Authors:
R. Tesoriero
;
M. Lozano
;
J. A. Gallud
and
V. M. R. Penichet
Affiliation:
University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Keyword(s):
Mobile technology, Art Museums, Usability testing, PDA.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Accessibility Issues and Technology
;
Multimedia and User Interfaces
;
Usability and Ergonomics
;
Web Information Systems and Technologies
;
Web Interfaces and Applications
Abstract:
Mobile devices as smartphones or PDAs are common in our daily life. Museums and art galleries provide
electronic guides in order to do more pleasant a visit or exhibition. The problem tackled in this paper is to
prove the suitableness of using a PDA, instead of the traditional guides. In this case an application was
specially developed to provide users that are visiting the museum additional information and help. It is
interesting to know how to adapt these devices to guide and improve visitors’ experience. Moreover, we
have to take into account that technology should not be the centre of attention in art museums or exhibitions,
but it should be unperceivable. Thus, in this paper, we describe an evaluation of a real system deployed in
an emblematic museum in Spain, called Cutlery Museum of Albacete. Our approach offers visitors a PDA
that employs a wireless network to show additional information about old knives, jack-knives and scissors
which are exhibited in the museum. In
this way, art and technology are combined with success. The system
supports four languages and incorporates special functions for disabled people. This article shows the
users’ satisfaction results collected during the last 18 months. These results lead to a detailed analysis suggesting
some improvements for future versions of the software.
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