Potentials and Challenges of Mobile Media in Museums

In this article we discuss potential scenarios of use for mobile media in museums and the challenges they pose. We examine how the characteristics of mobile technology suit the specific characteristics of a museum setting. Based on these considerations different ways to support visitors with mobile devices are put forward: attentional focus and guidance; satisfaction of situational interest; information adaptation to a specific visitor and to a specific location; information elaboration through facilitation of knowledge exchange and externalized memory support, as well as assistance in exhibition evaluation. Implications for the development of mobile applications in museums are derived.