The Problem
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the cultural sector, exposing the financial vulnerability of museums and similar institutions. Although emergency funding provided temporary relief, the long-term effects of lost income and reduced visitor numbers continue to affect the sector (Deakin, 2022). This project explores how UX design could encourage museum visitation and engagement by creating experiences that feel more interactive, memorable and relevant to contemporary audiences.
The Insight
The Sherlock Holmes Museum's setting, recognisable characters and distinctive identity provide a strong foundation for an immersive experience. The research highlighted an opportunity to use these existing elements to create something more interactive and engaging.
The experience was designed to appeal to a broad audience, including Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts, families, children and international tourists, while considering accessibility through multilingual interaction.
The solution
"Who Are You?" is an immersive interactive experience that allows visitors to discover which character from the Sherlock Holmes novels they are most like.
Located in the museum's mannequin room, the experience uses an interactive screen where visitors can select their preferred language and answer a series of questions. Their result corresponds to one of the characters represented by the mannequins, creating a connection between the digital experience and the physical museum.
Visitors can then collect a complimentary character photograph from the gift shop. Although the photograph is free, this encourages visitors to enter the shop and potentially make additional purchases. Visitors are also encouraged to share their results online, creating a memorable and shareable experience that could help promote the museum.
The Concept in Situ
The installation was designed to be eye-catching while working within the limited space of the mannequin room. The structure presented challenges due to the room's size, but the final concept was developed to work alongside the existing mannequins and architecture.
The design aims to balance a contemporary interactive experience with the historic character and established identity of the Sherlock Holmes Museum, while exploring how UX design could encourage visitation, engagement and additional revenue.
