The Perfect Museum Website???
Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:36 pm
Hi everyone,
similar to the post of "What you'd want to see in an air museum" I'd like to ask the WIX community what you would all want to see on an air museum's website?
Naturally, I'm looking for input to possibly improve my museum's website, and hopefully what people say here might be useful for other museum's too.
So, I'm looking for comments and ideas about what kind of information, pictures, stories, regional history, etc. people would want to see. As well how much of each.
Cheers,
David
similar to the post of "What you'd want to see in an air museum" I'd like to ask the WIX community what you would all want to see on an air museum's website?
Naturally, I'm looking for input to possibly improve my museum's website, and hopefully what people say here might be useful for other museum's too.
So, I'm looking for comments and ideas about what kind of information, pictures, stories, regional history, etc. people would want to see. As well how much of each.
Cheers,
David
Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:49 pm
As for myself,
I would like to see the website used as a basic introduction to the museum (and it's activities/membership), the collection, up-coming events, artifacts, and regional aviation history, and local stories.
Up-to-date pictures of the collection as well as current pictures/updates of restorations is important.
Unlike many WIX members, I think the general public doesn't have the best background knowledge of warbirds, so displays in the museum should be relatively basic and concentrate on a few key points. We certainly want to avoid providing too much information causing brain over-load. The best we can do is have our visitors leaving the museum with some neat (previously unknown) info that leaves them thinking, "Darn, that was neat, I really learned something cool"
For the rest of us I see the website as a great place to have that "extra" information that may point out some unique features of specific airplanes, or more in-depth coverage of battles, mission, etc.
In a way, I would like to see museum websites used as a supplimentary source of information. Kind of like the place to look if you've still got some questions after seeing the display in the museum.
I know I'll think of more stuff, but that's it for now.
-David
I would like to see the website used as a basic introduction to the museum (and it's activities/membership), the collection, up-coming events, artifacts, and regional aviation history, and local stories.
Up-to-date pictures of the collection as well as current pictures/updates of restorations is important.
Unlike many WIX members, I think the general public doesn't have the best background knowledge of warbirds, so displays in the museum should be relatively basic and concentrate on a few key points. We certainly want to avoid providing too much information causing brain over-load. The best we can do is have our visitors leaving the museum with some neat (previously unknown) info that leaves them thinking, "Darn, that was neat, I really learned something cool"
For the rest of us I see the website as a great place to have that "extra" information that may point out some unique features of specific airplanes, or more in-depth coverage of battles, mission, etc.
In a way, I would like to see museum websites used as a supplimentary source of information. Kind of like the place to look if you've still got some questions after seeing the display in the museum.
I know I'll think of more stuff, but that's it for now.
-David
Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:57 pm
Having used them a lot... 
In order:
1. Have a logical internet address and a short one. Make sure it gets listed.
2. The facts - who, what, where, when, how much, why, and contact - e-mail, address & phone!
Keep this bit simple, 'Best viewed with eyes', as it's your gateway for anyone, and they may be on a dubious internet link in a cybercafe. Don't use any flashy or moving things.
3. Have a site map and clear navigation - no 'mystery meat' or 'clever' names for things.
4a. A listing of all exhibitions / galleries displays.
4b. A listing of all aircraft. Cover both 'The Spitfire fought BoB etc...' and 'This Spitfire was found in a barn...'
5. Keep the graphic content manageable, and let people choose for themselves rather than waiting for a ton of pics they don't want to load up.
And, the most important...
Keep it simple and up to date - Not full of old junk.
The following are 'nice to haves':
A photo gallery of the museum's work, history, exhibits.
Virtual QT tours or similar.
Good advice for the questions you can't answer but redirect - veterans affairs, history research etc.
Links.
Make it easy to receive donations, if that's what you want - likewise an online shop, and that can be set up securely through a third party; but these are additions, not core. Likewise info about volunteers and volunteering. They will check you out, but the website's a 'background check' not a prime one.
Good websites:
The Canadian Aviation Museum, Australian War Memorial. Locally, I think the website for the Sidney BCAM Museum's a winner (they've changed it - it was better, but is still good). ( http://www.bcam.net/ )
The RAAF Museum's website is a great example of how not to do it and why it's a problem when an air-force bureaucracy gets control, rather than the local staff.
In order:
1. Have a logical internet address and a short one. Make sure it gets listed.
2. The facts - who, what, where, when, how much, why, and contact - e-mail, address & phone!
Keep this bit simple, 'Best viewed with eyes', as it's your gateway for anyone, and they may be on a dubious internet link in a cybercafe. Don't use any flashy or moving things.
3. Have a site map and clear navigation - no 'mystery meat' or 'clever' names for things.
4a. A listing of all exhibitions / galleries displays.
4b. A listing of all aircraft. Cover both 'The Spitfire fought BoB etc...' and 'This Spitfire was found in a barn...'
5. Keep the graphic content manageable, and let people choose for themselves rather than waiting for a ton of pics they don't want to load up.
And, the most important...
Keep it simple and up to date - Not full of old junk.
The following are 'nice to haves':
A photo gallery of the museum's work, history, exhibits.
Virtual QT tours or similar.
Good advice for the questions you can't answer but redirect - veterans affairs, history research etc.
Links.
Make it easy to receive donations, if that's what you want - likewise an online shop, and that can be set up securely through a third party; but these are additions, not core. Likewise info about volunteers and volunteering. They will check you out, but the website's a 'background check' not a prime one.
Good websites:
The Canadian Aviation Museum, Australian War Memorial. Locally, I think the website for the Sidney BCAM Museum's a winner (they've changed it - it was better, but is still good). ( http://www.bcam.net/ )
The RAAF Museum's website is a great example of how not to do it and why it's a problem when an air-force bureaucracy gets control, rather than the local staff.
what I want.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:59 pm
David,
Thanks for this post.
I like museums to be fairly clutter free. So I can take pictures of the aircraft.
The perfect place would be a pamphlet with the basics...
Very few pictures at the museum.
A guide to do tours...
And...
On the website I would like to see a few...3-5 pictures of the aircraft when in flight or in use. Extensive history of the aircraft. And then some "large" token pictures of it in the museum.
After I take my pictures, I like to find out a little more about the aircraft.
Example: Museum of Flight... http://www.museumofflight.org/Collection/Aircraft.asp?RecordKey=2E823626-4921-4131-8C97-14560778225A
I would like that but more, more, more pictures and some in-flight shots too.
I like to see pictures from others. Maybe they saw something I didn't.
Pictures like what is found at http://www.libertyfoundation.org/photos.html for the Liberty Belle.
They have the basic pictures, but then they have a link to flickr photo area for the common person.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/b-17/pool/
Then I am sure to get the complete experience.
Best Regards,
Thanks for this post.
I like museums to be fairly clutter free. So I can take pictures of the aircraft.
The perfect place would be a pamphlet with the basics...
Very few pictures at the museum.
A guide to do tours...
And...
On the website I would like to see a few...3-5 pictures of the aircraft when in flight or in use. Extensive history of the aircraft. And then some "large" token pictures of it in the museum.
After I take my pictures, I like to find out a little more about the aircraft.
Example: Museum of Flight... http://www.museumofflight.org/Collection/Aircraft.asp?RecordKey=2E823626-4921-4131-8C97-14560778225A
I would like that but more, more, more pictures and some in-flight shots too.
I like to see pictures from others. Maybe they saw something I didn't.
Pictures like what is found at http://www.libertyfoundation.org/photos.html for the Liberty Belle.
They have the basic pictures, but then they have a link to flickr photo area for the common person.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/b-17/pool/
Then I am sure to get the complete experience.
Best Regards,
Tue Oct 30, 2007 10:07 pm
daveymac82c wrote:Unlike many WIX members, I think the general public doesn't have the best background knowledge of warbirds, so displays in the museum should be relatively basic and concentrate on a few key points. We certainly want to avoid providing too much information causing brain over-load. The best we can do is have our visitors leaving the museum with some neat (previously unknown) info that leaves them thinking, "Darn, that was neat, I really learned something cool"
Hi David,
There's a good museum principle of three levels of data. Probably the biggest error in museum curating today is mor0n-level placarding which under-estimates the intelligence of the average reader and is no use to the mor0n* or expert.
So.
1. A brief into for the passing interest. (Big letters, at the top.) 2. More detail both general and specific, for the interested. (You can also ask a question so the reader engages, rather than just lecturing - 'Where do you think the bombs were?' 'would you like to fly in this aircraft?'.) 3. Then, below that more detail for the dedicated or researcher or ex-crew. Finally you can note access for further info with the research library and staff.
A kid's section on the website's good too, but you need it adaptable to different ages.
HTH.
*I meant to say 'mor0n' NOT 'individual of questionable judgement' which has a different meaning. Prissy net nannys.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 10:22 pm
And no sound on the website. I hate letting everyone know I'm goofing off at work when they hear a Mustang passing a pylon at Reno emitting an 85 decibel report or some annoying Souza music when I follow a link. I NEVER go back to those sites or recommend them to anyone. A button that says, "Click here for annoyingly loud sounds" would be better for those sites that feel they cannot do without sounds so I at least have a choice.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 10:42 pm
As long as this thread is here....
What is right with our website, http://yankeeairmuseum.org and what is wrong?
Here's what I know is wrong, and am working to change:
-listing & descriptions of all aircraft, not just some.
-photos of said aircraft
-no online store
-overall lack of content
-navigation isn't quite as simple as it could be
A website is a tricky thing. There are lots (and lots and lots) of people & companies that are more than willing to redesign your site, for a fee of course. Having your site redone does at least make it look like you're doing something. But that doesn't address the underlying problem: content. If you don't provide enough useful information, then it doesn't matter how pretty it is (see: just about every major car makers website. Very flashy. But prices, locations, and other details usually take 15 clicks and two registration pages.)
I'm against "virtual tours" or "virtual museums." It's a combination of the technology and the implementation just not being "there" yet. Everything I've seen is a glorified slide show, or a low-resolution picture embedded in a god-knows-what plugin (which I probably have to go download...) that doesn't come close to giving me a feel for what's it's like to be at the museum.
"Virtual" anything sounds really, really, really good in a meeting, very edgy and new. But it seldom comes out well.
What is right with our website, http://yankeeairmuseum.org and what is wrong?
Here's what I know is wrong, and am working to change:
-listing & descriptions of all aircraft, not just some.
-photos of said aircraft
-no online store
-overall lack of content
-navigation isn't quite as simple as it could be
A website is a tricky thing. There are lots (and lots and lots) of people & companies that are more than willing to redesign your site, for a fee of course. Having your site redone does at least make it look like you're doing something. But that doesn't address the underlying problem: content. If you don't provide enough useful information, then it doesn't matter how pretty it is (see: just about every major car makers website. Very flashy. But prices, locations, and other details usually take 15 clicks and two registration pages.)
I'm against "virtual tours" or "virtual museums." It's a combination of the technology and the implementation just not being "there" yet. Everything I've seen is a glorified slide show, or a low-resolution picture embedded in a god-knows-what plugin (which I probably have to go download...) that doesn't come close to giving me a feel for what's it's like to be at the museum.
"Virtual" anything sounds really, really, really good in a meeting, very edgy and new. But it seldom comes out well.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 10:48 pm
chico wrote:I'm against "virtual tours" or "virtual museums." It's a combination of the technology and the implementation just not being "there" yet. Everything I've seen is a glorified slide show, or a low-resolution picture embedded in a god-knows-what plugin (which I probably have to go download...) that doesn't come close to giving me a feel for what's it's like to be at the museum.
"Virtual" anything sounds really, really, really good in a meeting, very edgy and new. But it seldom comes out well.
Can't disagree with that, despite what I said earlier. And you're right that a 'good' site is a mix of clear HTML and appropriate content.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 10:49 pm
Thank you for the input thus far!
As for pictures in each airplane's profile, I would like to see:
1.) one or more pictures of aircraft in current state (as displayed in museum)
2.) one or more pictures of aircraft in flight (if airworthy)
3.) one or more pictures of aircraft as it was when originally used (eg. black & white shot of airplane during service in the RCAF during WWII)
4.) one or more pictures of the aircraft while in an unusual role for the aircraft type (waterbomber, passenger carrying, civilian use, etc.)
I kids zone on the website is a great idea. In fact, when our website was first created, it was set up to have a kids section and it stated that it was still under construction. Sadly, about 10 years later, it still is under construction.
Our website also has pictures of our airplanes from the late eighties, which I think could use some updating. If only I had the skills to do it...
James, very good point about making sure not to under-estimate the intelligence of museum visitors.
As for pictures in each airplane's profile, I would like to see:
1.) one or more pictures of aircraft in current state (as displayed in museum)
2.) one or more pictures of aircraft in flight (if airworthy)
3.) one or more pictures of aircraft as it was when originally used (eg. black & white shot of airplane during service in the RCAF during WWII)
4.) one or more pictures of the aircraft while in an unusual role for the aircraft type (waterbomber, passenger carrying, civilian use, etc.)
I kids zone on the website is a great idea. In fact, when our website was first created, it was set up to have a kids section and it stated that it was still under construction. Sadly, about 10 years later, it still is under construction.
Our website also has pictures of our airplanes from the late eighties, which I think could use some updating. If only I had the skills to do it...
James, very good point about making sure not to under-estimate the intelligence of museum visitors.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 11:07 pm
Hmm... currently, our website has an engine starting up sound on the opening page. If you're quick enough you can avoid it getting too loud. I would like to get rid of it outright. It takes up a fair amount of computer effort to get it to work, so for people with dial-up, it is not a friend.
Virtual tours are tricky. If done well, they can be very interesting, and on the other hand, can be quite poorly done. It all depends on how much the website cost.
It is true, there are tons of web-designers who would love to re-do or create a website for museums, but in some cases, once the initial creation is done, the designer says "Here you go, it's all yours" and then the website's evolution stops. It ends up being the responsibility of a volunteer to try and keep it as updated as possible. Keeping things all happily up to date is quite a hard task.
-David
Virtual tours are tricky. If done well, they can be very interesting, and on the other hand, can be quite poorly done. It all depends on how much the website cost.
It is true, there are tons of web-designers who would love to re-do or create a website for museums, but in some cases, once the initial creation is done, the designer says "Here you go, it's all yours" and then the website's evolution stops. It ends up being the responsibility of a volunteer to try and keep it as updated as possible. Keeping things all happily up to date is quite a hard task.
-David
Tue Oct 30, 2007 11:19 pm
daveymac82c wrote:It is true, there are tons of web-designers who would love to re-do or create a website for museums, but in some cases, once the initial creation is done, the designer says "Here you go, it's all yours" and then the website's evolution stops. It ends up being the responsibility of a volunteer to try and keep it as updated as possible. Keeping things all happily up to date is quite a hard task.
-David
I'm sorry, I missed that last part. Could you say that a whole lot louder, and about ten million more times? In fact, let me get you some meeting schedules....
Tue Oct 30, 2007 11:22 pm
How does one make the average viewer feel like a VIP? Take him on a behind-the-scenes tour. Let him "cross the ropes" and peek in a cockpit, turret, or such.
I really like viewing the process and not just the final product, so I appreciate a look at what's going on in a museum's restoration shop (preferably updated on a regular basis). I feel Pima does an excellent job at this.
I really like viewing the process and not just the final product, so I appreciate a look at what's going on in a museum's restoration shop (preferably updated on a regular basis). I feel Pima does an excellent job at this.
Tue Oct 30, 2007 11:30 pm
Good point Dan K.
That's one thing I totally forgot about. I had the idea a while back to take pictures of all our airplanes' cockpits to be part pictures in the aircraft profiles. Great idea. As well, pictures of things like turrets, etc that people don't normally get to see.
-David
That's one thing I totally forgot about. I had the idea a while back to take pictures of all our airplanes' cockpits to be part pictures in the aircraft profiles. Great idea. As well, pictures of things like turrets, etc that people don't normally get to see.
-David
Tue Oct 30, 2007 11:44 pm
I think the Indiana Aviation Museum has a good website. Check it out: www.in-am.org
Another great site is Warbirds Over Long Island www.warbirdsoverlongisland.com/index.shtml
I think a website MUST be updated once or twice a month. Not only does it keep people informed but it allows one time visitors to come back to see what's new.
Another great site is Warbirds Over Long Island www.warbirdsoverlongisland.com/index.shtml
I think a website MUST be updated once or twice a month. Not only does it keep people informed but it allows one time visitors to come back to see what's new.
Wed Oct 31, 2007 12:04 am
On-line gift shop.