Behavioral Design in Museums: Understanding How Spatial Design Shapes Children's Exploration and Interaction

This study explores how spatial design influences children's exploration behaviors and interactions within museum spaces, with a focus on the Museum of Heilongjiang Province, China. It seeks to understand how various design elements, such as layout, exhibit arrangement, signage, and accessibility, impact children's engagement and movement patterns. To fill this gap, the current research examines the effect of spatial layout, exhibit type, and accessibility on the level of engagement of children in museum settings. Data were gathered using a qualitative phenomenological design wherein the semi-structured interviews with 15 participants were used to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes related to spatial design and engagement. The study found that children's exploration behaviors were heavily influenced by the openness and flexibility of museum spaces. Clear signage and intuitive pathways encouraged more active movement, while interactive exhibits were more engaging than static ones. Children also preferred spaces that allowed for social interaction, indicating the importance of social factors in the museum experience. However, barriers such as difficult access points and unclear directions hindered engagement. This research contributes to the field by providing a child-centered perspective on museum design, emphasizing how spatial elements shape children's cognitive and emotional experiences. The findings offer practical recommendations for museum designers, educators, and policymakers to enhance children's engagement through improved spatial design, thereby enriching the overall museum experience.