Exhibit designers and museum educators work very hard to create experiences. Everything that goes into an exhibit or a program is thought through to support the core theme and help learning take place. So, it is understandable that they get frustrated when the spaces aren’t being used the way they envisioned.
“They aren’t using it the right way”
“All they do is……”
“They never……..”
I listen sympathetically but then I ask three questions.
- Is someone going to get hurt?
- Are the exhibits at risk?
- Is the experience of other visitors being impacted?
If the answer to these is no then, I’m very sorry, we just have to deal with it. The behavior may be annoying, it may not use the space in our carefully planned out way….but it isn’t wrong.
Learning through play, or experiential learning, means that we give up control of how visitors use the space. Sure, if we sat them down and talked at them we’d have better control of the message….but it also wouldn’t spark the imagination.
So, if people aren’t using the space “right” try to meet them where they are. What can you change to help them get your message? Can you use what they are doing to help them learn? Or, can you see what they are doing as a new opportunity for exploration.
Cabinet of Curiosities LLC 