CANCELLED - Exploring Expert and Non-Expert Perception of 3D Digital Models of Museum Objects

* Please note that this event has unfortunately been cancelled - apologies for the inconvenience caused *

In this talk, Kira Zumkley explores how users of 3D digital models of museum objects understand their appearance and how this understanding influences the interpretation of the appearance of the original physical object. Through qualitative interviews the author explores which issues commonly present in 3D digital models lead to misinterpretations and which factors play a role in the user’s ability to correctly understand the information presented within 3D digital models. Six different factors are considered: the user’s background knowledge about the object and/or 3D imaging technology, how much the content and/or technology matters to the users and how much the users trust the content source and/or the 3D imaging technology itself.

The findings show that background knowledge of both content and 3D imaging technology had the most influence with a low level of trust in the technology. Further work should concentrate on which mechanisms can support users to better understand the information presented through 3D digital models. These insights will enable museum practitioners to make the most of their digitisation efforts and feel confident that their user’s expectations are met.

Kira Zumkley is a postgraduate researcher focusing on the use of advanced imaging techniques to facilitate access to large-scale museum objects. In addition, she works as a freelance heritage imaging professional and is a honorary lecturer at UCL Centre for Digital Humanities. Prior to starting her PhD, Kira was the Photography Manager at the Science Museum Group where she was responsible for the daily running of its five photography studios.