Effects of Design Features on Visitors' Behavior in a Museum Setting

Abstract

Effects of Design Features on Visitors' Behavior in a Museum Setting Ting-Jui Chang, M.A. in Interaction Design The study aims to define possible interplay between display design and visitors' behavior in a museum setting. It asks, "What environmental features related to design have impacts on visitors' behavior?" The researcher observed single adult visitors in the 20/21 gallery of the Spencer Museum of Art during two weeks period. Research methods included: 1) measuring the physical setting of the display; 2) ranking art pieces by the curator on three scales: canonical value, popularity, and the Museum goals; and 3) tracking visitors' paths, stops and time-spent. Correlation analysis was used to discover the relationships between design features and visitors' behavior. Graphs/visual representations of the setting, viewing paths and stop locations were studied to identify the patterns of behavior. Findings include: 1) how display designs reflected the importance of the art pieces in the mind of the curator; and 2) patterns of visitors' behavior related to display of art and space.