Design-based research on digital media in a museum environment

This article describes the application of a design-based research approach at the Deutsches Museum, a German science and technology museum, in a collaborative project examining how digital media can support museum learning. Design-based research is an integrative approach that combines the development of theoretical knowledge and the research-practice transfer. The application of a design-based research approach is discussed in the context of the history of visitor studies at the Deutsches Museum. Three projects examining the educational potential of media exhibits serve as examples of how this approach has been implemented, and illustrate how design-based research can address the problems and questions of practitioners as well as relevant psychological research issues. Finally, conclusions are drawn regarding the challenges and opportunities related to this new approach.