November 24th, 2015 | RESEARCH
When studying museum visitors, researchers sometimes collect data by video- and audio-taping large high-traffic areas. In order to inform visitors that they are being recorded, researchers post signs in the area. This article describes the Exploratorium’s efforts to design and test trilingual signs that would effectively inform visitors when video-based research is in progress. Interviews with 255 adult museum visitors, conducted across six versions of the recording area's setup and signage, revealed several effective design elements. The posted sign was more noticeable and welcoming when it included a large headline, a realistic camera icon, and a colorful background. The most effective setup of the area contained many cues to videotaping beyond the large posted sign, such as visible recording equipment and small signs on exhibits and cordons. In the most successful trilingual setup we tested, 92% of visitors leaving the research area knew they had been videotaped.
Document
(no document provided)
Team Members
Lisa Sindorf, Author, ExploratoriumJosh Gutwill, Author, Exploratorium
Veronica Garcia-Luis, Author, Exploratorium
Citation
Identifier Type: DOI
Identifier: 10.1111/cura.12135
Publication: Curator: The Museum Journal
Volume: 58
Number: 4
Page(s): 369-381
Related URLs
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cura.12135/abstract
Tags
Audience: Evaluators | General Public | Museum | ISE Professionals
Discipline: General STEM | Technology
Resource Type: Peer-reviewed article
Environment Type: Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits | Museum and Science Center Programs | Public Programs