What did you want to find out at the start of your project?
We wanted to see if QR codes were a viable option to connect on-site visitors with online records of permanent collection pieces displayed throughout the building. The online records would provide bilingual content and the ability for screen readers to communicate the information to broader audiences.
What did you actually do?
A sample of five artworks popular with visitors were selected for the experiment. The pieces were digitized and associated text was translated into French. Signage with bilingual directions were posted beside the artworks to invite visitors to access additional information on the pieces.
What was the most difficult thing you found?
The most difficult item was budgeting time to complete the project. Some tasks required additional time not anticipated.
What surprised you?
The excitement that children had with being able to use phones as an indirect interactive was surprising. They were excited to connect technology to their experience at the gallery and share the information provided on the screen with their guardians.
What is next for you and/or your organization?
We will work to expand the project to include additional pieces that are on long-term/permanent display in the building. This will also work as a self-guided tour mechanism. We will also work with expanding the capabilities of an online information source to additional audiences that the gallery currently under-serves.
What 3 quick takeaways would you give to help future participants/your current fellow participants?
1) Small projects are good projects. Starting small allows for a data-driven approach to decision making without major impacts to daily workloads.
2) Working with content and materials already available in new and exciting ways may be more impactful than starting something completely from scratch.
3) New initiatives are always a great opportunity to create community partnerships.