Joan Guerin

Designing for Dynamic Interaction
Spring 1998 Final Project Proposal
Interactive Learning Environments in a Virtual Museum Space

Motivation/Problem Statement
My work as an exhibition designer and museum educator has revealed, over the years, the value of the interactive learning environment. I would like to explore ways in which successful traditional modes of interactive exploration have worked within the physical space of the gallery and how we can reinvent, and possibly augment, that experience in a virtual space. I will use as my model the Senator John Heinz History Center, a local museum which currently has many innovative educational components integrated into its exhibitions. These include hands-on activities, replicas of historical environments, museum theater (live actors who roam portions of the museum speaking to the visitors in character), film, video and performance.

Project Goals
In preparation for the turn of the millenium, the Center will look back on the last century in Pittsburgh and into the future through a variety of exhibitions and related programs. An interactive component, comparing tools and products of the past, will contrast with those we currently use, as well as with some we may be using in the future. With this in mind, the History Center must now examine how it will address the technological culture of the twenty-first century. The problem is twofold: How can the Center assess current trends and relate them to the broader milieu by creating meaningful new experiences to engage and educate visitors within the Center? How can they extend their presence into the online community and offer an experience which is potentially as gratifying and rewarding as the physical on-site experience? I intend to take an in-depth look at the latter question while maintaining a view of the former.

Plan
Through research and observation I will assess the qualities of the interactive learning environment and what makes it a successful and gratifying link to exhibition material for children, adults, and families. Since the History Center does not currently have a web presence, I will make some preliminary recommendations for a site with its mission in mind. I will do this through sketches and written scenarios. Although some of my recommendations will within the technological grasp of many households today, I will also include some more fanciful scenarios based on technological innovations we may only dream of at this point in time.

Research Required
I will explore current trends in innovative museum exhibition and education, web presence, and philosophical shifts through museum visits, interviews with specialists, and research in the field of educational (and other) technologies.

Expected Results
The results I expect will be a written overview with sketches and photographs to support my research and conclusions. I hope to deliver the proposal the History Center as a "what if?" scenario.