I was watching the fish swim in front of me in the 400,000-gallon aquarium in the new Wild Reefs exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium at the AZA conference. What a relaxing feeling, peaceful and fascinating. Of all exhibits, I think large scale aquariums, with their new worlds before my eyes, and the gentle flow of their unique creatures, draw me most to the feeling of wonder that is central to the museum experience.
Where do technologies fit in? I wouldn’t want some insistent technology to disrupt this feeling with bits of information. Clicking and pointing seem counter to the experience of wonder. The Shedd has nonetheless done a nice job with discrete touchscreen monitors with additional info about particular fish – the interface mirrors the pleasing effect of the water flow.
But the interesting question isn’t really how to use technology in the exhibit. I think it’s how we might reconnect the visitor with that feeling of wonder after they return home…
