DIGITAL STORYTELLING FOR ENHANCING VISITOR COMPREHENSION OF CULTURAL ARTIFACTS IN MUSEUMS

Abstract

The study presented in this paper looks at the use of digital storytelling to enhance the understanding of the visitors on cultural artefacts in museums. As is common in museums, short labels, static descriptions, and limited contextual information are often used to describe the objects on display that might restrict visitors' ability to make connections between artifacts and their historical, cultural, and social contexts. Digital storytelling is a more effective way to communicate meaningfully and accessibly about artifacts through story and images, audio, video, animation and interactive media. It examines how the interpretation of objects in the museum can be enhanced through the use of story based Digital Interpretation in regard to the place of their origin, use, symbolism and cultural value. It also considers the potential effect technology can have on engaging emotions, memory retention and satisfaction of learning for a variety of audiences. The findings reveal that digital storytelling has the potential to affect the learning of the viewer at the museum and to demystify and personalize artefacts. But the real challenge is in designing content that is effective, culturally appropriate, technically accessible and in the right balance with the authenticity of physical objects in the museum. The paper recommends digital storytelling as a good way to enhance museum education and experience.