This paper discusses a study that tracked the behavior of 350 visitors to the Lester E. Fisher Great Ape House at Lincoln Park Zoo over a 12-month period. Findings relate to visit durations, including children vs. adults as well as visitors' responses to interpretive graphics. This data adds to the growing literature on visitor behavior in zoological parks and have helped to guide several aspects of exhibit design for Lincoln Park Zoo's new ape facility.
This paper reports a formative evaluation of an interactive exhibit in the Museum of Science, Boston, that encouraged visitors to create a model using everyday materials. The materials provided for visitors to create their models changed during the period of the evaluation, and visitors were observed and interviewed as they engaged with the various prototypes. Evaluation results show that the type of modeling material presented influenced the visitors' model making process and individual learning and behaviors as well as the interactions visitors had with each other.
This article presents findings from a study that employed visitor surveys and observations to assess the factors that significantly influence visitor behavior and viewing time in six zoo exhibits with underwater viewing. The authors' research revealed that visitor group type, size of underwater viewing windows, animal size, aquatic activity, and presence of infant animals had significant impacts on visitor behavior. They discuss implications for the planning and design of exhibits with underwater viewing. The appendix includes the survey used in the study.
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Stephanie Clark RidgwayMargaret LivingstonSteven E. Smith