Tracking Visitor Circulation in Museum Settings

Abstract

Tracking visitor movement through exhibit and gallery spaces is one of the oldest methods of studying visitor behavior. Observation of locomotion or circulation patterns constitutes a major element in any behavior setting analysis of exhibit design. The adaptation of early methods to current exhibit evaluation work in Germany is reviewed in this article. Of particular interest is the use of descriptive graphics to reveal patterns of circulation and potential design problems. Examples from three different studies of German exhibits are included. Although tracking of visitor movement cannot answer all questions about visitor reactions to museums, it is a basic tool that must be included in any behavioral study of exhibit design and effectiveness.