Monday, February 23, 2009

New audio tours in the Street



As part of my Capital & Replacement requests, I wanted to re-do the audio tour buttons in the Street of Shops. It was funded, so work has begun on writing new scripts!

The new buttons will be SHORT and sweet -- no more will I venture upstairs to hear the buttons droning on and on, with nary a visitor in sight. Instead, visitors will be able to choose from multiple buttons at each stop, which will explain a specific aspect of that "shop."

I have finished the new text for the Cabin. It will have four buttons, which will discuss:
  • Pioneer Life
  • The Pioneer Home
  • Open Hearth Cooking
  • Spinning & Weaving
Each script averages about 45 seconds in length.

It is my hope that people will actually take the time to listen to the audio tour, because it will be shorter, but also because it will be specific information as requested by the visitor.

I'm very excited to be able to change these audio tours to something more user-friendly for our visitors. I think it will greatly enhance the Street of Shops, and will provide a better educational experience for everyone!

It is important to note that this project is entirely different from the ipod tours that Chris is working on with Jim Gerren. Those tours will be much more in-depth, and the device itself will be equipped with a small screen that will show photos and videos from our collection.

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