Yujiang Wu
Recomposing Museums:
Designing Rhythmic Experiences for Short Attention Spans in the Digital Age
In an era of rapid digital evolution, changes in how information is communicated and consumed have led to shorter attention spans. Traditional museums, which are rooted in continuous, linear storytelling, now face a need for adaptation. This thesis advocates for an innovative exhibition design approach tailored to the realities of shorter attention spans, proposing engagement and design strategies that introduce segmented narratives, diverse spatial configurations, sensory stimuli, and designated rest areas. By embracing a rhythmic experience, museums can combat “museum fatigue,” ultimately revitalizing their role as user-friendly cultural and educational institutions in the digital age.
Approximating an exhibition experience, the thesis book adopts a non-linear, rhythmic, and segmented structure, comprising four interconnected yet distinct books that live within a single casing: an observational journal, a graphic design manual, a catalog of strategies, and a set of abstract visualizations.
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