Context in Space The Value of Contextual Information in the Presentation of Digital Cultural Items.

Abstract

Cultural heritage is an essential component of human history, and its preservation and presentation to future generations are paramount. Cultural heritage practitioners (CHPs) have a vital role in ensuring that cultural items are appropriately preserved and presented to visitors. The rapid advancement of technology necessitates that CHPs continually adapt to provide the best possible cultural heritage experiences. Generated through the scanning of analogue cultural items such as photographs, paintings, or artefacts, DCIs offer a unique opportunity to conserve cultural information, enhance accessibility via the internet, and provide innovative means of interaction that significantly enriches visitor learning experiences. Despite the potential benefits of DCIs, academic efforts often overlook the value of providing practical guidance on utilising the current technology available to CHPs. This thesis aims to support CHPs by contributing to the body of knowledge to better understand DCIs and how they can be used to preserve and share cultural heritage. We begin the journey of this body of work with a practical, hands-on project that involved the capture, preparation, and presentation of cultural items by artist Werner Strub in Geneva, Switzerland. This project provided first-hand experience of the challenges faced by CHPs. A series of face-to-face interviews with CHPs was conducted in order to learn about their experience working with DCIs and the challenges they face. The research then explores how contextual information can be used by CHPs to improve their cultural presentations when using DCIs. Using a bespoke tool, the study evaluates the value of contextual information and explores various contextual elements to determine which ones support the presentation of DCIs. Finally, findings are refined and presented as design principles, which are then challenged and refined. The research reveals several benefits of including contextual information, such as enhanced understanding of the DCI's size, scale, and provenance; more meaningful visitor interactions; increased perceived realism; and an overall improved visitor experience. In addition, the research suggests that incorporating contextual elements, like reference objects or stylised features, enables visitors to engage in self-guided interpretation and meaning-making, leading to a deeper connection with the cultural heritage displayed. This approach also aligns the interaction with DCIs more closely with that of their analogue counterparts, enhancing the visitor experience, through immersion and an improved sense of authenticity. This thesis addresses a critical issue facing cultural heritage practitioners by examining the role of contextual information in DCI presentation. It offers practical assistance to CHPs who are navigating the constraints of technology, providing actionable advice on how to enrich the conveyance of cultural information to visitors. By embracing the potential of DCIs and the value of contextual information, CHPs can significantly enhance visitors' experiences and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.