Research on ‘Quality’ in Online Experiences for Museum Users

By Barbara J. Soren

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

About the Virtual Museum of Canada
What is a Virtual Museum?
Virtual Exhibits
Goal of 'Quality' in Online Experiences for Museum Users
Motivation and Learning on Museum Web Sites
Constructivism & Online Museum Experiences
What Impacts 'Quality' in Online Museum Projects?
Virtual Museum of Canada Products Explored in this Research Project
Online Experiences and User Interaction
Potential 'Best Practices' in Developing Quality in Online VMC Experiences
Project Concept
Planning
Design
Production
Maintenance

Measuring Quality of Existing Online Museum Products in the Virtual Museum Portal

The Virtual Museum of Canada Engagement Factor
Engagement Factor Analysis
Methods of Analysis
Quantitative Analysis
Tracking Online Visitors
Comparison of Statistical Data of VMC Products
Web Site Traffic
Understanding Engagement Factor

Qualitative Analysis
In-Depth Site Analysis of Selected VMC Products
Interviews with Project Managers and Multimedia Developers
The Interview Process
Interview Summary
In-Depth Analysis for a Sample of Five VMC Products
Haida Spirits of the Sea
Butterflies North and South
Yukon Photographers
Perspectives: Women Artists in North America
Staying in Tune
Evaluating 'Quality' in Online Museum Web Experiences
Other Approaches to Evaluating User Experiences
Usability Index
Using Median Dwell Time Instead of Averages

Conclusion

Issues to Explore in the Future
1.  VMC Portal Statistics
2.  VMC Feedback Messages & Types of VMC Products
3.  Museum and Heritage Organization Partners, and Multimedia Companies
Towards Future VMC Products...

References