Short answer

When designing for visitor attractions, consider technology's potential to be a primary driver of the experience, a protective mechanism, or a central point of interest, rather than solely an enhancement tool.

Field: User-Centred Design
Source: University of Zagreb University Computing Centre (SRCE) (2019)
Method: Conceptual modelling and literature review
Evidence: Moderate effect

Technology in visitor attractions can be strategically employed not only to enhance the existing experience but also to actively create new experiences, serve as a central point of engagement, and even protect the integrity of the attraction itself. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in University of Zagreb University Computing Centre (SRCE). Using Conceptual modelling and literature review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for visitor attractions, consider technology's potential to be a primary driver of the experience, a protective mechanism, or a central point of interest, rather than solely an enhancement tool.

Study

User-Centred DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Technology's Role in Visitor Attractions Extends Beyond Enhancement to Experience Creation and Protection

University of Zagreb University Computing Centre (SRCE) · 2019

Key Findings

01Technology's application in visitor attractions is broader than just enhancing existing experiences.
02Technology can actively create new visitor experiences.
03Technology can serve as a protective element for attractions.
04Technology can become a central focal point of the attraction itself.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When developing a new visitor attraction or redesigning an existing one, brainstorm how technology can be used to create entirely new interactive experiences, safeguard valuable exhibits, or become the main draw for visitors.

Project actions

01Consider the different ways technology can interact with users in your design project.
02Think about how technology can solve problems or create opportunities beyond simple aesthetics.

Method & Evidence

AimTo explore the diverse applications of technology within visitor attractions, moving beyond a sole focus on enhancement to encompass creation, protection, and focal point roles.

MethodConceptual modelling and literature review

ProcedureThe paper revisits existing frameworks on the tourism/technology interface and proposes a conceptual model illustrating various applications of technology in visitor attractions, categorized by their function (creator/enhancer, protector, focal point, destroyer).

ContextVisitor attractions (e.g., museums, theme parks, heritage sites)

Variables

IVType of technological application (enhancer, creator, protector, focal point)

DVVisitor engagement, experience quality, perceived value

CVType of attraction, visitor demographics, existing infrastructure

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a more comprehensive framework for understanding technology's role in visitor attractions.
+Challenges a narrow, enhancement-focused view of technology integration.

Limitations

It can be challenging to isolate the impact of technology when it's integrated with many other design elements in an attraction.

Reliability & validity

The conceptual nature of the model means direct testing of reliability and validity is not applicable without empirical data. Future research would be needed to validate these categories through user studies.

Think critically

How might the 'destructive' potential of technology, as mentioned in the paper, be mitigated or even leveraged positively in attraction design?

Design Principles

"Technology in visitor attractions should be strategically deployed to fulfill diverse functional roles, including experience creation, protection, and focal point, in addition to enhancement."

Understanding the multifaceted role of technology allows designers and operators to move beyond simple digital overlays and consider how technology can fundamentally shape visitor journeys and the very nature of an attraction. This broader perspective can lead to more innovative and impactful design solutions.

What This Means for Your Design

Technology in places like museums or theme parks can do more than just make things look better; it can create new games, keep things safe, or even be the main reason people visit.

How to use in your project

1.Use this to justify exploring technology not just for its visual appeal but for its functional role in shaping user interaction and the overall experience of your design project.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The research suggests that technology within visitor attractions can serve a broader purpose than mere enhancement, acting as a catalyst for new experiences, a protective measure for valuable assets, or even a central point of attraction itself. This perspective is crucial for design projects aiming to create deeply engaging and purposeful user journeys.

Source

University of Zagreb University Computing Centre (SRCE)

Applications of technology in visitor attractions: Revisiting Stipanuk's perspective of the tourism/technology interface

journal · 2019

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about technology's role in visitor attractions extends beyond enhancement to experience creation and protection?: When designing for visitor attractions, consider technology's potential to be a primary driver of the experience, a protective mechanism, or a central point of interest, rather than solely an enhancement tool. Evidence: University of Zagreb University Computing Centre (SRCE) (2019).
Why does "Technology's Role in Visitor Attractions Extends Beyond Enhancement to Experience Creation and Protection" matter for design?: Understanding the multifaceted role of technology allows designers and operators to move beyond simple digital overlays and consider how technology can fundamentally shape visitor journeys and the very nature of an attraction. This broader perspective can lead to more innovative and impactful design solutions.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing for visitor attractions, consider technology's potential to be a primary driver of the experience, a protective mechanism, or a central point of interest, rather than solely an enhancement tool.
What were the main findings?: Technology's application in visitor attractions is broader than just enhancing existing experiences.. Technology can actively create new visitor experiences.. Technology can serve as a protective element for attractions.. Technology can become a central focal point of the attraction itself.
What research method was used?: Conceptual modelling and literature review.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2019 journal from University of Zagreb University Computing Centre (SRCE).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When developing a new visitor attraction or redesigning an existing one, brainstorm how technology can be used to create entirely new interactive experiences, safeguard valuable exhibits, or become the main draw for visitors.
What are the limitations?: The paper presents a conceptual model and does not include empirical testing or specific case studies for each proposed application.