Combining evaluation research and practical reality to improve exhibitions
Why is it important to evaluate exhibitions and how do we account for different stakeholders?
In this workshop session our presenters will give a short presentation on their implement evaluation research methods within the exhibition development process and their use of evaluation results to reach audiences. This will be followed by an exercise where the participants will be split into smaller teams, looking at evaluation from the point of view of four different interest groups: exhibition developers, evaluation researchers, funders & sponsors, and marketers. Participants will be given an evaluation challenge and will be supported and guided by speakers with practical tips and advice, before sharing their results and findings with the rest of the group.
Facilitator
Curator of interactive experiences
Session speakers
Research Project Associate
How to ensure that the communication approach accounts for audiences’ expectations and preconceptions, as well as serves the ultimate purpose of passing on the key messages? At CERN we empirically explore the relationship between our target audiences and our future exhibition, including the perspectives of CERN non-visitors. The insights from this research will be useful for everyone interested in front-end and formative exhibition evaluation.
Can evaluation and quality assurance models help us to finance and quality assure our projects? Evaluation protocols have been published for experiences such as with live animals, interactive exhibits, and exhibition-based programs. The quality assurance model the “Logic Model” helps us to see how a solid theoretical framework in combination with protocol-based evaluation can help us to make high quality products and to persuade sponsors to contribute.
VP, Exhibits, Digital, and Evaluation
At Science World British Columbia (Canada) we have been collecting audience data through 2 main survey methods: COVES (Collaborating on Ongoing Visitor Experience Studies, based out of Museum of Science, Boston) and Member surveys. But how can we apply that data meaningfully? I will share the business decisions that we’ve been able to make as a result of our data collection, and how it has changed our exhibit strategy.
Natural History Museum, London
How can we use evaluation and insight to create audience-led campaigns? At the Natural History Museum, London, we recently had a dip in visitor numbers. Following some uncomfortable truths gathered from a range of evaluation sources, we used it as an opportunity to reframe the way we ran our marketing campaigns. I will share the journey we went on; from facing the audience data, to taking internal stakeholders with us and some surprising results.
