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How to create an impactful visitor experience

Opinion
happy museum visitors

The ACME team explores how to create a positive visitor experience and why this is more important than ever post-COVID

by ACME

This last year has challenged us all. However, it has also helped us grow, and propelled us into a world filled with innovation, imagination and modernization.

One of the most positive things to come from the pandemic is the focus that institutions have on the visitor experience. The visitor experience is now a top priority. So, it is of the utmost importance that, when a visitor comes to an institution, they feel safe, inspired, enriched and most importantly, they feel the urge to come back. 

But what constitutes a positive visitor experience? A visitor will feel gratified and inclined to return to your institution if their experience is unique, immersive and unforgettable. 

Creating a positive visitor experience

First and foremost, attractions must have a warm, welcoming and knowledgeable staff. People have been starved of human contact and forced to separate for over a year now. Therefore, a warm greeting and a bright smile will go a very long way.

young visitor experiences life in the cockpit
Image courtesy of the RAF Museum

In addition to being welcoming, having knowledgeable staff who are experts on the subject matter of the institution really brings the arts and culture to life. People can see and feel the passion that the staff have, whether it be for art, ancient artefacts, animals or historical sites. Staff can use their experience and knowledge to bring realness and richness to an exhibit. 

Technology enhances cultural institutions

Technology has been at the forefront of positive operational changes in a post-COVID world. Without modern technology, institutions would probably not be able to safely remain open for their visitors.

And, technology not only provides a safe experience but can provide an immersive one as well. Aquariums, zoos and museums are all offering enhanced digital experiences to their audiences, including video productions, click-through experiences, and virtual reality simulators.

georgia aquarium shark exhibit
Image courtesy of Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium allows visitors to swim with turtles and sharks, as well as prehistoric marine animals in its “virtual voyager” exhibit. In light of recent world events, many aquaria are also using underwater live cams. This allows them to continue providing audiences with distanced access to their exhibits.

Here are some other exciting ways that augmented reality trends are enhancing cultural institutions and creating a positive visitor experience

  • QR code scanning to learn about exhibit items and objects
  • Motion/gesture technology to interact with parts of an exhibit
  • Fun and educational quizzes that can accompany a tour
  • Apps that utilize photo-taking to engage visitors with exhibits and galleries
  • Augmented reality screens that bring visitors into the action and fun

Having the most current and up-to-date technology can play a huge role in revitalizing a museum. It can also increase memberships and galvanize a new wave of creativity in the curating team

Ticketing technology is key

Technology is completely changing the industry for museums and cultural institutions. And the best way to complement technological-driven exhibits and create a positive visitor experience is by implementing the most advanced ticketing technology.

ACME timed ticketing positive visitor experience

This allows museums to do several valuable things. For instance, to improve their management capacities, build memberships, bolster visitor experience, make use of valuable data, embrace diversity and accessibility, aid in the preservation of collections, become more environmentally friendly, adopt unconventional and innovative partnerships, and most importantly operate in the safest capacity possible.

Innovative ticketing technology, like that provided by ACME, allows institutions to properly control capacity, manage physical distancing, provide contactless and touch-free check-ins and payment options and so much more.  For insights into how to choose the best museum ticketing software, check out this post here.

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