Seeing Summative Evaluation: Tracking and Timing Study with notes about the Observation and Interview Studies

This evaluation provides feedback from a tracking and timing study from the project "Seeing: The Interaction of Physiology, Culture, and Technology" at the Exploratorium. The evaluation concludes that Seeing is a large, complex collection of loosely related exhibit elements that attract and hold visitors’ attention well, but not exceptionally well. Yet, given the size and scope of the exhibits, a longer average time and more stops would not be expected. The individual interactive elements range from many that are modestly engaging, to some that are highly engaging, with a few exceptionally successful exhibits that sustained attention for almost 10 minutes. Many of the elements successfully convey the main ideas in Seeing. If visitors pay enough attention, they are likely to perceive the main ideas of the exhibit collection and its layout, and they are likely to find something of special interest or personal relevance. Given that a fairly large percentage of people would like more orientation, the use of clusters (thematic sections) is not overbearing or too directive, and even stronger cues could be given to benefit the people who need or want it.