Open Forum

Hi all - I'm not sure how to ask, so here it goes: I am wondering if anyone has a method for the evaluation of exhibition idea and themes before they go into research, planning, fabrication and installation.  Looking to generate and use data to meet the public interest/expectations for exhibitions.

Currently we have a rubric of mission objectives that we follow at the i.d.e.a. Museum, then we have focus groups in education and the community, who are asked to evaluate the theme on their expectations and desires for a theme. It has been successful, but it isn't codified. We recently had an exhibition that did not do as well has we had anticipated, so we are looking to see if there is any museum that is employing a system to make an exhibition a pre-success with their patrons.

Thank you!

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Jeffory Morris MBA
Museum Curator
i.d.e.a. Museum
Mesa AZ
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Please reply to the list if possible - Models and examples would be useful for so many of us!

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Michelle Moon
Director of Interpretation and Program Evaluation
The Newark Museum
Newark NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-23-2018 11:52 AM
From: Jeffory Morris
Subject: Data driven exhibition design

Hi all - I'm not sure how to ask, so here it goes: I am wondering if anyone has a method for the evaluation of exhibition idea and themes before they go into research, planning, fabrication and installation.  Looking to generate and use data to meet the public interest/expectations for exhibitions.

Currently we have a rubric of mission objectives that we follow at the i.d.e.a. Museum, then we have focus groups in education and the community, who are asked to evaluate the theme on their expectations and desires for a theme. It has been successful, but it isn't codified. We recently had an exhibition that did not do as well has we had anticipated, so we are looking to see if there is any museum that is employing a system to make an exhibition a pre-success with their patrons.

Thank you!

------------------------------
Jeffory Morris MBA
Museum Curator
i.d.e.a. Museum
Mesa AZ
------------------------------

I love the formative visitor research the interpretation team at the Indianapolis Museum of Art conducts-their Museums and the Web 2016 paper does a good job describing various methods:

https://mw2016.museumsandtheweb.com/proposal/a-seat-at-the-table-giving-visitors-a-voice-in-exhibition-development-through-user-testing/

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Desi Gonzalez
Manager of digital engagement
The Andy Warhol Museum
Pittsburgh PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-23-2018 11:52 AM
From: Jeffory Morris
Subject: Data driven exhibition design

Hi all - I'm not sure how to ask, so here it goes: I am wondering if anyone has a method for the evaluation of exhibition idea and themes before they go into research, planning, fabrication and installation.  Looking to generate and use data to meet the public interest/expectations for exhibitions.

Currently we have a rubric of mission objectives that we follow at the i.d.e.a. Museum, then we have focus groups in education and the community, who are asked to evaluate the theme on their expectations and desires for a theme. It has been successful, but it isn't codified. We recently had an exhibition that did not do as well has we had anticipated, so we are looking to see if there is any museum that is employing a system to make an exhibition a pre-success with their patrons.

Thank you!

------------------------------
Jeffory Morris MBA
Museum Curator
i.d.e.a. Museum
Mesa AZ
------------------------------

Hello, Jeffory.

We used the IDEO Human-Centered Design methodology to create and evaluate the design concept of our new zoo (we're relocating). I presented a paper with the results at the WAZA Annual Conference of 2016. I enclose a link to the Prezi presentation:  Would you let visitors design your zoo?

I'd be happy to share more information if you like. Send me your email.

Best regards,

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Farah Ajami Peralta
Executive Director
f.ajami@zoobaq.org
Barranquilla Zoo
Barranquilla, Colombia
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-23-2018 11:52 AM
From: Jeffory Morris
Subject: Data driven exhibition design

Hi all - I'm not sure how to ask, so here it goes: I am wondering if anyone has a method for the evaluation of exhibition idea and themes before they go into research, planning, fabrication and installation.  Looking to generate and use data to meet the public interest/expectations for exhibitions.

Currently we have a rubric of mission objectives that we follow at the i.d.e.a. Museum, then we have focus groups in education and the community, who are asked to evaluate the theme on their expectations and desires for a theme. It has been successful, but it isn't codified. We recently had an exhibition that did not do as well has we had anticipated, so we are looking to see if there is any museum that is employing a system to make an exhibition a pre-success with their patrons.

Thank you!

------------------------------
Jeffory Morris MBA
Museum Curator
i.d.e.a. Museum
Mesa AZ
------------------------------