The Design of Interactive Exhibits to Promote the Making of Meaning

Overview It is argued that the place of interactive exhibits in science and technology centres will only be assured when their design and use is based on an empirically-justified model which encompasses both entertainment and learning. In the light of research at Questacon, the Australian National Science and Technology Centre, a model for the Personal Awareness of Science and Technology (PAST) is put forward here and an application is made of PAST to existing interactive exhibits. The ability of interactive exhibits, designed using the model, to withstand current criticisms is evaluated.