Reviewing Automated Sensor-Based Visitor Tracking Studies: Beyond Traditional Observational Methods?

The method of timing and tracking has a long history within visitor studies and exhibition evaluation. With an increase in indoor tracking research, sensor-based positioning tool usage in museums has grown, as have expectations regarding the efficacy of technological sensing systems. This literature review identifies emerging trends in sensor-based tracking methods used for museum visitor studies. Ten studies are identified, in which five sensor-based solutions are used to access visitor movement in museum settings. These are compared with more established observational timing and tracking methods in terms of obtained level of detail, accuracy, level of obtrusiveness, automation of data entry, ability to time concurrent behaviors, and amount of observer training needed. Although individual sensor-based and traditional, observational methods had both strengths and weaknesses, all sensor-based timing and tracking methods provided automated data entry and the opportunity to track a number of visitors simultaneously regardless of the available personnel.