Christian Heath and Dirk vom Lehn argue for distinguishing between interactivity and social interaction, particularly with respect to exhibit design.
Indeed, underlying the design and deployment of many computer- based exhibits is the idea that in developing new forms of ‘interactivity’ the installations facilitate social interaction and co-participation. Unfortunately, however, while creating innovative, and in some cases engaging, activities with a particular system, it is not clear that ‘interactive’ exhibits facilitate or even encourage social interaction; that is, interaction between people.
The implications for museums and informal learning in general:
In this way, we suggest that the design and deployment of many computer-based exhibits in science museums and centres conflates ‘interactivity’ with social interaction and thereby undermines the informal educational contribution that such exhibits are thought to achieve.
There is also an embedded critique of standard audience evaluation practices or at the very least it is a recognition of their limits. They are pushing for an interaction analysis approach.
Indeed, the studies reveal how designers and members of design teams have little access or opportunity to learn from their successes and mistakes, since evaluation is severely limited and there is little opportunity to share or accumulate knowledge.
Heath, C. and vom Lehn, D. 2008. Construing interactivity: enhancing engagement with new technologies in science centres and museums. Social Studies of Science. 38:63-96.
