Integrating material and digital: A new way for cultural heritage

A digital copy of a Le Corbusier drawing supports analysis to a greater level of detail than its paper counterpart, but the feeling of being in the archive, the emotion of touching the same paper as the master, and the smell of dust and years past are what makes the experience unique and unforgettable. The information over object approach has influenced the use of digital technology in cultural heritage ever since computers started to populate the exhibit floor. The intent has been to provide indepth information and to support different learning styles. There is an opportunity for interaction design to take advantage of the visitors' physical experience with cultural heritage and to integrate technology into it instead of creating a parallel and detached digital experience. This needs the right sensibility and is not without challenges.