[Image courtesy]
The debate around museums and apps is raging on discussion groups on both sides of the pond. Interestingly though, the focus is around sustainable business models.
The MCG discussion started by English Heritage was around finding companies to make iPhone Apps. The discussion there was around platform and which was appropriate to invest in.
The MCN discussion (US) started a couple of days ago by MuseumPods looking for museum partners to develop a CMS style app that would bring in content by museums. The discussion was around the business model, should the CMS be free to the museums and then a revenue share, should the investment be mutual, are apps a waste of time and should be a web based system. Found it really interesting the different views and something a colleague and I have been sharing for a while. It's meant I've kept my eye out for a model I think might work.
And what have I found?
I've been watching the Hidden Park app for a while and I think it works. It provides an experience design tool for users - i.e. they create their own trail and the app integrate game elements for you - you can then share this with your family or friends who can follow the trail you have set for them. So far, so not particularly museum related, apart from their is a trail in there created for/by Kew Gardends and Kensington Gardens. There is now a trail around Kelham Island in Sheffield, specifically designed for my other half because he loves Kelham Island and I wanted to test this out.
And why I think it works?
I love the fact the app is self sustaining not reliant on the organisations short on cash and resources to develop content but an open door if they wish and have the opportunity too. It also removes some of the risk for the development company than providing a free CMS which frankly is very costly and high risk - without content it fails etc. This takes more the wikipedia/flickr approach to content creation, I think it empowers visitors to start thinking about designing their own experiences and that works well for me.
As I look for an image for this post: I can't help but feel we should be looking at how visitors are already using mobile phones during a cultural experience and building on that. Maybe that's another post.