Museums for All

The Problem

The literature shows that museums are often inaccessible to people of color. Besides the fact that people of color (PoC) constitute such a small percentage of museum staff across the country, we observed directly through our research that the way subject matter relating to PoC issues is handled often leaves PoC feeling uncomfortable, discouraged, or angry. There is a lack of conversation about art that has a postive impact on PoC experiences in the museum.

Designing a Solution

We wanted to design something that would help make museums more accessible for people of color, something that visitors could use while they were in the museum so that they wouldn't leave feeling negatively. We began researching the problem by holding a series of research sessions with Williams College students and staff members from the Williams College Museum of Art. We learned more about the problem, what's at stake, and how the issues we're observing in our local community are reminiscent of a national phenomenon of museum exclusivity.

Changing the Museum Experience

Without Museums For All...

Without Museums for All, there may be no outlet for someone to voice their criticisms of the museum or an exhibit. Without having that platform, we observed our visitors leaving the museum feeling ambivalent at best, and a few angry with the way sensitive issues were handled. We want to improve their experience in museums so that their concerns can be addressed and they can find validation in joining an ongoing conversation.

With Museums For All...

This is where our design comes in. We propose a platform, to be available for use in or near the exhibits, that provides educational material on the social concepts relevant to an exhibit as well as a discussion platform. This museum installation will simultaneously inform museum-goers about topics such as cultural appropriation, for instance. This will simultaneously educate visitors and show those who are concerned about the exhibit's subject matter that the issues are being addressed, and that other people are thinking about them, too.

Providing educational materials on the issues at hand and promoting discussion are essential facets of our solution.

Our Video Prototype

The Team

Elvira Alonso: Designer, Researcher
Jamie Kasulis: Designer, Researcher
Dana Chung: Designer, Researcher