What did you want to find out at the start of your project?
If QR codes are a viable option to connect on-site visitors with online content.
What did you actually do?
Created six webpages for the exhibition with each page corresponding to a display case. Unique QR codes and written links were incorporated into signage to give the user a choice as to how to engage with the digital content. Each was tracked with Google Analytics for data comparison.
What was the most difficult thing you found?
1)Promoting the use of QR codes to existing audiences as many (through conversations) did not have, or know how to use it on their phone. 2)Launching the project for a hallway display instead of a traditional gallery, as this may have impacted the experiment.
What surprised you?
The receptiveness of the artists as they were interested in downloading QR code readers to access the information. The excitement of kids when they saw the QR codes.
What is next for you and/or your organization?
Assess if it is worth integrating the codes into our summer exhibition in the large gallery. There will be higher numbers of tourists and families compared to the winter season, so results may indicate greater engagement.
What 3 quick takeaways would you give to help future participants/your current fellow participants?
1)Assess how key stakeholders will engage with the content (computer or phone);
2)Acknowledge the experiment is part of data compilation for future decisions;
3)It may take a few attempts to change the behaviour of regular visitors