Recent years have seen a noticeable change in the culture of museums themselves. More and more often, visitors are presented with the opportunity to check out digital offers in addition to traditional exhibitions. However, those digital solutions are not meant to make on-site visits redundant. Rather, the digitalization of museums is intended to make visits more interactive and interesting. Based on our Mobility Suite mos., we at Fabrik19 develop digital solutions that can be adapted to individual needs flexibly. After the first part of this series primarily focused on the properties and advantages of a museum app, this and the last part are devoted to the numerous functions that can be integrated into such an application.

Navigation

A feature that can be particularly helpful in the context of museums is the provision of a navigation function via an app. Regardless of the way in which this feature is implemented, a digital visitor guidance system enables guests to visit the museum mostly independently. Visitors can go on a discovery tour and create their own route that suits their interests. A clear and easy-to-use interactive map of the site provides guests with the necessary overview of what the facility has to offer.

On the other hand, museums have the opportunity to offer diverse tours. Those tours can be adapted to different target groups or subject areas, which can be further supported by audiovisual media. Navigating audio tours are a very popular tool for the exploration of exhibitions as well. Using a virtual walkthrough or a 360° view of exhibition rooms, guests can get an idea of what the museum has to offer before they even visit. Moreover, the display of one’s own location on an interactive terrain map can also help visitors find their way around. The possibilities in the area of navigation are vast and allow an autonomous, informative and satisfactory visit.

Exhibitions and Interaction

Another attractive feature would be the digitization of exhibitions. That way, they can be completely redesigned and expanded using any desired amount of background information. The provision of additional information and a new and exciting approach to individual exhibits can change the overall perception of a collection.

In addition to the exhibition items on site, an application can be used to provide valuable information. This can be about the items themselves, historical events, or artists, for example. One possibility to execute this is via a QR code scanner embedded in the app. The integration of photos, videos or simulations can additionally support the transfer of knowledge and deposit stories attached to individual exhibits.

Furthermore, an app can also allow guests to manually control movable exhibits. Connecting the native application to interactive steles or virtual and augmented reality is also conceivable. Plus, data sheets on specific subject areas of the museum can also be offered for download. That way, visitors can reread the information of interest to them at home. Granting guests access to an exhibition archive integrated into the museum app also provides them with the opportunity to look at their favorite exhibits beyond the end of an exhibition.

Communication

A museum app can also create new opportunities in the field of communication. In order to ensure the greatest possible satisfaction of the guests, a feedback option can be integrated into the app. For instance, Visitors can write down their thoughts on the museum offer in a digital guest book. Using this guest book, interested parties can get an idea on what to expect before they actually visit the museum. A connection to the institution’s social media channels or the possibility of sharing individual content with others via those channels is also a welcome option. In addition, push notifications can be used to inform visitors about nearby or recommended exhibits. That way, institutions are also able to share important information about upcoming events or interesting general news with its guests.