming back or recommending the family. Successful wayfinding methods include graphic signage systems with few words, color-coding, and graphics that can be recognized from far away. Effective signage is limited to about 10 words for quick readability. An easily-readable isometric map of the aquarium to help visitors orient themselves easier than a traditional floor plan and shows the relationship of multiple floors that can be confusing to many patrons. In the past, maps, directories, and a staffed information booth were the main forms of wayfinding but these have been replaced with graphic, color-coded signage that has very little text and hi-tech signage that can be easily adapted to changing exhibits. Spatial organization of the building itself can aid in wayfinding. Architectural features like columns, archways, varied ceiling heights, and destination zones like food courts and atriums can help orient visitors and provide meeting points. Confusing spaces can be simplified by designating destination zones, vibrant colors, lighting, landmarks, and signage to clearly mark paths and exiting areas. Landmarks distinct in color, shape, and size can help orient people. Some examples are kiosks, large artwork, photographs, and sculptures. The placement, readability, and color of the signage are important factors in its effectiveness. Signage should be placed perpendicular to the path of travel, above eye level, and appropriately illuminated to minimize glare. It is also important to place signage at regular intervals, particularly at decision points, serving to reinforce the traveler. |
Large, color-coded signage at the Art Museum of London makes it easy for visitors to orient themselves within the facility and navigate through 9 different galleries. Each gallery is given a number and corresponding color on the map and matches the colored chevron outside the actual gallery.
These graphics from CasionHS combine wayfinding and integrated technology into digital maps and graphic navigation symbols.
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integrated technology
New technologies turn museums into movement-driven, interactive multimedia spaces. Synchronized projections on museum walls and on personal computers create a playful spirit of exploration. Interactive technologies spark a sense of wonder, curiosity, and genuine interest in the exhibits. Integrated technology has many benefits, despite being costly upfront. Tank labels and information presented on virtual screens can be easily changed compared to traditional printed signage. Touch screens invite visitors to participate and encourage learning, while increasing children's participation and knowledge gain.
RFID Technology- How It Workshttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/high-tech-gadgets/rfid1.htm |
Scannable QR codes are scattered among the National Aquarium in Baltimore and link to more information on animals and exhibits.
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