Re-tracing the Past: Mixing Realities in Museum Settings

Abstract

Interactive exhibits are now commonplace in museumsettings. However, many technologies co-exist uneasilywith more traditional methods of display. In this paper wedescribe a design strategy for mixing realities in museumspaces. An approach is adopted for developing `interactives'which complement rather than replace conventionalmethods. Our approach is explored through an exhibitionwhich provides visitors with the opportunity to hear andleave opinions on unclassified historical artefacts. Ananalysis of visitor interaction reveals that avoidingsimulation of established methods can allow visitors toweave novel and traditional practices. These results indicatedesigns for mixing realities in broader settings.