CMHR 1.17

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has introduced a comprehensive mobile application designed to enhance visitor engagement and accessibility. As the first of its kind among global museums, this app offers a fully accessible, self-guided tour incorporating audio, images, text, and video content to enrich the visitor experience.

Key features of the app include:

• Audio Guide: Narrations by Museum staff members provide detailed descriptions of each gallery, highlighting exhibits and architectural features. Transcripts are available for reference, alongside image galleries and videos to create an interactive and immersive experience.
• “Near Me” Mode: Utilizing low-frequency “iBeacons,” this feature connects visitors’ devices to over 120 Universal Access Points situated throughout the Museum. It is particularly beneficial for visitors who are blind or have low vision, offering audio descriptions of key exhibit highlights. Users can also input specific UAP numbers to access information remotely. This marks the first implementation of iBeacon technology in a Canadian cultural institution and the most extensive deployment globally.
• Panorama View: An augmented reality feature allows users to explore panoramic images from the Israel Asper Tower of Hope and Indigenous Perspectives Terrace. Interactive “hot spots” provide contextual information about nearby Winnipeg landmarks, accessible via real-time camera view or static panorama mode.
• Mood Meter: A novel interactive tool that enables visitors to share their emotional responses as they navigate the Museum. This feature not only fosters engagement but also collects valuable feedback and displays collective sentiment, representing a pioneering approach in museum programming worldwide.
• Interactive Map: An intuitive digital map assists visitors in orienting themselves within the Museum’s public spaces. It offers real-time location tracking, detailed floor plans, and step-by-step directions to specific exhibits or amenities.
• Online Ticketing and Membership: Facilitates quick purchase options to bypass queues, providing convenience for planning visits.
• Visitor Information: The app includes an event calendar, details about the Boutique, ERA Bistro, guided tour options, accessibility services, donation opportunities, and links to social media platforms to connect with the Museum community.
• Accessibility: Emphasizing inclusivity, the app integrates data from over 120 Universal Access Points. For visitors who are Deaf or hard of hearing, content is available in ASL and LSQ, with additional sign-language resources for select exhibits. For those who are blind or have low vision, tactile indicators such as Braille labels, tactile numbers, and floor strips (“cane-stops”) complement audio descriptions for key highlights.

The development of this application was a collaborative effort between the Museum and Acoustiguide, a leader in custom content creation for cultural institutions worldwide. Its features reflect a thoughtful commitment to accessibility and innovative visitor engagement.