I realize that the readings for this week were focused on data and metadata but I could not get passed the poor use of technology. Going through the readings I realized the importance of doing technology right. Just because something can be done, does not mean it should be done. The same can be said for museums an their collections. Technology should be integrated into the museum because it has a use to serve in the growing demand of the public. However using technology for the sake of using technology merely wastes time and confuses people.
The Cooper-Hewitt piece is one example. While the author may have approached the subject with a particular question in mind, he did not accomplish much; nor was he able to convey anything interesting to the audience. His analysis produced a table of colors but not much interpretation. For another example, the piece by Bellander has a topic in mind and interpretation. However he spends most of his article focusing on the code and the methods he used. While this is relevant, he does not keep his audience in mind focusing on concepts most would not understand or find interesting. Only later in his article does he actually get to the important interpretations. A good example of applied technology is the DH project on Turner. The project is clear and defined in the analysis and interpretations.
In the earlier two cases, the use of technology is poorly applied; an example of when people and museums use fancy technology for projects that do not need it. Technology should therefore be applied wisely and be used to extend or supplement the current collection. If the digital applications put forth by the museum are to frustrating and boring for the public, the technology will only hinder the exhibit. For example, audio guides can be either a hit or miss with some museums. The success and attractiveness of the guides depends on the script, choice of content, narrator, and the length of each audio clip. A guide that is long-winded, mono-toned, and boring will only discourage viewers from learning more about the museum and its collections. Curators and researchers should therefore use technology cautiously.