Session Idea: User Engagement with Physical Objects

[Anastasia Weigle]

Humans interact with physical objects every day.  It is something that is done without thought or force and can have a profound impact on the user.  Certainly, it is what helps humans navigate the world around them.  In a growing technological world with numerous devices that help us connect, communicate, find and retrieve information, the physical object still presents us with attributes difficult or impossible to translate in the digital world.

A users perception when handling an object can change just by the very touch or smell of an object in its physical, authentic form.  I did a  small pilot study on this very subject to investigate users’ perception and experience during the handling of archival objects.  Results revealed user experience much deeper than expected.  As one user expressed, “It is the story that they tell, the historical context, personal feeling, tie to community, to other people.  Grounding and sentimental in a way—giving you a sense of place.” 

How often do user engage in the actual physical object in the archives? What kind of programs have been created in the archives that brings the user and object together. What information can be found on the object that is difficult to translate in the digital form?

[jane.m...@gmail.com]

I find this topic very interesting--I wrote my master's thesis on "Digitization for Preservation and Effects on Intrinsic Value" because the idea of trying to transmit some of that tangible something that gets lost in digitization really caught my attention. I think it would be interesting to explore the feelings of the community regarding the balance of having patrons be so careful of our items that they feel like they shouldn't touch them vs. encouraging them to fully experience whatever we've pulled for them.

[njsaa....@gmail.com]

This is a great topic to explore in the age of "experiencing" everything on a computer screen. In my former life as an art history major, I remember being in awe of standing in front of the real painting after only experiencing their smaller reproduction in books. I was so enthralled to get up close to John Constable's Salisbury Cathedral, that I got too personal and set off the alarms at the Met!

Even when discussing do's and don't's of archival housings, I think it sinks in better when you can handle the item rather than trying to use a printed or electronic how-to. It's really just human nature.

[wei...@simmons.edu]

Would it be worth having a discussion panel on the differences between digital and physical objects and what authenticity means. How critical thinking can be impacted by the handling of physical objects versus digital objects. In the age of google searching and the ongoing evolution of technology and AI, what are students losing by living in a world of high tech? We take our humanous for granted, forgetting that we live in a very physical world engaging constantly with objects without thinking about it. We do not need an interface to connect to the real object thus making our experience with physical objects seamless.

[ssmal...@gmail.com]

I find this topic very interesting. I work with footwear designers and they always insist on seeing the actual object. It has been a fascinating experience seeing a designer hold a newly acquired object and seeing how it inspires new creations.

[Anastasia Weigle]

So, would it  be worthwhile to have either an
Open forum or Roundtable Discussion on this topic?
Deadline is July 2? I'm willing! I think it was fun, interesting and illuminating!
Anastasia

[ssmal...@gmail.com]

I would be willing to participate in either format. Let me know what I can do to help you put the proposal together.

[Anastasia Weigle]

Hi "njsaa"

Would you be interested in participating in a Roundtable Discussion on this topic? If so, please let me know!

Anastasia Weigle

[Anastasia Weigle]

Hi Jane:

Would you be interested in participating in a Roundtable Discussion on this topic? If so, please let me know.

Anastasia Weigle