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By Elee Wood, Public Scholar of Museums, Families and Learning
Okay, admit it. When you get a new friend on Facebook or a follower on your Twitter feed, it feels kind of good--You’re important! Your posts are really being read by someone! You may have noticed that you have followers at the museum too. Who the heck are those people with the clipboards and stopwatches and why are they following you? Well, because you’re important! We care about the experience you and your family have while you are at the museum.
Our exhibits and programs are planned with you in mind and it is important that we know what works and what doesn’t.
Sure, you say, that’s fine, but what are you really looking for? When our research and evaluation staff go out into the exhibits to observe museum visitors, we’re paying attention to how much time your family spends in an exhibit, the path you take, and what you and your kids do in different activities. Then we match this up with what we planned and see how well we did to create an engaging and extraordinary experience for you. We might ask you a few questions when you are done, but generally we stay out of your way so you can continue to have fun with your family.
One of the benefits of watching our visitors in their “natural habitat” is that we get a chance to learn more about the ways that families like to play together in the museum. With over a million visitors each year, we don’t follow everyone, but you’ll notice us more when a new exhibit or program opens. So consider your family lucky if we decide to follow you!
