Enhancing museum visits through the creation of data visualisation to support the recording and sharing of experience

This chapter explores the use of a practice-led research methodology in the design of generative data visualisations that can be used to record and reveal the details of an empiric museum visit. The object of capturing this visitor information is to assist in the future design and development of tools for the creation of interactive museum experiences that can be improved by connecting the physical dimension of museums and exhibitions with digital information in new and novel ways. The main concern in this research is with how user engagement in the museum can be captured, visualised, and represented back to a visitor, museum curator, or the broader community in a way that might bring added value or insight. Moreover, the capturing of the visitor experience becomes an archival process and practice. It can be used in the design of future exhibitions, and more fundamentally to inform thinking around the ongoing ontological and epistemological position of the museum.