Digital innovation in museums: successful practical examples

In a world where technology is advancing rapidly, museums are faced with the challenge of not only digitizing their offerings, but also rethinking the role of the institution. What role does the museum play in the digital world? Audio-Cult looks at how leading museums are using digital technologies to enrich the visitor experience and improve interaction with the public. Using three specific examples, we show how audio and multimedia guides make sense as part of a digital strategy.

First of all, you need a digital strategy: it is worth taking stock. What digital offerings do we already have in our museum? What skills do we have? And which ideas can be implemented with the resources available?

Specific examples can be used to illustrate the impact of digital strategies in museums. Here are three case studies that show the success of such initiatives:

Many tools have been tried out at Museum Rietberg. Curators, mediators, interaction designers and scenographers are involved in optimizing the interface between the analogue and digital visitor experience. To avoid visitors having to download multiple apps or visit websites, the Audio-Cult web app was introduced as a media guide. This allows wall texts in translation, audio guides and numerous multimedia offers to be bundled together. And not just for the permanent exhibition, but also for special exhibitions.

A new mission statement was initially developed at the Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst. So, for example, accessibility and cultural participation are important topics. In addition to the professional production of social media content and free admission, numerous services have been introduced to ensure greater inclusion. From texts in simple language to audio guides and videos in sign language. Here, too, it is particularly important that the museum itself can flexibly create and adapt content.
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The Museum für Gestaltung is currently working on adigital strategy for the museum. This includes improving the visitor experience and further developing processes. A new employee for digitalization and visitor experience is analyzing needs and potential, identifying measures and implementing specific projects (e.g. digital museum guides). The aim is to seamlessly combine the digital and analog experience. Through design thinking, the work is characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration with a wide range of experts, from curators to developers or visitor service staff. Questions relating to AI and automation are also tested.

Of course, there are many other institutions that are fundamentally examining their own position and museum practice. With Audio-Cult, we not only support large museums, but also small exhibition venues. Small museums are also confronted with new technical possibilities, ethical questions and almost endless options. But one thing is clear: the integration of technology in museums is not just a trend, but a necessity in order to remain relevant in a digitalized world.

The digital transformation offers museums a unique opportunity to redefine their role in society and to preserve and communicate cultural heritage in innovative ways.

The practical examples presented here show that the introduction of new audio guide technology as part of a strategic approach helps to make art and culture accessible to a wider audience. Museums that are willing to explore and implement these digital paths will not only remain relevant, but may even increase their reach and relevance.

It's basically about the way we learn and get inspired - this will change permanently. It will be exciting to see how digital technologies evolve and what new opportunities they open up for museums and their visitors.