Project Title: American Museum of Natural History Explorer

Museum/ Institution: American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) 

Media Category: Application 

Program Created:  July 29, 2010 

Program URL:  http://www.amnh.org/apps/explorer.php (Application), http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amnh-explorer/id381227123?mt=8 (iTunes), http://www.amnh.org (Museum)

Project Image and Video

Media Source(s)/Credit(s):

YouTube (AMNHorg) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3quWNKB6w8&feature=player_embedded 

Images (left to right) - http://www.amnh.org/apps/explorer.php, http://mashable.com/2010/07/29/american-museum-of-natural-history-app/ 

Program Description:

Launched in July 2010, the American Museum of Natural History Explorer application creates a new experience and adventure for Museum visitors.   The Explorer application has a range of functions that allows visitors explore and navigate the museum with ease.  The application, which is compatible with the iPhone and the iPod Touch, has key features such as museum information, personal gps (courtesy of the Museum's wifi), turn-by-turn directions, digital exhibits, pre-loaded tours, custom tours, games (like the fossil treasure hunt), bookmarking, and a way to share your experience with friends and family through email, Facebook, and/or Twitter.  

Museum visitors have the option to pre-load content information onto their own iPhone or iPod Touch or can borrow one from the Museum, free of charge.   The Explorer application is similar to other museum applications, like those offered by the Louvre or the Brooklyn Museum, however the AMNH's application has been described as being one of the "most robust" (Mashable), noting that this application is not only highly functional but also highly accessible (the devices and tech-support, if necessary, are available to everyone).

The creation of the Explorer application comes after the success of the Museum's "Dinosaurs: The American Museum of Natural History Collections" application.

Firsthand review:

I had not had the opportunity to experience the Explorer application within the Museum, but I did download it to see, first-hand, what it had to offer.  The application is advertised for use on an iPhone or iPod touch, but I decided to try downloading it to my iPad.  It works on the iPad, but because the content is formatted for a smartphone the images and explanations were slightly distorted.  It was not an issue for me, but I would recommend using the iPhone or iPod touch.   While the application was downloading, I took the time to read some of the reviews made by people who have used this application.  The majority of people had rave reviews about the application, noting its ease of use and its accessibility to the exhibits and other corresponding information.  The negative reviews were few and the major issue described was the poor wifi signal (which meant the personal gps was touch-and-go, at best) and that some of the information was not current, or up to date. 

My review of this application sides with those users who gave it a 5-star rating.   This application, no doubt, enhances the museum experience.  Not only does it contain a wealth of information (the museum is literally at your fingertips) but it is clear and easy to use.  The main screen offers 4 options, find exhibits, museum tours, food & shops, and restrooms & exits, and from there it is up to you where and how you want to explore the Museum.    Specific aspects of the application that make it worth it (oh wait, it's FREE) are the ability to:  search for different exhibits by popularity, alphabetically, or by location, mark which exhibits you have visited, and send information about an exhibit to yourself, friends, or family.  When I visit museums I often take notes and this application gives me a way to immediately email myself about a certain artifact or exhibit.

Overall, this application is a great asset to the AMNH.  I can't speak for the wi-fi issues that others reported, but in terms of information, aesthetics, and ease of use this app will help create a unique experience for any visitor. 

Technologies incorporated:

touch screen, web technology (to send emails or to post to Facebook or Twitter), 2d/3d maps, wifi

Internally or externally produced:

 Produced by the AMNH in conjunction with Accenture, Cisco, 33Delivered, Spotlight Mobile 

Entry Contributor and Date: 

Emma Birge-Osborne, May 2, 2011

Related projects:   

http://www.amnh.org/apps/cosmic.php  (Cosmic Discoveries App)

http://www.amnh.org/apps/dino_ipad.php (Dinosaurs App)