Creating Museum Omni Experiences

 

Today I received an email from a student asking what is a “Mobile Interactive Transmedia Exhibits”? I often receive similar emails, the “simple answer”:

Interactive Transmedia Exhibits:
“a process where integral elements of a fiction get dispersed systematically across multiple delivery channels for the purpose of creating a unified and coordinated entertainment experience. Ideally, each medium makes it own unique contribution to the unfolding of the story.” – Henry Jenkins (2)

The challenge is “across multiple delivery channels for the purpose of creating a unified and coordinated entertainment experience”

I tend to think big to small. For me “mobile interactive transmedia exhibits” are a tool that is part of a larger experience plan or Omni Experience.
Omni Experience refers to Omni-Channel (in-person, website, app, phone, etc.) all communicating the same integrated message on all channels. Working from big to small:

1. Museum Mission – I believe that museum missions should be written as solutions to a problem. Then the museum is oriented to solve the “problem” i.e.
“Inspiring human connections by exploring the human experience.”(3) The “problem” is a lack of human connections

2. Umbrella Concept – The “how” the museum will accomplish it’s mission. Includes “look and feel” i.e.
VISION
To be San Diego’s dynamic place to go to learn about each other, reflect on our place in the world, and build a better community.(4)

3. Strategy – Who is your audience? How will you attract and create behavioral change in your identified audience? Programs ? Outreach ? Exhibits ? etc.

4. Tactics – What tools will you use to accomplish above ? “mobile interactive transmedia exhibits” are one of the tools used to accomplish the above goals.

The museums as a group stakeholders (staff, board members, visitors, volunteers, partners) are a group of people working together to create an “Omni Experience” (a unified experience at all touch points between user and museum.

End of day, the “tool”: “mobile interactive transmedia exhibits” or exhibitions or programs or outreach or events is to support the overall mission.

Interactive Transmedia Exhibits:
“a process where integral elements of a fiction get dispersed systematically across multiple delivery channels for the purpose of creating a unified and coordinated entertainment experience. Ideally, each medium makes it own unique contribution to the unfolding of the story.” – Henry Jenkins

(1) Data Stories Centralized: A Digital Analytics Dashboard http://www.metmuseum.org/blogs/digital-underground/2015/data-stories-centralized
(2) http://docubase.mit.edu/playlist/transmedia-101/
(3) Museum of Man, Mission http://www.museumofman.org/mission-vision-values/
(4) Museum of Man, Strategic Plan http://www.museumofman.org/sites/default/files/sdmom_stratplan.pdf

A few links:
http://mw2015.museumsandtheweb.com/paper/the-whole-story-and-then-some-digital-storytelling-in-evolving-museum-practice/
http://mwa2015.museumsandtheweb.com/paper/the-museum-digital-experience-considering-the-visitors-journey/
http://www.aktionsart.org/allprojects/2013/1/2/transmedia-art-exhibitions-from-bauhaus-to-your-house
http://www.freshandnew.org/2012/10/storyworlds-immersive-media-narrative-interview-mike-jones/
http://filmmakermagazine.com/68946-storyscapes-tribeca-goes-interactive/#.WQpu8VPyslU
2016 Creating the Museum of the Future: Using Science to Reinvent the Museum Experience
Re-aligning digital for the responsive and participatory museum