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Museum staff propose mobile app with AR features; trustees press for accessibility and non‑digital options
Summary
Staff proposed a museum mobile app with GPS‑activated content and AR features, estimating $5,000 development, ~$600/month maintenance on a three‑year contract, and $50,000 total funding over three years; trustees urged preserving non‑app access and asked for simple analytics and beta testing.
Museum leadership presented a proposal to develop a Virginia Museum of Natural History mobile app designed to enhance visitor engagement with GPS‑activated content, augmented reality features, and interactive experiences tailored to gallery locations.
Joe told the committee preliminary cost estimates for app development were about $5,000 to launch and roughly $600 per month for maintenance under a three‑year contract, with a total program cost of about $50,000 over three years when marketing is included. Staff proposed seeking a Harvest Foundation "pick‑up‑the‑pace" grant and pursuing a Tobacco Commission match to cover development, maintenance and marketing expenses.
Trustees raised two consistent concerns: avoid duplicating website content and retain non‑digital access. Lisa cautioned that some visitors do not use apps and asked that the museum continue to offer website materials, printed brochures and in‑gallery labels so the app is optional rather than required for access. Art and other trustees suggested limiting app scope to essential features to avoid user confusion and recommended including analytics to measure which content engages visitors.
Staff said existing content (videos and publications) can be repackaged for the app and that beta testing with volunteers will be used to check usability and accessibility before public launch. No funding decision was adopted at the meeting; staff will pursue grant conversations and return with a specific proposal and budget to the board.
