This document summarizes lessons learned from the Keys 2 Rome exhibition that integrated technology into an archaeological museum setting across multiple sites. It discusses how the exhibition told stories through augmented objects and virtual environments. It also addresses integrating technology into the design process and visitor experience by keeping visitors engaged. Some lessons included starting simply, thorough planning, clear communication, accessibility, and maintenance. The overarching message is that technology needs to be considered throughout development and be part of the overall exhibition plan.

1. Integrating Technology into
a(n Archaeological) Museum Exhibition:
Lessons from Keys 2 Rome
Christie A. Ray / Merel van der Vaart
Digital Museum Expo 2014
V-MusT.net • Allard Pierson Museum

2. Christie A. Ray
PhD Candidate
University of Amsterdam/Allard Pierson Museum
V-MusT.net (2011-2015)
“What is the impact of instruction on visitors
engaging with on-gallery interactives
in the museum context?”
Introduction
Merel van der Vaart
PhD Candidate
University of Amsterdam/Allard Pierson Museum
meSch (2013-2017)
Mediating the Museum: The impact of on-gallery
technology on visitors' engagement with
museum objects

3. Introduction
Developing Keys to Rome
Integrating technology: Content and Objects
Integrating technology: Design
Integrating technology: Visitor Experience
Behind the Scenes…
Lessons learned from Keys 2 Rome

4. Developing Keys to Rome
Keys to Rome was developed for 4 sites in Europe: Trajan’s Market – Rome, Sarajevo Town Hall –
Bosnia, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt & the Allard Pierson Museum, the Netherlands.

5. Integrating technology: Content and Objects
Storytelling
What story do you tell?
How do you want to tell it?
Aligning wishes of four sites can be a challenge.

6. Integrating technology: Content and Objects
‘Augmenting’ objects
integrates technology in a subtle way.
What we learned:
Buttons work.
So does magic.
All screens are touch screens.
(as far as your audience is concerned)
Top picture: Virtex; Bottom picture: Revealing Flashlight

7. Integrating technology: Content and Objects
The exhibition made use of:
Virtual objects &
Virtual environments
How do you bridge the gap between
museum experience & virtual world?
Top picture: Virtually restored replica of museum object.
Bottom picture: AdMotum environment.

8. Integrating technology: Content and Objects
In the Allard Pierson Museum,
visitors could choose between 3
Perspectives when visiting the exhibition.
They could unlock their chosen content
with the use of a key-card.
What we learned:
If you have a great idea…
test it!
It will only get better.

9. Integrating technology: Design

10. Integrating technology: Design

11. Integrating technology: Visitor Experience
Attention is limited, motivated and selective.
S. Bitgood (2000)
Keep this in mind when designing your exhibition.
Ask yourself: What will the visitor journey be like?

12. Integrating technology: Visitor Experience
Start simple, let visitors developer their skills & confidence first.
Introduction video & Instruction.
Login – First use of key-card.
Use key-card at theme station.
Use Virtex smart object.
Use revealing Flashlight.
Explore Ad Motum virtual environment.

13. Behind the Scenes…
Think about:
Requirements of the technology to be installed
WIFI, power supply, air circulation.
Accessibility to technology/computers for museum staff.
Security of technology/computers from museum visitors.
Working with conservation staff to ensure museum
standards are being maintained.

14. Lessons learned from Keys 2 Rome
Technology is different, yet the same.
Make it part of the entire development process.
Clearly define exhibition plan early.
Installation development has a longer trajectory that
traditional development timeline
Consider visitor flow when planning technology in exhibition.
Have a maintenance plan.
Communication is key.

15. Thank you.
Christie A. Ray / Merel van der Vaart
Digital Museum Expo 2014
V-MusT.net • Allard Pierson Museum