Hacking the museum
: the processual model of Digital Amplification

    Student thesis: Doctoral ThesisDoctor of Philosophy

    Abstract

    This thesis by portfolio evidences the claim for the development of a new postdigital model of media communication, the “Processual Model of Digital Amplification” (PMDA) which emerged from four large case studies: BT Digital Archive; Mandela27; SWING, (Sustainable Ways to INcrease equal access to learning), and The Lanchester Interactive Archive. The PMDA model was developed to address the changing nature of human engagement with cultural heritage now that more opportunities have arisen for widespread engagement through digital technologies.

    The case studies in the portfolio, present a range of research outputs starting from 2012 that are pertinent to postdigital culture. The submissions include traditional journal articles and published non-traditional material such as exhibitions and digital platforms, which support games and augmented reality. The portfolio contextualises the journey undertaken to develop the “Processual Model of Digital Amplification” which was tested in the case studies and is currently used for cultural heritage, and more recently for pop-up Accessibility Centres in North Africa.

    The research in the portfolio can be considered as a contribution of knowledge to the literature in two ways: firstly, through written analysis and practical application as to how digital media can be used to amplify cultural heritage; and secondly, through its furthering of knowledge around digital culture and community engagement by means of pop-up exhibition spaces. What is demonstrated and argued throughout the research is that the model of digital amplification evolved by recognising the value of hybrid physical/digital spaces combined with the hacking or reordering of their associated content to reflect the bespoke needs of the community.

    This portfolio shows that accessible heritage can be achieved with low-cost movable exhibitions that include digital assets, and that pop-up DIY spaces are a viable alternative to the hegemonic models of institutions, especially where it comes to engagement for diverse communities.
    Date of AwardDec 2019
    Original languageEnglish
    Awarding Institution
    • Coventry University
    SupervisorAndree Woodcock (Supervisor), Gary Hall (Supervisor) & Janneke Adema (Supervisor)

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