2004 IMLS Museums Online Proposal
Art on Call, Project Abstract
This Walker Art Center proposes to develop a new model for the museum audio guide, extending its application far beyond the capabilities of the current commercial products. Using an industry standard Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, Walker resources (scripted audio segments and event information), and the museum visitor’s own cell phone, Art on Call (AoC) will provide an alternative audio guide at a fraction of the ongoing costs associated with traditional programs.
The primary goals of the project are to:
- Develop a free universal onsite and offsite interactive audio information system that visitors can access using personal cell phones, equipment that they own, understand, and maintain. Offsite, the visitor can continue to access Walker resources through their cell phone or using traditional landline phones.
- Investigate the potential applications of advanced IVR capabilities within the museum environment, including date and time sensitive information, real-time integration of Web server-based information (audio files, text, etc.) via Text to Speech (TTS) translation, Voice Extended Markup (VXML), and Speech Recognition Software (SRS).
- Create an audio information resource that can inspire, entertain, and help Walker visitors gain a better understanding and appreciation of the museum's multidisciplinary programming. Visitors will be able to customize their experiences and access Walker resources according to their own interests and learning styles.
- Convert multi-use XML text information into an audio-based application.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the project from the perspective of both information developer, provider (the museum), and end-user (museum visitor).
- Develop a scalable audio information system design that can be replicated in other museums or cultural centers as an alternative to or extension of traditional audio guides.
The anticipated result is that this project will significantly enhance the visitor experience by providing greater access to a wide range of information, from objects in the Walker's collection, to artists' interviews, to a daily schedule of the museum's activities. While museums’ resources and collections may vary, the fundamental objective of AoC—to create an audio information resource that can inspire, educate, and assist museum visitors—can be replicated by using the model we propose to develop.
Complete proposal:
http://newmedia.walkerart.org/downloads/aoc/Walker_AOC_IMLS_final.rtf