ictus - Museum Package is an experiential museum kit that combines an audio guide with a watercolor set to facilitate users' artistic expression while reflecting upon museum artworks. Museums will provide ictus to patrons who have an interest in engaging with art in new ways. Instead of reading the didactic that often accompanies museum artworks, ictus users can observe work while listening to an audio guide and painting their personal interpretation of the piece.

ictus questions what a new museum experience could be like. It elevates patrons' normal interactions with the artworks in a museum setting to be more educational, so that patrons are able to express their feelings in an innovative and personable manner. Currently, the guides and devices provided to museum patrons (if at all) are limited to visual and auditory guidance, but rarely are there hands-on opportunities that bridge the gap between observing and doing. This lack of interaction in today's museums is causing patrons to rush through the galleries, taking pictures of the artworks and quickly move to the next one without contemplating and internalizing the information. However, ictus bridges the gap and slows down the museum experience to allow time for reflection.

Background:

As Winsor & Newton Watercolor faces increasing competition, the project aims to investigate innovative product and service solutions for Winsor & Newton Watercolors. Winsor & Newton, being a well-established art supply brand, has provided its products to countless artists whose artworks are collected in museums around the world. However, besides providing products to artists, Winsor & Newton has not dabbled in the museum experience itself, despite it being an important part of the art world. Therefore, it is a natural decision for Winsor & Newton to own the museum experience as well, which would not only expand its market, but also educate audiences and encourage them to engage in art. Furthermore, as museums in the United States are facing declined membership customers, creating a new experience is crucial for them.

The problem:

On average, museum goers rarely spend 15-30 seconds in front of an artwork, and potentially miss a valuable time for reflection. Ictus slows down the process of viewing so that viewers more actively absorb the viewing experience and the reflection that comes with extended viewing. It has also been shown that drawing in reaction to learning new things enhances the understanding of it, which helps the visitors to connect to the pieces more than the normal museum experience.

ictus provides a new experience:

ictus creates a complete museum experience for the user through education and self expression. It is for the creatively curious. By providing an opportunity for visitors to connect with the artwork and artists, it enhances the experience by taking them one step closer to understanding the art. Although ictus is a great tool for painters to get inspiration in front of tangible artworks, it is especially beneficial to people who have a genuine interest in art but have not received any type of education. Additionally, it provides a chance for people with no previous art experience to acquire an intimate understanding and connection with the art pieces in front of them.

The challenges in designing ictus revolved around its practicality, specifically:

• How to design a form that meets the needs of a diverse set of potential users: left handed, right handed, children, elderly, experienced artists, art beginners… etc.

• Making sure that users can paint both landscape and portrait paintings without affecting the other functions• How to ensure that ictus is clean while being carried and used, avoiding spills.

• Ease of maintenance: ensuring that ictus can be easily cleaned and prepared for the next visitor to use it

• Consideration of ergonomics—small and compact, easy to carry, a shape that is easy to hold and use.

ictus could bring numerous benefits to Winsor & Newton and museums:

• Firstly, Winsor & Newton could expand its market by selling ictus to museums.

• Secondly, an added revenue for using the product would be a continuous income for both Winsor & Newton as well as the museums in the form of usage and maintenance fees.

• Thirdly, ictus introduces artistic practice to the uninitiated and fosters an interest in the arts, which in the long run, brings more customers and profit to the company as this program is a direct advertisement for Winsor & Newton.

• Lastly, museums with ictus would become more attractive as they are providing a more interactive touring experience, making them stand out among other museums.

What social benefits does ictus bring:

ictus would make museum touring experience fun yet educational, which helps to introduce more people to the world of art.

By expanding the parameters of who considers themselves eligible to participate in the museum experience, ictus aims to bring art to all, and in doing so expands the benefits that artistic activities bring. Specifically, spending time in museums and the act of creation itself has been found to relieve stress, boost self-esteem, foster feelings of joy, and encourage creative thinking. In this manner, ictus can expand the horizons that the art world currently maintains, and brings to fruition these feelings in all individuals, not just those who have already made this discovery for themselves.

Material:

The main body and pallet case of ictus is made of injection-molded polypropylene, the paint booklet is made of watercolor paper glued with resins, and the audio components are electrical components soldered onto a circuit board.

The product is designed to be taken apart at the end of life, and individual components can be recycled.

Cost:

The cost of each ictus is 80 dollars. For a museum to implement ictus, it would cost 4000 dollars to start with 50 units. Museum patrons would spend 15 dollars to borrow ictus for the day, which includes the watercolor booklet, watercolor material cost, and maintenance fee.

*ictus is a student project and it is not affiliated with any brand.