Examination of the relationship between authenticity and digital implementations: A case study of Besættelsesmuseet
Author
Jensen, Mie Nymann
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2022
Submitted on
2022-05-31
Pages
70
Abstract
This thesis examines how authenticity is experienced at Besættelsesmuseet (the Occupation Museum) and how digital implementations influence that feeling. It is motivated by a personal visit where digital elements were perceived differently, prompting questions about how the museum and its visitors understand authenticity, the use of digital elements, and the relationship between them. A literature review on experience, authenticity, and digitalization shows that evaluations are highly individual, and that digital elements are often used to enhance experiences or strengthen authenticity. To organize these dynamic ideas, the study uses the SERVQUAL service quality model, which compares expectations and actual experiences. The model was adapted to the museum with five focus areas: gap 1 (museum and visitor expectations), gap 5 (whether experiences meet expectations), gap A (perceptions of authenticity), gap D (perceptions of digital implementations), and gap AD (the relationship between digital and authenticity). Data were collected through observations and interviews using a phenomenological approach that centers on individuals’ lived experiences. The material was thematically coded and analyzed using the five gaps. The analysis found no major discrepancies between the museum’s and visitors’ views. Digital implementations generally have a positive effect on visitors’ sense of authenticity. Many visitors reported that digital elements add sensory layers, bring them closer to history, and amplify the feeling that what they encounter is “real.” The museum’s rationale for digitalization is to offer features not achievable with traditional physical displays and to provide a more close-up experience. At the same time, both the museum and visitors stress that digital tools cannot create authenticity on their own; their impact depends on the museum’s physical buildings and objects.
Specialet undersøger, hvordan autenticitet opleves på Besættelsesmuseet, og hvordan digitale implementeringer påvirker denne følelse. Udgangspunktet er en personlig oplevelse, hvor digitale elementer blev opfattet forskelligt, hvilket rejste spørgsmålet om, hvordan museum og gæster forstår autenticitet, brugen af digitale elementer og forholdet mellem dem. En litteraturgennemgang af oplevelse, autenticitet og digitalisering viser, at vurderinger er stærkt individuelle, og at digitale elementer ofte bruges til at forbedre oplevelsen eller forstærke autenticitet. For at strukturere de dynamiske begreber anvendes servicekvalitetsmodellen SERVQUAL, der sammenligner forventninger og faktiske oplevelser. Modellen tilpasses museets kontekst med fem fokusområder: gab 1 (museum og gæsters forventninger), gab 5 (om oplevelsen lever op til forventninger), gab A (opfattelser af autenticitet), gab D (opfattelser af digitale implementeringer) og gab AD (forholdet mellem digitalt og autenticitet). Data er indsamlet gennem observationer og interviews i en fænomenologisk tilgang, hvor individets oplevelse er i centrum. Materialet er tematisk kodet og analyseret ud fra de fem gab. Analysen viser ingen væsentlige uoverensstemmelser mellem museets og gæsternes opfattelser. De digitale implementeringer påvirker overvejende positivt gæsternes oplevelse af autenticitet. Mange beskriver, at det digitale tilfører sanselige lag, bringer dem tættere på historien og forstærker følelsen af, at det er “ægte”. Museets formål med digitaliseringen er netop at tilbyde noget, der ikke kan opnås alene med traditionelle fysiske udstillinger og at give en mere nærværende oplevelse. Samtidig understreger både museum og gæster, at det digitale ikke kan skabe autenticitet i sig selv; effekten bygger på museets fysiske rammer og genstande.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
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