The Continuous Struggle of the Visitors Experience.

The readings this week really made me think. I always though creating participatory activities was a difficult task but when the two authors really got into detail about it, it made me realize just how much work actually does go into it. Not only do you have to come up with an idea but you really have to do a lot of thinking. You have to get an activity that isn't just for kids. Activities for kids are easier because it can be very easy to draw their attention to it. If you give a kid the chance to get messy or build something or anything along those lines they are going to want to do it. Adults on the other hand can be more difficult. They aren't going to necessarily want to build something or get messy but they still may enjoy doing some type of activity. I thought the example of the poster making was a great one. Those who attended were able to make their own psychedelic poster to take home and also had the option of hanging it in the museum. Just reading about it made me want to participate! This also made me think more though. Both authors discussed making the participatory activity something that will be in the museum or benefit the museum but what if there isn't a way to incorporate it? Not all museums have the space to display artwork done by visitors or have a way to incorporate their work into the museum or exhibit. Other museums don't have the funds to do such a thing. So how do you create a participatory activity that people will want to take part in and actually feel like they did it for a purpose and it wasn't a waste of time? Most people don't realize just how much thought let alone how much work goes into creating an activity like this. It really gets you thinking just how much of the job consists of simply making the people happy.