Twelfth International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

Self-owned AR enabled devices are used as a tool to promote heutagogical learning both inside and outside the museum space. The hypothesis for the experiment is that the self-guided augmented reality app, Discover Orlando Museum of Art (OMA), will result in different learning gains regarding artworks displayed at Orlando Museum of Art when compared to a passive self-guided tour with no forms of new media. Additionally, the self-guided augmented reality app will result in repeat visits to the Orlando Museum of Art. This research is intended to further study the potential of augmented reality in educating audiences and enhancing public experience through personal mobile devices. Discover OMA addresses themes of accessibility, public participation, and social interaction through augmented reality. Each of the six user profiles are broken down to describe user experience, constraints, and goals for ensuring future visits. Through close collaboration with the Orlando Museum of Art, primary and secondary stakeholders are defined, as are their needs, goals, and constraints. The methodology for testing the app includes tests, surveys, and interviews for two groups of users, those who go through the museum experience using the app and those who do not use the app. This app provides a hybrid cultural facility learning opportunity by creating experiences for the public to interact with art within the museum space and also the outdoor public space. The goal of the app is to bring the local Orlando art scene to all by having impact now, tomorrow, and internationally.