Global on Day One: 3 Steps that Museums Can Take to Broaden Digital Access
June 23, 2022
In order for museums to continue being a valued part of society and learning experience for people all around the world, they need to broaden access to digital resources. Yes – museums protect amazing cultural artifacts for the public to enjoy. They also bring experiences to life by adding context and insights and offer amazing learning opportunities and experiences.
How can museums effectively broaden digital access for people both right next door and around the globe? In today’s diverse and globally focused world, museums must offer more than a simple website to augment the in-person experience and supersede it for people who can never visit the location in person. The following three steps allow them to reach larger audiences and inspire all generations.
1. Use Tech With a Global Focus With Top Security and Scalability
Museums have used technology to improve the visitor experience for years. However, with new foci on global education and access and new types of tech available, they can now offer virtual visitors something they have never experienced before. This requires customized solutions for every museum, learning center, or organization.
Museums need top-of-the-line security features while remaining scalable. Just as security systems protect precious artifacts, cybersecurity systems protect patrons’ information, enabling museums to provide digital offerings with confidence. The focus on interactive platforms and cloud-based access has grown globally from approximately US$120 billion to US$208 billion [1].
Museums are constantly exploring new ways to bring information about their exhibits to the public. Scalability and sustainability matter. After investing in an interactive learning portal, it makes no sense to redesign the whole thing when options change.
2. Choose a Platform that Enables True Engagement
Museums need web applications that allow for interactivity and user-directed exploration. They can increase interest and make it easier to learn things about what the museum has to offer. When it comes to sheer numbers, mobile-friendly apps outrank static websites in a big way. People from diverse countries spent an average of 4.8 hours daily on their phones. [2]
What does this mean for museums interested in grabbing the attention of a global audience? Using web applications that can be enjoyed on any device – and especially on a phone – puts you in front of more people and allows for greater flexibility.
3. Leverage the Strengths of an Experienced Tech Partner
When it comes to integrating technology with exhibits, many museums are behind the curve and not up to date with the best options. With the right SaaS partnership, they can take advantage of current tech and adopt solutions to create a place of learning and innovation for patrons across the world.
Often, the decision to adopt new tech comes down to smart use of available funding. Outsourcing to a SaaS agency is more economically feasible than creating an in-house team to build and maintain the learning portal or web app. The availability of SaaS continues to grow with a global target of $482 million for end-user spending this year. [3] People want the features available from custom systems, so it makes sense to partner with an experienced tech firm that can deliver.
Museums interested in engaging the hearts and minds of a global audience must leverage new interactive tech with the help of a strategic partner. Just as Conner Prairie's Learning Portal is helping them meet their goals, a custom SaaS system for you provides the same benefits. Contact Amesite today to learn how our expertise, technological know-how, and goal-oriented vision can help you. We deliver results in 24 hours.
