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Peer-reviewed article

Design Features Which Encourage Psychological Flow in Museum Visitors

January 1, 1997 | Media and Technology, Exhibitions
In this paper, researchers from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, Denver Museum of Natural History (DMNH), and Colorado State University, present findings from two studies that established a link between certain design features commonly found in museum environments and the state of psychological flow. Study one observed visitor behavior in a museum hall at DMNH before and after renovation. The study found that after the design changes, visitors attended more to the exhibits. Study two, a post-hoc survey analysis, investigated which design features in particular are responsible for eliciting a high degree of sensory contact from visitors. Analyses revealed that interactive components, multisensory stimulation, and dynamic displays were important design features that influenced flow and immersion.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Mark Harvey
    Author
    University of North Carolina at Asheville
  • Margie Marino
    Author
    Denver Museum of Natural History
  • Ross Loomis
    Author
    Colorado State University
  • Citation

    ISSN : 1064-5578
    Publication Name: Visitor Studies
    Volume: 9
    Number: 1
    Page Number: 239
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Education and learning science | Geoscience and geography | Life science | Social science and psychology
    Audience: General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals | Evaluators
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Games, Simulations, and Interactives | Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits

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