Redefining Access: Embracing multimodality, memorability and shared experience in Museums

Abstract

The authors discuss the principles of "access for all" in museums, both physical and intellectual access. They explore this question of multisensory processing in neurologically typical individuals, and case studies of two Portuguese museums that experimented with implementation of an "access for all" approach to the presentation of their permanent collections. The study was designed with three phases: addressing architectural barriers to access, preparation of accessible information about space and objects, and testing of alternative formats to convey this information to learn how to meet diverse needs in different ways. Set in the context of research on multisensory learning, this article discusses why an access for all principle is a majority issue as well as a moral and legal concept. It discusses two case studies where an "access for all" museological approach has been applied to access to the collections, with differing success. The discussion focuses on how an "access for all" approach could enhance learning, long-term memorability and the 'cultural value' of a museum experience for all visitors.

Easy Language – Plain Language – Easy Language Plus : Balancing Comprehensibility and Acceptability

“…In some fields like sightseeing or museums, Easy Language audioguides are on the rise (for audioguides in museums in the context of accessible communication, see Dobroschke/Kahlisch 2019, Mälzer 2016, Eardley et al 2016; for audioguides in Easy Language see Scheele 2017). Some information, especially if deeply embedded in context, can be made accessible through different kinds of imagery like pictogrammes or photos associated or not with reduced forms of written information below the sentence level (single words or short phrases).…”

Evaluation of Touchable 3D‐Printed Replicas in Museums

“…Temporary exhibits, touch tours and drop‐in sessions have been provided in response (Bieber and Rae ; Candlin , ; Eardley et al. ; McGee and Rosenberg ), in addition to three‐dimensional tactile images designed for BPS visitors to better envisage larger structures (Neumüller and Reichinger ; Neumüller et al. ).…”

“…One way of dealing with this issue through much of the history of museums has been the creation of authentic replicas, typically casts of original objects among other objects, used as a surrogate for handling, preserving the original object and for exhibitionary purposes (Bearman ; Bohn ; Eardley et al. ; Hartfield ; Malenka ). This process, while producing accurate replicas are often difficult to distinguish from the originals, is also a labour‐intensive approach that can be time‐consuming and potentially costly (Lindsay et al.…”

Escapism or active involvement? A dimension of museum visitor experience

“…Multisensory design enriches the exhibition, ensures the memorability of visitor experience (Eardley, Mineiro, Neves & Ride, 2016, Dolcos & Cabeza, 2002, as in everyday life people are influenced by the same kind of impacts, and because events supported by these factors may be able to engrave better upon one's memory.…”