Identifying the Educational Dimensions of Virtual Reality Technology on Museum Activities and Services: A Systematic Review

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Candidate in Comparative and Analytic History of Islamic Art, Department of Advanced Studies of Art, School of Visual Arts, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Advanced Art Studies, School of Visual Arts, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This study aims to explore the educational components of virtual reality in museums. The primary focus is on identifying the sources of these components within museum activities and services, as well as examining their relationship with the research process. A systematic review methodology was employed, analyzing findings from relevant studies and some most important published articles. The analysis was conducted by breaking down key dimensions and components, using a coding method to interpret the data. The study is qualitative and descriptive in nature, is an applied, deep study in terms of its objectives, and also utilizes a systematic review as its method. A systematic search was conducted using databases including Science Direct, Google Scholar, JStore, Web of Science, Springlink and Wiley. Initially, 9,183 articles were identified. After applying inclusion criteria and removing duplicates and irrelevant items, 33 articles were selected for final analysis. The review focused on articles published in English between 2014 and 2024. For data collection and addressing the research questions that are in play and very important for the discussion, Strauss and Corbin's grounded coding methodology was applied. This research engages in qualitative content analysis, focusing on compiling, organizing, and also interpreting data from published studies examining the use of virtual reality in museums. The PRISMA Statement guidelines were precisely followed to structure the systematic review process in a meticulous and effective way. Out of the 317 initially considered articles, 33 studies were ultimately selected, revealing a steadily increasing trend in publications on the topic. Through content analysis and categorization of the coded data from the selected articles, seven major dimensions relating to the educational impact of virtual reality technology on museum services and activities were finally identified. These dimensions include visitor-museum interaction, museum culture, education and learning, aesthetic appeal of museums, museum visitation experience, sensory immersion, and museum marketing. The research findings indicate that virtual reality technology most significantly enhances interactive experiences, sensory immersion, and educational engagement for museum audiences. It also enables the collection of valuable data on visitor interests and behavior, which can be used to enhance museum services and educational programs. The results of systematic reviews of previous research also indicate in some way or other that museums are increasingly using new technologies in their vast, different educational programs. To some extent, the aim of this effort has been to create some kinds of interactive and collaborative learning environments, situations, and states that complement formal education in schools, universities, and other similar institutions. The main discussion and the final conclusions of this study clearly demonstrate that employing virtual reality technology in museums can somehow create immersive environments and advanced interactive experiences in special rooms and atmospheres for visitors. Moreover, this technology plays a substantial role in improving various educational aspects such as enhancing learning experiences and developing practical applications and programs. It can also influence individuals' interest in visiting physical museums. These findings offer practical insights for museum designers and education specialists, providing a stronger scientific and applied foundation for developing museum experiences.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

دانایی فرد، حسن و امامی، سید مجتبی (1386). استراتژی های پژوهش کیفی: تاملی بر نظریه پردازی داده بنیاد. اندیشه مدیریت، 1(2)، 69-97. doi: 10.30497/smt.2007.104
حبیبی، آرش؛ جلال‌نیا، راحله. (۱۴۰۱). پدیدارشناسی. انتشارات نارون.
Bachiller, C., Monzo, J. M., & Rey, B. (2023). Augmented and virtual reality to enhance the didactical experience of technological heritage museums. Applied Sciences, 13(6). pp.3539. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063539
Bailenson, J. (2018). Experience on demand: What virtual reality is, how it works, and what it can do. Publisher: WWNorton & Company. ‏ Barszcz, M., Dziedzic, K., Skublewska‐Paszkowska, M., & Powroznik, P. (2023). 3D scanning digital models for virtual museums. Computer Animation and Virtual Worlds, 34(3-4), e2154. https://doi.org/10.1002/cav.2154
Bearman, M.,Smith, C.D.,Carbone, A.,Slade, S.,Baik, C.,Hughes-Warrington, M., & Neumann, D. L. (2012). Systematic review methodology in higher education. Higher Education Research & Development, 31(5). pp.625-640.
Burdea, G. C., & Coiffet, P. (2003). Virtual reality technology. John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1162/105474603322955950.
Chen, Q., & Liu, Y. (2023). Discussion on the application of virtual technology in museum display design. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Culture, Design and Social Development (CDSD) 2022. Atlantis Press. pp.598-604. https:// DOI: 10.2991/978-2-38476-018-3_70
Chen, S., Duan, A., & Wang, J. (2021). Using digital technologies in museum learning activities to enhance learning experience: A systematic review. Bulletin of the Technical Committee on Learning Technology, 21(2). pp.32-36.
Cianci, M. G., Daniele, C., Stefano, B., Colaceci, S., & Matteo, M. (2022). Virtual Reality in Future Museums. In Representation Challenges: New Frontieres of AR and AI Research for Cultural Heritage and Innovative Design .pp. 261-268.
Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research methods in education. Routledge. Creswell, J. W. (2016). Reflections on the MMIRA the future of mixed methods task force report. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 10(3). pp.215-219. Danai Farid, Hasan va Emami, Seyyed Mojtaba (1386). Qualitative Research Strategies: A Reflection on Grounded Data Theorizing ]Estrateji-haye Pazhoohesh-Kiifi: Tamelli bar Nazariyeh-Pardazi Dade-Band[. Andisheh-ye Modiriyat, 1(2), 69-97. (In Persian)
de Carvalho Souza, A. M., Aureliano, T., Ghilardi, A. M., Ramos, E. A., Bessa, O. F. M., & Rennó-Costa, C. (2023). DinosaurVR: Using Virtual Reality to Enhance a Museum Exhibition. Journal on Interactive Systems, 14(1). pp.363-370. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/jis.2023.3464
Dewdney, A (2018). What Is the current fascination with VR on the part of museums and art galleries?, Contemporary Art Society Annual Conference: The Virtual in Museums: Hot Medium?. National Gallery, London 10 May 2018.
Economou, M. (2016). Heritage in the digital age. A companion to heritage studies. pp.215-228. Eom MS, T., & Kim Ph D, J. (2021). Exploring museum visitors’ virtual reality experiences: An online user-generated content approach.
Errichiello, L., Micera, R., Atzeni, M., & Del Chiappa, G. (2019). Exploring the implications of wearable virtual reality technology for museum visitors' experience: A cluster analysis. International Journal of Tourism Research, 21(5). Pp.590-605. DOI: 10.1002/jtr.2283
Franjić, T., & Peštek, A. (2022, June). A systematic mapping study on augmented and virtual reality applied in museums. In Proceedings of FEB Zagreb International Odyssey Conference on Economics and Business. Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 705-719. Gatto, C., D’Errico, G., Paladini, G. I., & De Paolis, L. T. (2021). Virtual reality in Italian museums: a brief discussion. In Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Computer Graphics: 8th International Conference, AVR 2021, Virtual Event, September 7–10, 2021, Proceedings 8 (pp. 306-314). Springer International Publishing. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-87595-4_22
Gough, D., & Richardson, M. (2018). Systematic reviews. Edited By Paula Brough. In Advanced research methods for applied psychology (pp. 63-75).
Habibi, Arash; Jalalnia, Raheleh. (1401). Phenomenology] padidarshenasi[. Naroon Entesharat. (In Persian).
Jin, Y., Ma, M., & Liu, Y. (2024). Comparative Study of HMD-based Virtual and Augmented Realities for Immersive Museums: User Acceptance, Medium, and Learning. ACM Journal on Computing and Cultural Heritage, 17(1). pp.1-17. https://doi.org/10.1145/3627164
Jung, T., tom Dieck, M. C., Lee, H., & Chung, N. (2016). Effects of virtual reality and augmented reality on visitor experiences in museum. In Information and communication technologies in tourism 2016: Proceedings of the international conference in Bilbao, Spain, February 2-5, 2016 (pp. 621-635).
Kamariotou, V., Kamariotou, M., & Kitsios, F. (2021). Strategic planning for virtual exhibitions and visitors’ experience: A multidisciplinary approach for museums in the digital age. Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, Macedonia. DOI: 10.1016/j.daach.2021.e00183
Kargas, A., Karitsioti, N., & Loumos, G. (2020). Reinventing museums in 21st century: Implementing augmented reality and virtual reality technologies alongside social Media's logics. In Virtual and augmented reality in education, art, and museums. IGI Global. (pp. 117-138). DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-1796-3.ch007
Kavanagh, S., Luxton-Reilly, A., Wuensche, B., & Plimmer, B. (2017). A systematic review of virtual reality in education. Themes in science and technology education, 10(2). PP.85-119.
Kidd, J. (2016). Museums in the new mediascape: Transmedia, participation, ethics. Routledge. Komianos, V. (2022). Immersive applications in museums: an analysis of the use of xr technologies and the provided functionality based on systematic literature review. JOIV: International Journal on Informatics Visualization, 6(1). PP.60-73. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30630/joiv.6.1.708
Kuchelmeister, V. (2018). The virtual (reality) museum of immersive experiences. In Electronic Visualisation and the Arts.Published by BCS Learning and Development Ltd. Proceedings of Proceedings of EVA London 2018, UK. http://dx.doi.org/10.14236/ewic/EVA2018.39
Lee, H., Jung, T. H., tom Dieck, M. C., & Chung, N. (2020). Experiencing immersive virtual reality in museums. Information & Management, 57(5). P.103229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2019.103229
Li, M., Wang, G., Fu, X., & Ren, L. (2022). Interactive design of museum display space based on virtual and reality technology. Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8662037
Li, Y. C., Liew, A. W. C., & Su, W. P. (2012). The digital museum: Challenges and solution. In 2012 8th International Conference on Information Science and Digital Content Technology (ICIDT2012) (Vol. 3, pp. 646-649).
Liu, D. (2023). Design of Digital Museum System Based on Optimized Virtual Reality Technology. International Journal of Communication Networks and Information Security (IJCNIS), 15(1). PP.194-203. https://doi.org/10.17762/ijcnis.v15i1.5885 Loumos, G. E. O. R. G. E., Kargas, A. N. T. O. N. I. O. S., & Varoutas, D. I. M. I. T. R. I. O. S. (2018). Augmented and virtual reality technologies in cultural sector: Exploring their usefulness and the perceived ease of use. JMC, 4. PP.307-322. Mamur, N., Özsoy, V., & Karagöz, I. (2020). Digital Learning Experience in Museums: Cultural Readings in a Virtual Environment. International Journal of Contemporary Educational Research, 7(2). PP.335-350. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33200/ijcer.799643
Mohd Noor Shah, N. F., & Ghazali, M. (2018). A systematic review on digital technology for enhancing user experience in museums. In User Science and Engineering: 5th International Conference, i-USEr 2018, Puchong, Malaysia, August 28–30, 2018, Proceedings 5 (pp. 35-46).
Muka, T., Glisic, M., Milic, J., Verhoog, S., Bohlius, J., Bramer, W., ... & Franco, O. H. (2020).
A 24-step guide on how to design, conduct, and successfully publish a systematic review and meta-analysis in medical research. European journal of epidemiology, 35. PP.49-60. DOI: 10.1007/s10654-019-00576-5
Ogrizek, M., Mortimer, M., Antlej, K., Callari, T. C., Stefan, H., & Horan, B. (2024). Evaluating the impact of passive physical everyday tools on interacting with virtual reality museum objects. Virtual Reality, 28(1), 26. DOI: 10.1007/s10055-023-00915-8
Ogrizek, M., Mortimer, M., Antlej, K., Callari, T. C., Stefan, H., & Horan, B. (2024). Evaluating the impact of passive physical everyday tools on interacting with virtual reality museum objects. Virtual Reality, 28(1), 26.
Oyelude, A. A. (2018). Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in libraries and museums. Library Hi Tech News, 35(5). PP.1-4.
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., ... & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Bmj. P.372. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71 Parker, E., & Saker, M. (2020). Art museums and the incorporation of virtual reality: Examining the impact of VR on spatial and social norms. Convergence, 26(5-6). PP.1159-1173.
Polanin, J. R., Maynard, B. R., & Dell, N. A. (2017). Overviews in education research: A systematic review and analysis. Review of Educational Research, 87(1). PP.172-203.
Puig, A., Rodríguez, I., Arcos, J. L., Rodríguez-Aguilar, J. A., Cebrián, S., Bogdanovych, A., ... & Piqué, R. (2020). Lessons learned from supplementing archaeological museum exhibitions with virtual reality. Virtual Reality, 24(2). PP.343-358. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-019-00391-z
Qian, Y. (2021). Virtual Reality and Modern Visitor in the Museum. In 2021 3rd International Conference on Literature, Art and Human Development (ICLAHD) 2021 .Atlantis Press. (pp. 290-294).
Rae, J., & Lizzie, E. (2016). Virtual reality at the British Museum: What is the value of virtual reality environments for learning by children and young people, schools, and families. MW2016: Museums and the Web, 1.
Rai, B. B., Morley, M. G., Bernstein, P. S., & Maddess, T. (2022). Severity of age-related macular degeneration at first presentation in Bhutan: a 3-year national study. BMC ophthalmology, 22(1). P.298. DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02520-w Serota, N. (1996). Experience or interpretation: the dilemma of museums of modern art. (No Title).
Shehade, M., & Stylianou-Lambert, T. (2019). The future of technology in museums. In ICOM General THE FUTURE OF TRADITION IN MUSEOLOGY Conference. Kyoto, Japan, 1-7 September 2019. pp. 153–158.
Shehade, M., & Stylianou-Lambert, T. (2020). Virtual reality in museums: Exploring the experiences of museum professionals. Applied sciences, 10(11). P.4031.
Stead, N. (2002). In the vernacular: on the architecture of the National Museum of Australia. Journal of Australian studies, 26(72). PP.121-129.
Sun, L., Zhou, Y., Hansen, P., Geng, W., & Li, X. (2018). Cross-objects user interfaces for video interaction in virtual reality museum context. Multimedia tools and applications, 77. PP.29013-29041.
Suri, P. A., Syahputra, M. E., Amany, A. S. H., & Djafar, A. (2023). Systematic literature review: The use of virtual reality as a learning media. Procedia Computer Science, 216. PP.245-251. DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2022.12.133
Tsita, C., Satratzemi, M., Pedefoudas, A., Georgiadis, C., Zampeti, M., Papavergou, E., ... & Tzovaras, D. (2023). A Virtual Reality Museum to Reinforce the Interpretation of Contemporary Art and Increase the Educational Value of User Experience. Heritage, 6(5).PP.4134-4172. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6050218
Wang, B., & Liu, Y. (2019). The research on application of virtual reality technology in museums. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1302, No. 4, p. 042049). IOP Publishing. Wang, J., Sun, Y., Zhang, L., Zhang, S., Feng, L., & Morrison, A. M. (2024). Effect of display methods on intentions to use virtual reality in museum tourism. Journal of Travel Research, 63(2) .PP.314-334. https://doi.org/10.1177/00472875231164987
Willemsen, B.(2024)." Gartner Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends ".WWW. Gartner. Com Zhang, T., & Xue, W. (2023, March). Design and Application of Virtual Reality Technology in the Museum Cloud Display. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Information, Control and Automation, ICICA 2022, December 2-4, 2022, Chongqing, China. http://dx.doi.org/10.4108/eai.2-12-2022.2327938
Zhao, W., Su, L., & Dou, F. (2023). Designing virtual reality based 3D modeling and interaction technologies for museums. Heliyon, 9(6). DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16486
Zhao, W., Su, L., & Dou, F. (2023). Dynamic Image Display Design in Museums Based on Virtual Reality Technology. Available at SSRN 4415247.
Zhou, H. (2019). Virtual reality in the art museum. In SIGGRAPH Asia 2019 Doctoral Consortium (pp. 1-5).
Journal of Fine Arts: Visual Arts
Volume 30, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 107-122

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics