The best fit for your audience: using integrated evaluation methods for data collection at informal science events

Abstract

ABSTRACT Carefully designed evaluations of informal science events are key to gaining insights into their efficacy and impact on audiences. However, traditional approaches to evaluation, such as interviews and questionnaires, can be disruptive to the audience experience of science events. There is therefore a need to develop and implement new evaluation methods that match the dynamic and transient contexts of informal science events, and that are integrated into the experience of the event. In this article, we outline the development and implementation of a set of novel integrated evaluation methods used to evaluate performances of Lines of Best Fit, a science-themed improvised comedy show founded in Sydney, Australia. We outline the methods used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from audiences at these events and provide reflections on the benefits and limitations of this approach based on our experiences of implementation across nine performances in different venues.