"DIY" Museum Entryway

I have created four flow charts, and each chart is designed to be a quick “how- to” to help museums address four common problems in museum entryways. These problems were discovered during the course of my research for my thesis. The flow charts combine information and their citations, so if museum professionals want more information they know where to find it.

The first flow chart addresses strategies for improving traffic jams and pushing in museum entryways. The three strategies that can help with traffic jams and pushing are: providing enough space for visitors, creating a queuing system, and developing different ways for visitors to purchase admission. The visitor distance guideline alerts museums to provide enough space in their entryway to accommodate visitor flow. A queuing system can create visitor congestion if done improperly. The admission desk can be thought of in different ways. Visitor congestion can also be caused by members’ expectations in a museum’s entry space.

In my research I have discovered that members often have a sense of ownership over a museum space. Some members feel that they should not have to stand in an admission line and should be able to walk right into the museum. Flow chart two offers a suggestion on how to manage members’ expectations.

Flow chart three addresses signage and wayfinding as important components for providing efficient visitor navigation through the entryway. Successful signage is a common problem in museum entryways. This flow chart offers museum suggestions on determining the best location for signs and how to communicate and set clear boundaries to visitors as well as the importance symbols and color are in creating a useful sign.

Lastly, I created a flow chart that focuses on the importance of creating social spaces in a museum entryway. It is crucial to create designated seating and walkways, which are important in bringing people together.