Audio Guides Research Articles

Spatial versus normal audio guides in exhibitions: Cognitive mechanisms and effects on learning

AbstractThe present paper examines possible benefits of spatial audio guides on learning outcomes in the spatial learning setting of an experimental exhibition and attempts to differentiate between different mechanisms underlying such an effect. In Experiment 1, we examined whether the spatial contiguity principle may be such a mechanism. A spatial audio guide was used that allows for perception of audio explanations either at the location of the exhibit (audio-visuo-spatially close) or within the headphones (audio-visuo-spatially distant). The results showed that with the external, exhibit-located compared to headphone-located presentation, memory of audio explanations was significantly better. No significant differences were found regarding text-picture-integration. However, these results cannot only be explained by audio-visuo-spatial contiguity but also by externalization and audio-spatial cueing. In Experiment 2, we therefore tried to disentangle these possible mechanisms and compared three conditions (audio explanations perceptually located within the exhibits, behind the visitors at the opposite wall, always at the same location in the room), thereby keeping externalization constant while varying audio-visuo-spatial contiguity and audio-spatial cueing. No significant differences between the conditions were found regarding memory of the audio explanations and text-picture integration, whereby memory of audio explanations in all conditions was at the same level as in the picture-located audio condition in the first experiment. This excludes spatial contiguity effects and audio-spatial cueing as explanations for the results in Experiment 1 and indicates a general externalization effect needing closer examination. The results are discussed regarding future studies and the use of spatial audio guides in museums and exhibitions.

Transformasi digital museum seni rupa berbasis 3D virtual tour interaktif dengan Unity

Affandi Museum, located on the banks of the Gajah Wong River at Jalan Laksda Adisucipto No. 167, Yogyakarta, occupies a strategic location that is easily accessible to both domestic and international tourists. However, the museum currently lacks a virtual version for remote visits. To remain relevant and accessible to the digital generation, this research aims to transform Affandi Museum into a 3D Virtual Tour and develop its interactivity using the prototype method. This approach allows for rapid and iterative development, focusing on interactive elements such as navigation, pop-up information, and audio guides, using the Unity platform. Usability testing involves various users to ensure an intuitive interface and optimal experience, resulting in highly valued aspects such as ease of navigation, visual quality, and interactively presented information, with an average rating of 4.7/5. This digital transformation enables Affandi Museum to reach a wider audience and strengthen its position as a center of cultural and art education.

EXPERIENCE MUSEOLOGY AND EPHESUS EXPERIENCE MUSEUM

In the rapidly changing world of the 21st century, museums are not only places where exhibits are stored, but also turn into experience centers that offer more opportunities to their visitors. As a concept created by this transformation, the experience museum offers visitors the opportunity to interact not only by watching the works, but also by experiencing the artifacts and historical processes. In addition, in this process, concepts such as experience museology and immersive reality have emerged with the use of technological tools such as AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), MR (Mixed Reality), AI (Artificial intelligence), hologram, simulation and 360-degree video mapping. With the technologies used in the Ephesus Experience Museum, an immersive environment has been created that appeals to the visual or auditory senses of the audience. While visiting the museum in this immersive environment, visitors also experience the historical process by listening to it through audio guides. In this article, by focusing on the museums developed in line with technological possibilities, the Ephesus Experience Museum was visited and examined in the context of experience museology, and the data obtained from the literature review were tried to be analyzed by comparing them with the experience museums in the west. A different exhibition atmosphere has been created with the technological facilities used in the Ephesus Experience Museum. Visitors' experience of the museum has also increased the information opportunities. At the same time, the deficiencies of the Ephesus Experience Museum have been identified. Celsus (Selçuk) Library, one of the important structures of the ancient city of Ephesus, and other historical buildings were not included in the storytelling, and this created a lack of stories. It is thought that this deficiency can be achieved with QR code or augmented reality applications.

In Defense of Art Museum Audio Guides

Abstract This article aims to defend the value of art museum audio guides. Modern guides have many functions, but I will focus on two that pertain directly to art appreciation. First, audio guides offer tours that direct visitors’ attention to museum highlights. Second, they have individual stops that offer commentary and criticism about individual works of art. I will concede that the tours do not serve the interests of all visitors. However, I will defend the merits of the individual stops. In particular, I will argue that they provide information about the associated works that it would be difficult for us to learn just by looking at them for ourselves. In so doing, the guides put us in a better position to appreciate the works. Crucially, this benefit obtains even if art appreciation turns out to be subjective, must be undertaken autonomously, or has to be grounded in empirical observation.

“The Spanish Cathedral”, a Prototype of Mobile Application for the Access to the Religious Cultural Heritage of Gothic Hispanic Cathedrals

After an in-depth examination of the communication strategies, digital offerings, and audio guides currently employed by various Spanish cathedrals constructed during the 12th and 15th centuries, it was detected that there was a need to gradually build and improve an integral and unified tool that serves as a reference for the learning of the artistic elements that characterize the mentioned constructions. This will contribute to both the promotion of the cathedral —understood as an ensemble— and its communication with the public. This article introduces the conceptualization and design of the mobile application “La Catedral Hispana”, a high-fidelity prototype that seeks to promote Spanish cathedrals with Gothic elements in their construction. This prototype encompasses two areas of study for its task: the research of Gothic architecture in cathedrals and the principles of user experience (interaction design, information architecture, and interface development), for the correct development of the sample, using the Figma software for its design and implementation. The objectives lay not only in providing a tool that facilitates access and shares academic information, but also in establishing relationships among the diverse Spanish cathedrals by means of their common features. The Spanish Cathedral is a proposal for promoting the democratization of cultural information, the learning of the value of heritage, and the development of a new solid and accessible communication channel that enables the target audience to both value and recognize one of the most important types of constructions as a part of Spanish identity.

La comunicazione turistica plurilingue: il Progetto “Museo poliglotta"

Tourism communication, especially since the digital turn, has registered several attempts to open to new forms of multilingualism. For instance, the traditional multilingual experience offered by guided tours and audio guides has now been enhanced by social networking tools. Recent research points to the need of interdisciplinary work at the crossroads of linguistics, media sciences and museum studies to investigate communication strategies and linguistic devices by means of which an international audience of tourists can be addressed and get involved in museums in the digital age. The present paper illustrates the first findings of the project “Museo poliglotta”, a project run by two universities in the Italian towns of Bergamo and Brescia in cooperation with local museums with the goal of producing digital multilingual contents for international museum visitors. The empirical part of the paper describes a workshop activity in which students developed Instagram reels in Italian, German and English on the figure of the well-known Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti. A number of observations lead to the conclusion that synergies between language research and foreign language teaching on the one hand and museum institutions on the other can bring about important benefits for all parties involved, in particular the possibility to offer professionalising training in the academic world and stimuli to innovate and improve multilingual communication in the museum sector.

Evaluating the Impact of XR on User Experience in the Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos”

This study presents the background and the evaluation of integrating eXtended Reality (XR) in the permanent exhibition at the Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos”. This paper firstly provides the context of this study by outlining the methodological, technological, and museological approaches undertaken to integrate XR in a quest to enhance visitors’ meaningful engagement with the industrial heritage-related exhibition. Storytelling and narration are key elements of the museum’s museological design through audio tours and interactive AR-based visualization n of the machinery’s role and function. This paper presents and discusses the design of the evaluation methodology employed in the context of pertinent methods and approaches used in related research. This study investigates the effectiveness of XR for audience engagement and the added value that such technologies offer to the user experience as well as possible improvements. The main method adopted for gathering quantitative data is the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), and for qualitative data, through semi-structured interviews. Moreover, the findings are analyzed, interpreted, and discussed. Based on a case study, this paper offers a broader discussion of the challenges and prospects connected to the quest of employing emerging technologies and assessing their impact on visitors’ museum experience, reaching conclusions for future directions in the field.

Features of museum excursions for blind and visually impaired people in Kazakhstan: innovative methods of adapting museum spaces

The author of the article addresses an important problem of modern society – creating equal opportunities for all citizens, including people with visual impairments. Inclusive tourism, which implies equal comfort for all travelers regardless of physical and mental disabilities, is gaining momentum all over the world. Museums as socio-cultural institutions that are a platform for the formation of public consciousness and the preservation of cultural heritage, are becoming an important object for tourists, including the blind and visually impaired. The work describes initiatives to ensure the accessibility and adaptation of museum space for blind and visually impaired visitors, including conducting excursions with tactile models, audio descriptions, audio guides, etc. Attention is paid to the peculiarities of conducting museum excursions for the visually impaired, taking into account the choice of location, route planning and the choice of those museums that already have the necessary environment for receiving inclusive visitors.

Kolonialismus in der «eigenen» Stadt erfahren – ein Unterrichtsprojekt zur Kolonialgeschichte der Schweiz

Inspired by various projects currently dealing with the history of Switzerland and its role in a globally networked world characterized by colonialism, the project idea « Chur kolonial » was born. This was carried out as part of a project week in the spring semester at the Bündner Kantonsschule with the aim of working through some of the colonial entanglements of the city of Chur together with a group of students and making them accessible to the public in the form of an audio tour. What worked well? Where were the difficulties? This paper is intended to make the project concept accessible to other teachers. In addition, possible history didactic potentials of this project work will be presented.

The future of audio-visual designers with a focus on sound

Sound designers have historically been associated primarily with the realm of films, TV-movies, and series production. However, the scope of their influence is expanding significantly beyond these domains. Notably, professionals in the fields of museum curation, festivals, theatres, and planetariums are increasingly recognizing the transformative potential of incorporating audio-visual elements into their presentations, thereby enhancing the overall quality of audience engagement. Traditionally, many museums have relied on subpar audio guides and monotonous recordings played through inadequate loudspeakers to accompany their exhibits. In stark contrast, innovative exhibition concepts are foregrounding the profound impact of audio-visual installations. These installations completely rethink exhibition experiences, offering visitors entirely new dimensions of engagement within the realms of art, history, and science. In the context of planetariums, a substantial majority of shows continue to feature cosmological themes and scientific narratives presented in full-dome environments. Nevertheless, universities and younger audio-visual designers are now pioneering groundbreaking advancements in immersive audio-visual experiences. The evolution of theatre is yet another arena undergoing a profound metamorphosis due to the integration of audio-visual elements. As multimedia theatre forms such as picture theatre, new music theatre, and dance theatre increasingly embrace interactive electronic media, the traditional theatrical experience is undergoing a paradigm shift. This departure from convention is ushering in a new era of audio-visual performance quality that transcends prior artistic boundaries. Given these transformative trends, the study of sound design is compelled to evolve in tandem. Incorporating visual tasks into the curriculum is becoming imperative, as sound designers navigate these innovative frontiers of multimedia integration. By embracing cross-disciplinary approaches that encompass both sonic and visual dimensions, aspiring sound designers will be better equipped to shape the future of immersive audio-visual storytelling across a diverse array of creative platforms.

End-to-end technologies as a tool for developing sociocultural competence among inophones in the process of linguistic and cultural adaptation in the space of “urban text”

Introduction. One of the main processes associated with the stay of an inophone student who came to study a foreign language in a foreign country is linguistic adaptation in a new cultural and geographical space. The result of successful adaptation is the formation of sociocultural competence among the student, awareness of regional identity. From the point of view of the methodology for teaching the Russian language as a foreign language, it seems significant to search for the most effective technologies, methods and techniques that would allow immersing the inophone in the natural environment. End-to-end technologies used in urban space to obtain multidirectional information for native speakers and foreigners meet this methodological task. Authentic texts of chatbots, interactive maps become didactic material for the formation of key competencies of an inophone student.Materials and Methods. The scientific basis of the study is scientific works related to the methodology of teaching the Russian language as a foreign language, the problems of linguistic and cultural adaptation and the use of end-to-end technologies in linguistic education. The research materials are authentic (natural) texts of the digital urban environment: online maps, chat bots, audio guides, which contribute to a more effective linguistic and cultural adaptation of inphones to "alien" space. Based on the methods of analysis and generalization, a theoretical understanding of the experience of working with foreign students at the Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University named after K. Minin. The key concepts used in the work are "digital pedagogy," "end-to-end technologies," "urban text," "regional identity." "sociocultural competence," "linguostranological adaptation."Results. The use of end-to-end technologies in the practice of teaching Russian as a foreign language is currently an effective way to develop communicative competence. Urban space provides an opportunity for direct immersion in the environment of the language being studied. In teaching practice, online cards are actively used, according to which, on the one hand, tasks can be compiled aimed at developing skills in any type of speech activity (reading, speaking, listening, writing), on the other hand, they can become the basis for project activities students. Another online tool for developing communication skills in a foreign language is chatbots. A chatbot makes it possible to learn a foreign language and maintain communication skills at a pace convenient for the student, while eliminating the fear of making mistakes, because there is interaction with artificial intelligence. The AudioGuideNN chatbot allows a student of Russian as a foreign language to enter the urban space, get acquainted with the city and learn the language at the same time.Discussion and Conclusions. Modern end-to-end technologies are effective tools for teaching a foreign language, including Russian as a foreign language. Virtual maps, audio guides, chat bots allow you to relieve the cultural shock of the urban space from a native speaker of a foreign language who is in a new environment for him, create conditions for the linguistic and cultural adaptation of a foreign speaker, and also contribute to the study of the Russian language due to direct immersion in the urban – Russian-language – text.

Editorial

In an attempt to stay in touch with the evolution of society, we asked ChatGPT to tell us why museums are great for language learning. Here is its answer: 
 Museums are just the epitome of language learning greatness. Who needs lively conversations, engaging interactions, or authentic cultural experiences when you can stroll through silent halls, read lengthy exhibit descriptions, and marvel at ancient artifacts with no context? Surely, deciphering those small-font labels and listening to monotone audio guides in multiple languages will skyrocket your language skills. And let's not forget the joy of trying to comprehend complex historical and artistic concepts in a foreign tongue. It's a language learning paradise! (Note: This response contains sarcasm for humorous effect.)
 ChatGPT can add “sarcasm for humorous effect” and even create a quite convincing didactic scenario for language teaching in a museum (see page 71 of this issue), but it cannot (yet) be with students in a museum, acknowledge the learning opportunities in real time, give students the feedback and support they individually need, or assess their linguistic, cultural, and critical thinking development before, during, and after a museum visit. It cannot either create “lively conversations, engaging interactions, [and] authentic cultural experiences” or enhance the “small-font labels [and] monotone audio guides” in a pedagogic way. For this, you, language teachers, are still the best (non-artificial) Intelligence. And we hope to help by giving you some ideas, empirical results and evidence-based advice in this second issue on living languages in museums - and its SMILE side project! Enjoy!

Особенности жанра и композиции текстов немецкоязычных онлайн-путеводителей

The study aims to identify the corpus of specific linguostylistic means and the genre-compositional originality of the texts of German-language online travel guides. These texts are reference publications aimed at a wide range of readers and they are used primarily by tourists for a more detailed acquaintance with a travel destination. The texts of online travel guides, along with the texts of excursions, audio guides, leaflets, catalogs, brochures, virtual excursions, travel agency websites, belong to the genres of tourism discourse and are characterised by a distinct structural organisation, a variety of speech tactics, verbal and non-verbal codes and perform the informational, advertising, accumulative and regulatory functions. A travel guide is a “calling card” of a cultural and linguistic community, which allows forming certain holistic stereotypical images in the minds of recipients regarding a foreign-language worldview. The paper is novel in that it makes the first attempt to carry out a comprehensive analysis of different-level linguistic means representing the genre-compositional features of modern online travel guides. As a result of the study, it has been proved that the texts of German-language online travel guides have a distinct compositional structure, are characterised by a set of specific linguistic means that implement the general communicative task of tourism discourse, i.e. making an impact on the recipient.

“This App Just Gets Me”: Assessing the Quality, Features and User Reviews of Menopause Smartphone Apps

Mobile health (mHealth) apps are becoming a popular digital resource and in the last few years menopause smartphone apps have become more popular. While these apps often contain little healthcare professional (HCP) input or evidence-based information less is known about the specific features of the apps and whether users find the apps helpful in relation to their menopause experience. We conducted a quality, feature and written review analysis of 18 menopause apps. We assessed the overall quality of the apps using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MAR), identified features including tracking, data visualization and community elements and undertook a thematic analysis of the written reviews. The analysis showed that app quality was variable and features ranged from simple trackers to community elements, audio guides and personalized content. Reviews of apps were overwhelmingly positive in nature and the thematic analysis highlighted four themes: “empowering functions”, “I’m not alone,” “function wish list,” and “usability and privacy.” The apps encouraged self-reflection and built confidence around menopause discussions, especially with HCPs, while the community features encouraged a sense of togetherness. Additional, tailored functionality, alongside ease of use remains important to users. Menopause apps currently available on the market vary in terms of their quality and features but reviews indicate they are generally perceived as positive. Apps may have a role to play in supporting women’s menopause experience and further consideration of their role in relation to HCP consultations is required.

Audio Augmented Reality in Smart Learning Environments

Image processing-based augmented reality (AR) is widely used in several fields. However, audio content is also crucial in certain cases, for example, focusing on appreciating artwork in a museum, rather than a virtually synthesized image. In this study, an attempt was made to provide ubiquitous learning (u-learning) services by using audio AR for smart cities where people do not need smartphones, tablets, or wearable devices for learning. The concept of “unmanned stores” was introduced in the proposed learning environments. A 360° camera was mounted on the ceiling of an exhibition room. An algorithm was used to detect moving objects and locate a visitor, from whose position an information-processing platform searched the showpiece nearest to the visitor and selected the corresponding audio guide. For multiple visitors, infrared (IR) sensors were used to count the visitors inside the room. A loudspeaker array was built to emit directional sounds for eliminating interference between multiple sound sources. Along with the proposed algorithm for increasing the accuracy while sensing multiple movements, the conventional sound field synthesis method was modified to improve the listening experience and learning quality. Image-based sensor technology, IR detection, and an audio signal-processing platform were integrated into a smart environment in which people can conduct u-learning without personal devices. The method can provide immersive audio tours with virtual narrators and peer-helpers in schools, museums, and art galleries. Qualitative and quantitative analyses indicated that effective hands-free and eyes-free learning was achieved.

인터랙티브 요소가 뮤지엄의 관람객 유치에 미치는 영향

With the growing application of interactive elements in the cultural and artistic field, researchers have begun to pay attention to how these elements are impacting the production, distribution, and consumption stages with a focus on their role in museums. Our study examines how the introduction of these elements in these institutions, which play a crucial role in the culture and arts ecosystem. We collected data from 1,563 museums from around the world through an online platform called Tripadvisor, using a web crawling method. We used regression analysis models to examine the effect of interactive elements, such as audio guides, on attracting visitors to museums. We also analyzed the data to find out its impact on different types of visitors, like families, couples, friends, and individuals. The results of our study show that museums with interactive elements are more popular among family visitors. This study provides valuable insights into the impact of interactive elements on the cultural and artistic field by complementing findings of qualitative research, which has to date prevailed research on this topic.

APLIKASI BACA BUKU UNTUK TUNANETRA LOW VISION MENGGUNAKAN OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION DAN TEXT TO SPEECH

Based on data from the Ministry of Social Affairs for 2022, the total number of blind people is 11,368 and low vision is 6,818 with a total of 18,186 blind people in Indonesia. As many as 21.9% of the total number of persons with disabilities are persons with disabilities who are in the effective period of obtaining proper education. On the other hand, educational facilities and infrastructure are not fully friendly to persons with disabilities. The Center for Development and Empowerment of Kindergarten and Special Education Educators and Education Personnel (PPPPTK and PLB), which is under the Ministry of Education and Culture, Research and Technology, recommends the use of assistive devices to help students who have visual impairments. Responding to these challenges, this application was developed to help read books or print media. The results of testing this application are easy to use because it has a simple appearance and there is an audio guide. It was found that the development of this innovative product is a user-friendly assistive application for the blind with the main features of Audio Guide Assistance, Auto Capture, Image to Speech, Audio book and Multiple Audio-page Grouping.

Peculiarities of using digital technologies in the development of urban tourist routes: the best world practices

The relevance of the research is due to the issues of qualitative change in the process of serving tourists in the context of digitalization. The effective using of digital technologies, which allow automating, accelerating and modernizing these processes, will have a positive impact on the level of tourism development in the country. The purpose of the research is to identify the features of using the digital technologies in the development of urban tourist routes based on successful foreign experience. The article uses general scientific methods, in particular the content analysis method, which made it possible to analyze an array of information from theoretical approaches to digitalization and digital technologies in tourism to digital platforms and specialized programs for the development of tourist routes, as well as a graphical interpretation method. The article clearly presents examples and directions of using digital technologies in the tourism industry: BigData, AR / VR, Blockchain, IoT, tourist route development portals, mobile applications. Particular attention is paid to the issues of their use in the development of urban tourist routes. The scheme of the process of interactive involvement in the process of perception of the tourist experience is reflected. On the example of popular urban tourist sites the advantages and results of the introduction of virtual and augmented reality, mobile technology and audio guides are revealed. This study has revealed the role and importance of digital technology in the development of urban tourism routes on the example of international practices.

Participatory Counternarratives: Geocomposition, Public Memory, and the Sounding of Hybrid Place/Space

This article argues that conceptions of public memory, as constructed, produced, and enacted in spaces such as a university campus, can be strategically reconceived for social justice ends by mapping student-created rhetorical audio tour compositions to physical locations around that place.

Inventory

Inventory Karen Kao (bio) The security guard assumes that I am a tourist. I'm in a queue awaiting my timed entry into the Rijksmuseum, the Dutch national repository for art and history. He speaks kindly to me in his charmingly mangled version of English. I do not venture to correct him, nor do I disclose my command of his language. The guard recommends that I take the audio tour of the Slavery exhibit. Many years ago, when I was a newly minted lawyer in Washington, D.C., I found myself near the courthouse in need of lunch. The street vendor recommended a chili hot dog, then complimented me on my mastery of the English language. He asked, where did you learn to speak so well? I said, at the Montebello Unified School District in Los Angeles, California. Not long after, I married a Dutchman, and when we married, I knew already that we would be leaving D.C. for Amsterdam. Inside the Slavery exhibit at the Rijksmuseum, I stand out. Of the hundred or so visitors allowed in that space at any one time, I can count the people of color on my fingers. No exotic garb or loud language identifies them as outsiders. They are, I suspect, as Dutch as I am. When I moved to the Netherlands three decades ago, the Dutch stared at me in the street. In Amsterdam, where I live, the interest has always seemed to me to be commercially motivated. Shopkeepers hope that I am a wealthy Asian tourist and are disappointed to find I am not. But the Netherlands is a civilized country. No one attempts to touch my straight black hair or rub my nose or take my photograph on the sly. ________ A photograph hangs in the Slavery exhibit. Six women and a baby pose against a matte background, framed on either side by large bushes. The photograph known as Inventory No. RP-F-1994-12-3 is printed in sepia tones. I can see neither the green of the bushes nor the ubiquitous red brick wall against which they stand. My imagination supplies the electric blue, the blush rose, the ochre yellow of the dresses, and the exact tint of the darkness of their skin. Since the Netherlands is a largely racially homogenous nation, I am often the only person of color in the room. The Netherlands favors a Talmudic approach towards its migrants. We are classified as first or second generation, west versus east. My Chinese parents might be surprised to learn that here I am considered a person with a western migration background. This category includes migrants from Europe (but not Turkey), North America, Oceania, Indonesia, and Japan. According to the Dutch Central Bureau for Statistics, the socioeconomic and cultural position enjoyed by people from Indonesia and Japan warrant their inclusion into the panoply of the west. I wonder how the ancestors of migrants born in the former Dutch East Indies would regard this modern label. Iron brands once marked enslaved persons as the property of the Dutch East or West Indies Company. In the former Dutch colony of Batavia, the most valuable enslaved persons were [End Page 225] Balinese women renown for their beauty. Balinese men, on the other hand, were generally shunned for their unaccountably angry nature and propensity toward violence. ________ In the photograph known as Inventory No. RP-F-1994-12-3, six women and a baby pose on a lawn. The women wear voluminous skirts, fussy short jackets, and fancifully folded headscarves. Their backs are erect and their faces set. Perhaps they're cold, standing as they are on the frigid Dutch earth so far away from home. Perhaps they have been told to stop squirming so that the photographer might take his shot. The six women and the baby in the photograph live in a human zoo known as the Surinam Pavilion. From May to October 1883, over one million visitors will peek into their reconstructed huts, watch the women pound cassava, and the baby sleep through the first International Colonial and Export Exhibition in Amsterdam. The Netherlands abolished slavery in 1863. And yet, twenty years later, six women and a...