Questions from the Mobile “Un-tours” Workshop at MW2011

Posted by Nancy Proctor on | April 3, 2011 | 1 Comment

Before MW2011 started, these are the questions and aspirations that attendees sent us for the workshop:

Planning:

I think we want a mobile app, but don’t have the first idea where to start.
I hope to get some ideas about models for developing mobile apps/pitfalls to avoid for institutions that do not have media departments or computer engineers on staff and are on closely managed project budgets.

Tools:

How can we use low-cost tools that a non-programmer could publish on their own (what is the best software for this and “best practices” so as to prevent pitfalls)?
Should we go with a web app or native app?
What does HTML5 offer?
How can we best use visual recognition and QR codes/Tags?
How can we create user-generated content tools with access permissions that allow the content producer to predetermine who can see their contributions?

Data & inspiration:

I’m looking for new ideas about how to approach designing, developing, and delivering interpretive content to our visitors.
Need examples of what people/institutions are doing that goes beyond the traditional tour / audio guide.
Hoping to learn about what might be on the horizon in this ever expanding field.
We need a literature review of how apps are serving visitors at peer institutions.
Data-supported research on what works and what doesn’t for visitors.

Audiences:

I hope to better understand the audiences for mobile apps–who are they, what do they want, etc.
How can we encourage and optimize audience engagement?
I’m looking for creative possibilities for teachers in the world of apps!
I’m eager to learn how colleagues from around the globe and from different size/budget institutions are finding creative ways to develop apps in the service of museum education;

Experiences:

How apps are being used to augment the overall museum experience.
About game-based apps for all ages (not just kids/families).
Thinking of the interesting collaborations that would occur and the cross-pollination of ideas to be generated in trying to build or understand pathways for visitors to engage in meaningful, mission-focused work and content creation.

Category: Mobile FAQs, Uncategorized

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