Virtual Museum Design to Enhance Learning Efficiency and User Experience for Thai National Museum

Abstract

               The virtual museum offers an approach to presentations that respond the needs of individuals who are unable to visit a physical museum; it reduces gaps in terms of distance, time, and cost, as it connects people to virtual reality. This study aimed to 1) design a virtual museum model as communication tool that enhance the learning efficiency and user experience; and 2) examine the outcomes of the virtual museum model in communicating and enhancing learning efficiency and user experience. The current mixed methods research involves 2 stages. Stage 1 explores the concept of constructing a virtual museum model by means of data analysis and interviews with specialists, drawing conclusions, and the focus on group discussions. Stage 2 investigates the user experience with a sample of 20 online virtual museums, 30 carefully selected specialists of virtual reality study, research, design, and technology, as well as 100 virtual museum users. The research instruments include an interview form, a questionnaire, and a test of knowledge about the use of virtual museums.  The analytical statistics comprise percentage, mean, and standard deviation.  The results of specialists’ opinions suggest that the virtual museum model include 3 features of 1) access; 2) education; and 3) conservation, at a high level of propriety. The user interface design comprises 4 principles of 1) simplicity; 2) consistency; 3) objective clarity; and 4) aesthetic values. It was reported at a highest level of propriety by both the specialists and the users. The virtual museum thus appears as an effective medium to connect the museum and its users, aiming at providing access, education, and conservation by presenting interactive media with suitable, novel, concise, and attractive designs and contents corresponding to the current user behaviors, which in turn enhances learning efficiency and user experience.