A Guide to Mobile Apps for Small Cultural Heritage Non-Profits: Leveraging Mobile Technologies to Guide and Engage Visitors

Abstract

Constrained by limited staffing and tight budgets, small, cultural heritage non-profits may struggle to promote visitation and engage visitors who do make on-site visits. This paper identifies the opportunities mobile technologies can provide to bridge the gap between cultural heritage organizations and their visitors. Current research on the use of digital media and mobile technology in the museum field, as well as research on museum visitor motivations and learning, are explored. Based on study findings and expert recommendations, key design factors for a mobile app to be used at all stages of a visit are determined. The design themes of wayfinding, personalization, multimedia, and relationship-building are explored. Small historic non-profits can benefit by leveraging these mobile design features to enrich the visitor experience. This thesis project consists of the design and development of Web-based guide (Web site) including a case study and an example Request for Proposal (RFP) to educate historic non-profit administrators on the opportunities for implementing these features at their organizations.