Handhelds
MW2009 Afternoon Session
17 Apr 2009 14:00
Many handheld projects repeat the same mistakes. Handheld Wiki:
http://tatehandheldconference.pbwiki.com
http://www.HandHeldConference.org (June)
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Handheld Basics
What is mobile?
Where (and when) is mobile? Frequently web visitors exceed physical visitors by a large sum so it's worth providing information outside the concept of an actual visit.
Who uses mobile?
How should we build mobile?
Choosing a Platform
Do visitors want to use their own devices or museum-supplied devices?
If they are supplied by the museums, there are costs and complications so many try to offer content to visitors' devices.
No single CMS can offer information to multiple platforms without some work.
May need to give people choices between dedicated and personal platforms.
Getting it Done
What can be done in house and what is better to be done through outsourcing?
Work by stealth. Once money is involved, you need "buy in"
Next Generation Handhelds
Handhelds during a visit.
Bookmark a link to home via SMS.
Future of Mobile
Mobile CONTENT, not mobile DEVICES
Should be data-driven
Frequently in-person tour is the primary focus.
Consider true user-generated content.
Quicker turnarounds/experiments.
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Getting it Done
Approach varies according to the type of collection, environment, permanent or traveling exhibition.
Could allow people to enter an object number to see picture, hear, audio, discover more information.
British Museum doesn't have a linear path through the museum. More random access than linear. Probably need ability to do both.
Best to have a prototype before making a major investment.
British Museum doesn't develop most solutions in house.
Location is important. Hard for visitors to discover which floor they are on.
Scrolling maps.
Consider video requirements of system.
iPod Touch battery charge may fail after 8 months
Still considering PDAs.
Most people visiting don't come with iPhones (etc)
Most people are acclimated to leave phone in cloak room.
US has more free minutes. Europe usually has to pay more so a phone-based system doesn't work for them.
Advanced features on phones like texting.
Wireless networks don't work well in old buildings.
If devices are distributed by museum, need to make sure it is connected to wireless network when given to visitor.
Interface needs to be extremely simple.
200 objects; translations in 12 languages; etc.
May need signing (video/caption).
Difference between captions (abbreviated) and transcript.
What mobile devices are in use in different places (eg most popular in London)?
For the next 5 years or so it will be necessary to offer devices in the museum since not everyone has them.
Kiosk where people can download audio tours.
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Points for each group:
Handheld Basics
Choosing a Platform
Getting it Done
Next Generation Handhelds
Future of Mobile