Working questions / FAQ
Questions beyond the plinth
The questions that help turn a compelling concept into a more generous public encounter.
Does a gaming exhibition need playable games?
No. Playable material can reveal design decisions, but objects, recordings, documents and testimony can also support a strong argument. Choose the medium that explains the idea and state any limits.
Can fans and newcomers share the same exhibition?
Yes. Keep the main narrative understandable without prior knowledge and provide optional layers for deeper familiarity. Recognition should enrich the visit, not control entry.
When should accessibility work begin?
At the brief. Include paid input from disabled participants, access expertise and early testing before layout and technology choices become difficult to change.
Does owning a game allow us to exhibit or stream it?
Ownership alone does not settle public use, reproduction, music or software licensing questions. Review the intended uses and obtain project-specific legal advice and permissions where needed.
Should every visitor have to use a phone?
No. Essential interpretation should remain available without a personal device, account or QR code. A mobile extension can add depth without becoming a barrier.
How can a small exhibition create meaningful interaction?
Choose one clear relationship to explore through comparison, arrangement or a simple control. A focused low-tech activity can explain more than an expensive but unrelated digital feature.
How should fan contributions be handled?
Agree permissions, credits, editing, payment where appropriate and future uses. Publicly posted material is not automatically free to reuse, and one person cannot represent an entire community.
What should happen when a station fails?
Provide a clear out-of-service state and an alternative explanation of its central idea. Plan reset procedures, staff guidance and routine maintenance before opening.
How should an exhibition be evaluated?
Combine observation, access feedback and voluntary reflection. Ask what visitors understood and who encountered barriers. Attendance and dwell time alone do not establish learning or inclusion.