Technology for Fostering Cultural Conversation at the Museum Café

Most research activity concerned with building technology for museum visits is oriented toward the individual. Yet, people tend to visit museums in small groups. Ethnographic studies give a fundamental role for a successful small group visit to conversation among the members of the group, elaborating on their current experience. Can technology help fostering face-to face, natural conversation? In this work an approach focused on the museum café is presented and some novel prospects are discussed.