Italian museums lag behind with outdated audioguides
Despite a decade of revolutions in transport, consumption, public administration, music, and film, Italian museums stubbornly cling to outdated audioguides. While apps now connect users to urban fabric via smartphones and measure bodily reactions to stimuli, museums still offer 20th-century standardized audio players. Reasons include: established companies have built trust with public administrations, creating a competitive advantage over innovative startups; infrastructure costs for Wi-Fi and app maintenance are high; and public administrations are not ready for advanced devices, though they recognize their value. The article warns that if current market leaders do not adapt, they will be replaced by more dynamic firms. It concludes that sooner or later, visitors will demand more, and the market will provide.
Key facts
- Italian museums still primarily use audioguides, which are described as 20th-century relics.
- In the last decade, other sectors like transport, consumption, and music have undergone revolutions.
- Apps can now connect users to urban fabric and measure bodily reactions to stimuli.
- Established audioguide companies have a competitive advantage due to long-standing trust with public administrations.
- Adopting innovative technology requires investment in digital infrastructure, including Wi-Fi.
- Infrastructure costs and technical complications are significant barriers for museums.
- Public administrations are not ready for advanced devices, though they see their added value.
- The article predicts that if current market leaders do not evolve, they will be replaced by more dynamic companies.
Entities
Institutions
- Artribune
- Monti&Taft
Locations
- Italy