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Paul said:
"But I also think we should try to leverage (so to speak) museum visitors'
natural tendencies to see how high/fast/hard they can make something move,
instead of always trying to thwart them."

A really interesting thought. 

The problem is that 'mechanically energetic' exhibits also seem to encourage
rougher treatment of nearby exhibits, increasing the need for repairs. And
they cause far more background visitor-noise in other parts of the space
where a calmer, more reflective ambience might be better. 

As a general rule, based on personal observation, I suspect that 'muscular
activity is inversely correlated with mental activity'. Maybe our
hand-cranked generators are exceptions, because even a 35w automobile
brake-lamp requires such a thought-provokingly large energy-input. Come to
think of it, this is one of the few designs where I have actively encouraged
visitors to test their strength.

Paul is right, that our easiest option is to avoid providing this kind of
visitor experience. If we were to offer more opportunities for physical
exertion, where possible I believe these should be zoned separately, out of
sight and sound from exhibits requiring more thoughtful, concentrated
engagement.

Promoting public engagement with science
through a contagious delight in phenomena
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[log in to unmask] * http://www.interactives.co.uk
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http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/ian-russell/0/636/305
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Give people facts and you feed their minds for an hour.
Awaken curiosity and they feed their own minds for a lifetime.
*
Ian Russell

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