Video Jukebox

One of the most common forms of interactive in exhibitions is frequently used, but rarely explained:

The video jukebox.

It’s two of the most evergreen categories of exhibition experience — video and interactivity — in one.

A video jukebox is an interactive media station with multiple short videos, where users select which to play. There is no required start or finish. The visitor controls what is played, the order, and how long they stay. Sometimes with seats, sometimes without. Can be one touchscreen, or more complex.

Unlike other forms of museum media, nothing happens without visitor action.

Partial viewing is fine.

You choose your depth.

These work any time you have multiple short videos in one place. Topics with multiple perspectives. Stories that reward comparison.

When you are dreaming up a video jukebox station, make sure to think of it as a way for viewers to sample, not a way to be complete. Assume it will be used by small social groups, not just a single person. Make the choices, and the playback, clear.

Here’s the thing:

Video jukeboxes combine two of the most evergreen categories of exhibition experience — video and interactivity — into one. Of all interactives, they’re not that hard to produce. Maybe your next project could use a few?

Warmly,
Jonathan

- - - - - - - - - - - -

MtM Word of the Day:
Video jukebox. An interactive media station where visitors select and play short video segments in any order. “Jukebox” comes from vintage coin-operated music machines in bars and restaurants; “juke” meant lively or disorderly.

NEW! The MtM Glossary of Museum Exhibitions (BETA)