Envisioning and Evaluating ‘Out-of-Storage’ Solutions

The successful introduction of technology into museums and exhibitions is a complex and difficult process. It requires detailed study of both visitor expectations and experiences and a sensitivity to curator and exhibition designer concerns, together with the concerns of architects and interior designers, in the case of newly built spaces. It also requires an understanding of the ergonomics of the spatial environment and the way that objects are located within the exhibition area, as these features affect the users' behaviour, and their communication and collaboration strategies. This paper provides some information on the process of introducing certain new multimedia artefacts into a new decorative arts museum-the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, Dublin. It includes a discussion of a usability evaluation of the resultant interactive media installations, noting several difficulties with the implemented solutions.