Museums have always been a source of learning, inspiration, and cultural appreciation for millions of people worldwide. However, with the rise of technology and digital media, museums are facing a significant challenge to attract and retain visitors. In order to compete in today's digital age, museums need to find new ways to engage visitors and offer a more interactive and personalized experience from online to onsite.
Wondering where to start? Look no further. Here are eight ways museums can increase visits and provide a memorable digital experience for visitors:
1. Build an Engaging Website
Your website is the first point of contact for most of your potential visitors. It is crucial that it is both visually appealing and easy to navigate. It should also provide useful information, such as hours of operation, exhibits, events, and donation opportunities. An engaging website helps visitors feel more connected to the museum, which can increase the likelihood of them visiting in person. Learn about the 10 Components Your Museum Website Needs to Succeed.
2. Launch an App
A mobile app is a great way to keep visitors connected to the museum. Visitors can use the app to get access to exhibition information and events. It can also be used to delight guests with special content such as interactive maps, guided tours, and augmented reality experiences.
3. Offer Virtual Tours
Allow visitors to tour exhibitions and events from the comfort of their homes with virtual tours. They are a great way to reach a larger audience. With virtual tours or 360-degree renderings of artwork/artifacts, museums can give their visitors a preview of the museum's collection and its exhibitions. With virtual tours you can even show off parts of your collection that aren't on display—like rare artifacts or historical items.
4. Embrace VR
VR technology allows visitors to interact with exhibits in ways that may not have seemed possible—until now. From historical periods, to immersive international travel, allowing visitors to experience different collections digitally opens up a whole new world of possibility.
5. Augmented Reality(AR) Technology
From animations and sound effects to fully immersive games, implementing interactive AR elements in exhibitions can bring collections to life in whole new ways.
6. Get Gamification Ready
Digital scavenger hunts and interactive quizzes can engage visitors and encourage them to explore the exhibitions and collections in a fun and interactive way. Using game mechanics, visitors are more likely to retain information and have a deeper understanding of the material they are viewing. Additionally, gamifying museums can also attract a younger audience who are more familiar with gaming and technology.
7. Tour with Tech
Museums can use digital technology to provide guided tours that are interactive and engaging. Visitors can use tablet devices to access information, videos, and images about exhibits, as well as participate in interactive quizzes and games.
8. Create Online Collections and Exhibitions
Museums can create online collections and exhibitions to reach a wider audience. This can include virtual tours, interactive displays, and digital archives.
The benefits of these solutions? Endless! Incorporating digital experiences into a museum visit can greatly enhance the overall experience for visitors. By keeping up with new technologies and innovative ways to use them, museums can stay relevant and continue to attract new visitors.
Looking for expert guidance? Our team can help. Contact us today to learn more about our services at Purple, Rock, Scissors and how we can support your website redesign.