Supervisors info:
Μαρία Ρούσσου, επίκουρη καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Πληροφορικής και Τηλεπικοινωνιών, Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Χαρίκλεια Ντρίνια, καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Γεωλογίας και Γεωπεριβάλλοντος, Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Αικατερίνη Δερμιτζάκη, E.ΔΙ.Π., Τμήμα Ιστορίας και Φιλοσοφίας της Επιστήμης, Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Summary:
The world heritage of astronomy, as a science, is for the most of its part intangible. According to UNESCO, it includes various elements about the practice of astronomy, its social use and its representations. Museums use a variety of interpretation methods and practices to facilitate learning, discovery and engagement of the public, during the visit. In this context, digital interpretation strategies are a frequent phenomenon, especially, but not exclusively, in science museums. Consequently, many observatories have adopted a range of techniques, to provide experiences ranging from simple presentations and the creation of informal learning environments, to participatory opportunities with digital exhibits and interactive screens.
As it can be observed, from a visit at the museum of the National Observatory of Athens, emphasis is placed on the presented information and the way it collates the exhibits. However, current museum trends tend to shift from the object-centered model to a human-centered one, where emphasis is placed on creating unique and personalized experiences, regarding particularly the intangible heritage, which by definition requires a more specialized approach. That’s because, it is a continuous process that cannot be separated from the "material culture" and the "living culture".
The aim of this thesis is to propose the design and creation of a multi-sensory experience, through a digital application for use in the physical museum space of the National Observatory of Athens. A multi-sensory experience can occur when more than one of the five senses contributes to human perception. This supports the creation of individual experiences and refers to the responses of visitors, who interact with the exhibits at a physical, mental and emotional level, using their senses.
An important tool for measuring the success of this proposal is formative evaluation. According to the findings of the evaluation carried out with visitors inside and outside the National Observatory of Athens, the combination of digital narrative and tactile interactions can enhance museum experience, the combination of digital storytelling and tangible interactions can enhance the museum experience, but there are several weaknesses and deficiencies that need improvement, for which further work is required. The straightforward and focused message, through the use of the mobile application, will help to overcome the "narrow" margins of the museum space. The interpretive media provides information about the exhibits, which is not apparent by just a visual observation, while allowing the visitors to have an active choice and create their own interpretative message through the multi-sensory experience.
Keywords:
museology, digital storytelling, intangible cultural heritage, museum experience, National Observatory of Athens, tangible interaction
