Multimedia can and does go wrong. It is a well known fact that computers and associated hardware fails, but we can add it to the list of things that go wrong with an exhibition:
- globes blow
- mounts shift
- paint chips
- fuses blow
- computers and screens fail
So what can we do about this that is better than a little sign that says “out of order: sorry for the inconvenience”?
Better sign
Anything would be better than the “out of order” sign!
How about an info graphic that covers some of the material in the interactive that can be neatly placed over the entire screen? Now there’s no apology necessary: it’s just another panel of text.
This gives ample time to fix the computer, screen or whatever that doesn’t work.
Backup hardware
Most multimedia can easily be run on cheap computers (500 – 1000 AUD) and a cheap touch screen (1000 – 2500 AUD).
Why not get two and swap out the broken one with the backup (while your nice, new text panel covers for you)?
You don’t need a spare PC for each interactive though: any competent multimedia supplier can recommend the cheapest option that will give you one spare for the whole exhibition.
We also make sure that the spare system is pre-loaded with all necessary software for each presentation and is easy to get up and running with the right interactive.
You will need a spare of each type of screen, but there shouldn’t be too many variations of that!
Fremaltle Prison used this approach for their Escape! Fremantle to Freedom travelling exhibition and it paid off. One screen needed to be replaced while the show was on the road.
Given that hardware specifications alter rapidly, monitor brands change their range, and technology in general doesn’t stand still, it’s always good to have a spare of the original hardware just in case the old presentations no longer run on new hardware without an upgrade.
Disaster management plan
This is the crucial document. You may have one, you may not; but the point here is to think about what happens when hardware fails and how you want to look to your visitors.
The plan will set out
- where the signs are
- how they are to be placed
- where the spares are
- who to call to fix the damage
With this sorted out, you can guarantee that you won’t need to apologise for anything that doesn’t work. You can just relax and take things in your stride!