The Power of Museums Amplified.

Kate Dearlove explores how technology can play a vital role in developing an engaged and inclusive future through the museum and cultural heritage sector. As International Museum Day (IMD) approaches on 18th May, questions arise about the continued relevance of museums in the digital age. They are, in fact, more crucial than ever.

Museums offer today’s generations a different perspective on their current reality, fostering understanding of diverse cultures and customs. These unique spaces bring communities together, providing escapism, inspiration, and enjoyment. While social media can sometimes lead to a blinkered society, museum visits open young and impressionable minds to other possibilities and viewpoints. Cultural heritage outings are therefore imperative for understanding our history, which in turn helps to create a more informed future.

The Power of Museums: IMD 2022 Theme

This year’s IMD theme, ‘The Power of Museums,’ aims to drive positive change by focusing on three key areas, as defined by the International Council of Museums:

• The power of achieving sustainability: Museums are strategic partners in implementing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. They contribute to various goals locally, including fostering short-circuit and social economies, and disseminating scientific information on environmental challenges.
• The power of innovating on digitalisation and accessibility: Museums serve as innovative spaces where new technologies can be developed and applied to daily life. Digital innovation can enhance accessibility and engagement, helping audiences grasp complex concepts.
• The power of community building through education: Through their collections and programmes, museums weave a social fabric essential for community building. By upholding democratic values and offering lifelong learning, they contribute to shaping an informed and engaged civil society.

Technology is the common thread linking these aims, truly powering museums and their messages while modernising the entire museum experience.

Digital Transformation in the Museum Sector

The annual M+H show in London highlighted digital transformation as a prominent topic. However, it was noted with some concern that many establishments lag in implementing technology or understanding its broader scope beyond digital wallets, e-ticketing, and social media marketing. This gap represents an opportunity for platforms like n-gage.io.

Next-Generation Engagement Solutions

n-gage.io has developed a next-generation audience engagement platform that aims to disrupt the traditional visitor attractions app sector. Its simple plug-and-play setup generates a mobile audience experience app, delivering content in formats that maintain visitor interest throughout their journey.

This platform provides a window into richer learning experiences for visitors of all ages. For operators, it offers invaluable, real-time metrics on audience behaviour, including dwell times and exhibit engagement. This allows for continued interaction based on visitors' tracked preferences.

Embracing a Forward-Thinking Approach

The transformation brought by this technology extends beyond simply digitising a physical offering. It’s about stimulating meaningful interactions and providing totally engaging ways to connect with visitors, especially younger demographics. This ensures that museums remain relevant and continue to inspire curiosity for future generations.