In times of change, it is becoming increasingly important for museums and cultural institutions to establish a digital presence in addition to the traditional exhibition. Whether it is an app, a website or an interactive digital stele – the competition is in full swing. At Fabrik19, we develop a wide range of solutions that can be adapted to individual requirements flexibly. This first part of the three-piece series focuses mainly on the properties and advantages of a museum app. Meanwhile, the second and third part are dedicated to the functions that can be implemented into an app like this.
The advancing digitalization has proven to be extremely beneficial, especially during this pandemic. The current situation has also provided an incentive to further expand digital offerings in all areas. Due to digital offers, people were able to continue exploring museums and other cultural institutions during lockdown. But digital content can also enrich a visit to the museum when there is no pandemic. For years, museums have utilized digitalization to increase the quality of their offer.
The added value of a museum app
Digital solutions in museums are in no way intended to make a visit to the institution itself redundant. Rather, they are meant to add a new dimension to the visit for multimedia content enables a significantly expanded transfer of information. Meanwhile, the properties and functions of an application can be adjusted to the respective needs, the structure and the individual exhibition areas of a facility. Due to the variety of options and the flexible nature of an app, appealing content can be created for all target and age groups. This content can also be updated at regular intervals if necessary. Multimedia content can, for example, support impaired people during their visit or encourage the young to actively participate. The long-term goal of such an offer: increased visitor numbers, more direct interaction with exhibits and an overall higher satisfaction.
In-house technologies and solutions
Our mobility suite mos. enables the creation of high quality native mobile applications in the shortest possible time. The innovative framework makes it possible to adapt a museum app to individual requirements and wishes. Our other tools can also be integrated into digital projects. Visitor numbers and visiting times can be managed using our online appointment system ontever. Plus, our digital signage solution screem can be used to project messages onto every screen. In order to expand the experience, the app can furthermore be connected to a website, interactive stele or print media. We always strive for long-term cooperation with our customers and for this reason also offer the maintenance and expansion of the digital offer.
We were able to gain experience in the field of museums apps through previous, long-term projects. A case in point is the Leitz-Park app, which focuses primarily on an interactive, sometimes multi-story terrain map. It also offers additional information on individual locations on the property. On the other hand, the Industriekultur app and website bundle numerous interesting cultural locations from all over the Central Hesse region, thereby creating an open-air museum. Additional information can be called up at selected locations via QR codes. In addition, users can create an individual route of their own choosing within the app. Both apps also provide information on current exhibitions and events at the respective locations and keep users up to date.
Visitors’ smartphones become multimedia museum guides
Flexibility is the greatest strength of an application. Thus, solutions can be found for fundamentally different types of museums or exhibitions. After the initial configuration of an app, customers receive their own access to manage the content themselves. This way, those responsible can update the content of the app without having to acquire any knowledge in programming. For example, diverse and varying digital content can be offered for physically consistent exhibitions. Visual and acoustic effects can also be used to impart knowledge. Since it can be assumed that most visitors have their own smartphone nowadays, there are also no costs for the purchase of loan devices. This enables guests to visit without long waiting times or rental fees. Download and usage statistics that are provided by us provide an additional overview of how well the offer has been accepted.
In addition to the flexibility and the amount of information that can be conveyed, another great advantage of native applications for museums is that they can be used at all times, independently and to an unlimited extent. For an offline use of the app, content can be offered for download. Users are also not bound by opening hours or an internet connection in public exhibitions and can plan their visit independently. Furthermore, an interactive app encourages visitors to actively participate and interact with exhibits. Moreover, historical knowledge can be presented in a completely new way.
We are looking forward to helping you find an individual digital solution for your facility. Contact us.
