GREY GALLERY
3 Months
2024
The Grey Art Museum at NYU is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art while creating an inclusive environment for all visitors. Our mission focused on identifying accessibility improvements in both the museum’s physical and digital spaces. Collaborating with Leah Sweet, Head of Education and Programs, we aimed to enhance wayfinding, sound quality, and information accessibility for visitors with diverse needs.
Despite its commitment to inclusivity, the museum faced significant accessibility challenges. One major issue was wayfinding; the non-linear layout and placement of sculptures often confused visitors, particularly during peak hours, making navigation a daunting task. Additionally, visitors lacked clear information about available accessibility accommodations, with insufficient online resources hindering effective trip planning. The museum's acoustics also posed a problem, as background noise from chatter, footsteps, and HVAC systems interfered with audio installations and guided tours, detracting from the overall visitor experience.
To tackle these challenges, we proposed several tailored solutions. First, we developed an Access Site, a dedicated webpage offering straightforward information on accessible routes and services available at the museum, ensuring visitors feel informed and empowered. We also created an Access Pamphlet that would be strategically placed throughout the museum to provide essential details on accommodations and navigation, fostering a sense of confidence among visitors. Additionally, we suggested improvements in sound quality, incorporating high-tech solutions like directional speakers to focus sound in specific areas, creating an enriched audio experience for visitors. For low-tech solutions, we proposed self-guided tours utilizing standard smartphone recording software, with translations available through collaboration with NYU students. Moreover, we recommended auditory enhancements, such as installing hearing induction loops and padded walls to improve overall acoustics and minimize disruptive noise, ultimately enhancing comfort and clarity.
To further refine and validate our solutions, we plan to place copies of the access pamphlet in the museum for a week, inviting visitors to interact with it and provide feedback through QR code surveys. We will analyze visitor feedback to assess content clarity, legibility, and layout intuitiveness. Finally, we will submit our final deliverables to Leah Sweet and request her feedback.
Grey Art Gallery, NYU
Sector
Art + Museums
Discipline
UX Accessibility
Space Design
Digital Design
Figma
Adobe Creative Suite
Project Team
Khalia Frazier
Vandana Rajesh
Niya Watkins
Role
UX Researcher, Digital Designer