Evaluating Interactive Digital Exhibit Characteristics in Science Museums and Their Effects on Child Engagement

Abstract

Interactive digital exhibits (IDEs) in science museums are widely used to improve visitor engagement. The human–computer interaction characteristics of such exhibits play a key role in holding the attention of visitors, especially children. To determine these characteristics of IDEs and their effects on child engagement, 60 representative digital exhibits in two science museums were selected and analyzed, and eight characteristics were identified and scored. The holding time of the children was measured at each exhibit, and the average holding time (AHT) across exhibits was calculated. Then, the correlations between the IDE characteristics and engagement levels of the children were evaluated. The results show that three characteristics, namely, competition, social interaction, and visitor control, of IDEs have important effects on child engagement. The reasons for these results were also analyzed, and design considerations and principles for IDEs were identified.

Acknowledgments

We wish to express our gratitude to the director and staff at Gwacheon National Science Museum and Liaoning Science and Technology Museum. Furthermore, thanks to Zexue Liu and Peng Wang for taking part in the research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Education Department of Liaoning Province of China under Grant number JYT202009.

Notes on contributors

Qiang Li

Qiang Li is an associate professor in the Department of Digital Media, Shenyang Aerospace University, China. His research interests are the interdisciplinary direction of art and technology, including the UX and human–computer interaction techniques (such as VR/AR, serious games, and interactive installation art) in cultural heritage learning.

Jingjing Wang

Jing-jing Wang is a postgraduate student in the Department of Industrial Design, Shenyang Aerospace University, China, under the supervision of Dr. Qiang Li. Her primary academic interests include future-oriented product design, user experience design, service design, and the design and evaluation of generous interfaces for cultural heritage.

Tian Luo

Tian Luo is a postgraduate student in the Department of Digital Media, Shenyang Aerospace University, China, under the supervision of Dr. Qiang Li. Her primary academic interests include the use and design of multimodal human-computer interaction techniques for cultural heritage learning, interactive installation art, and serious games.