Museum Guide comparison: advantages and disadvantages of web app, app and rental devices

Perhaps you have old rental devices that are slowly giving up the ghost. Now you're asking yourself the question: Do we need our own app or should we leave it at the old rental devices? Or you've never had a Museum Guide before and are wondering which solution is right for you.

We summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the various Museum Guide solutions.

A web app for your museum is accessible directly via the browser and requires no installation. This is the most user-friendly and popular solution for visitors - and easy for the museum to maintain.
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Pro:
☑️ No download necessary. Best user experience and higher usage rate
☑️ Customizations and updates can be easily implemented by yourself
☑️ Compatibility with all iOS and Android devices and browsers
☑️ Accessibility, e.g. through screen reader function
☑️ State-of-the-art technology with automatic updates
☑️ Cost-efficient solution
Con:
❌ No augmented reality (AR) or beacons possible

An app can be developed by an agency specifically for your museum. If you want gimmicks such as augmented reality, then this is an option.
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Pro:
☑️ More complex applications such as augmented reality (AR) and beacon technology possible
Con:
❌ Extra download required - this barrier results in a lower usage rate
❌ Technology quickly becomes outdated
❌ Ongoing additional costs (10-20% of acquisition costs) for updates by agencies

A physical audio guide is lent to visitors by the museum. We are used to this option, but it is no longer considered up-to-date.
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Pro:
☑️ Visitors can borrow an extra device.
‍Con:
❌ High costs due to infrastructure and additional staff costs
❌ Ongoing device repair and maintenance
❌ Technology not up to date
❌ Content often has to be updated by external agencies
❌ Limited availability
❌ Unhygienic and unintuitive handling

Especially when it comes to the accessibility and use of digital services in museums, terms such as web app, app and loan device are often used. But what exactly do these terms mean and how do they differ? In this guide, we explain everything you need to know.

Web apps are applications that can be accessed via a web browser on a smartphone, tablet or computer. They do not require installation as they are executed directly via the internet. This offers the advantage that they are platform-independent and can be updated quickly without the user having to download anything. Even without a stable internet connection , an offline mode can ensure an ideal experience.

Apps, often referred to as mobile apps or native apps, are applications that have been developed for specific operating systems such as iOS or Android. They must be downloaded from app stores and installed on the device. Here, gimmicks such as AR are basically possible, but whether they enrich the visitor experience in any way or offer added value remains to be seen. They are not as flexible as web apps when it comes to updates and compatibility with different devices. The supposed advantage of apps was the variety of possibilities and the option to use them offline (nowadays this is also possible with web apps).

Rental devices are specifically designed to provide visitors with on-site access to content such as audio guides. The advantage of these devices to date has been the fact that they have been specially optimized for museums, galleries or city tours. The disadvantage is that they are expensive to set up and maintain and that the devices do not meet the latest technological standards (design, sound and handling). Since the Covid pandemic, hygiene has also played an increasingly important role and visitors prefer to use their own, technically more up-to-date device or their own headphones.

The choice between web app, app and rental device depends on various factors, including the specific needs of the museum. Also, the type of content to be made accessible and the environment in which the technology will be used. By understanding the features and benefits of each option, you can find the solution that best suits your specific needs.

In today's digitalized world, museum visitors expect fast and uncomplicated interaction with content. Web apps are proving to be particularly advantageous in this respect.
We discuss 4 reasons why they are the better alternatives to apps.

No installation required
A key advantage of web apps is that they require no download or installation. Visitors can access content by simply scanning a QR code. This significantly reduces barriers to entry and allows users to access the information quickly and without prior knowledge.

Low cost
Web apps are inexpensive to develop and maintain because they use a unified platform that does not need to be optimized for multiple app stores. This not only saves development time and costs, but also the fees charged by app stores.

Improved updatability
Updates and changes can be implemented quickly with a web app. As soon as the web app is updated, all users have access to the latest version. This ensures that all visitors receive the same, up-to-date information and that technical problems can be resolved quickly.

Integration and accessibility
‍Web appscan be easily integrated with other digital offerings of the museum, such as websites, newsletters and social media. They also offer opportunities to incorporate barrier-free functions that improve accessibility for people with disabilities.