History on the Web / L’Histoire sur la toile

Abstract

Museums seek to tell stories that intrigue and inspire audiences to explore ideas further once they have left the museum. These experiences are carefully planned around one over-arching theme broken down into thematic threads. Planning starts and ends with the theme. It is THE driver of the visitor’s experience. The goal is for every visitor to walk away from their experience with a sense of connection to the message. Great exhibits are not didactic. The visitor experience is carefully crafted to the smallest detail; the lighting, graphic design, and exhibit’s physical design create a mood. They layout coaxes the visitor to move through the space in a particular order. Notions are built upon as the visitor progresses through the exhibit. Text is written to capture the visitor’s attention, entice him, and then lead him to more profound information. Interactive installations break down complex concepts into chunks that, when fully experienced, solidify visitor learning. This planning is conscious and systematic. The theme is framed in such a way that each fact leads to the revelation of something new for the visitor.