Kura:Div
RUNNING TIME:
08/2024
—
02/2027
Total project duration:
2 1/2 Jahre
Image generated using AI, ideal version of an inclusive exhibition design. Credit: JOANNUM JOANNEUM RESEARCH
The project
Our research project is dedicated to developing an innovative app to support museum staff in planning exhibitions that are inclusive and gender-equitable. The aim is to provide accessible, practical information to enable barrier-free design and to raise awareness of gender and inclusion issues in the cultural sector.
By identifying the needs of different gender and diversity groups and analysing barriers to perception, the project is developing a digital tool that provides specific recommendations for action during the planning stage. The ‘Curator Companion App’ helps to increase the acceptance and relevance of gender issues in research and practice and to make exhibitions more accessible to a broad audience.
Research groups
Downloads
Customers
Project partners
B-NK GmbH
Public Opinion Marketing- und Kommunikationsberatungs-GmbH
büro für volkskundliche forschung und museologie
Museumsbund Österreich
Project details
The individual perception of an exhibition is influenced by numerous factors, including gender, age group, cognitive or physical impairments, and cultural background. To reach a broad target group, it is essential to take these aspects into account. Museums pursue a wide range of objectives, from educational and mediation tasks to emotional and reflective impulses and to promoting cultural understanding. An inclusive design makes a decisive contribution to making these objectives accessible to all visitors.
Project goals
- Gathering requirements of various gender and diversity groups
- Analysis of the diversity of perception in exhibitions
- Identification of barriers to an open encounter with museum objects
- Development of the KCA as a supportive planning instrument
- Optimisation of exhibition design through visitor feedback
The Curator Companion App: an inclusive tool.
As part of this project, the Kurator Companion App (KCA) is being developed – a digital tool to support exhibition planners in making their exhibitions more gender and diversity sensitive. The app offers targeted recommendations for the inclusive implementation of:
- Artefact presentation
- Writing, language and image design
- Light and sound concepts
- Multi-sensory experiences
- Barrier-free access
If certain areas are not physically accessible for heritage reasons, the app suggests technological alternatives, such as VR tours or interactive terminals.
Methodical approach
Zu Beginn des Projekts werden Stakeholder-Workshops mit Genderexpert*innen, Ausstellungsplaner*innen und Kurator*innen durchgeführt. Diese dienen einerseits der Sensibilisierung für Gender- und Diversitätsaspekte, andererseits erhält das Forschungsteam Einblicke in die Arbeitsweise und Organisationsstrukturen von Museen. Parallel dazu werden laufende Ausstellungen evaluiert – mittels:
- Interactive methods for gathering perceptions
- Standardised questionnaires
- Qualitative interviews with visitors, including people with special needs
- Measurement of physiological reactions and eye tracking analyses
Development and implementation of the KCA
On the basis of the insights gained, the curator companion app will be developed with practical content and design recommendations. The app should help to realise inclusive, gender-equitable and culturally diverse exhibition concepts and to break down barriers. The developed prototype will be tested and evaluated in one or two pilot projects.
Interdisciplinary co-operation
The project combines expertise from research, technology, sociology and museum studies and integrates perspectives from different user groups – including people with and without disabilities, older people and cognitively impaired visitors. This interdisciplinary approach promotes the acceptance, sustainability and transferability of the developed methods beyond the exhibition area.
