Multimedia Information Delivery on Mobile Cultural Applications

摘要

In this paper we describe a user evaluation that aims to understand the use of multimodal features in mobile cultural guides. The object of the study was a mobile guide prototype that delivers cultural heritage information about sculptures in the city of Brighton - UK. The study was taken in situ with 32 participants from diverse nationalities. Participants followed a short sculpture tour using a touch-screen mobile phone to access the application. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and qualitative methods. Relevant findings were identified, such as: the presence of the volume controls on the screen, multitask functions and visibility of hyperlinks. The length and quantity of information accessed by users was proportional to their familiarity with the content, language skills and time available. Pictures assisted in learning about subject history and way finding. Additionally, audio served the purpose when participants want to see the details of the sculpture or light conditions were not proper to visualize the screen. Video was suitable for before or after the tour. Those results served the base to formulated design recommendations for developing audiovisual cultural heritage guides.