The evolution of interactive interpretive media: A Report on discovery and progress at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Integrating new information technologies into any traditionally conservative environment presents program planners, designers and developers with many complex logistical, technical, and political challenges. This type of integration is particularly challenging when content, installation and operation directly impact the traditional appearance of the institution. Over the last three years, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) took on such a challenge by initiating a plan to integrate interactive multimedia throughout the museum. Many obstacles were encountered and many lessons were learned. This paper examines the evolution of the process, creative team and technology during the development of the first five interactive multimedia programs.