Designed as part of the EU Horizon 2020 ReInHerit project, this Toolkit is a comprehensive resource addressed to museum and cultural heritage professionals. Exploiting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer Vision (CV) technologies, it seeks an innovative approach to interdisciplinary, co-creative and sustainable development.
The Toolkit provides a set of open-source codes supported by related documentation and webinars accessible via the ReInHerit Digital Hub. Based on the outcomes of the analysis conducted by the project, which included national surveys and thematic focus groups exploring cultural trends in heritage literature and emerging needs in museums, the applications within the Toolkit are strategically designed to enhance user engagement through interactive experiences within museums and cultural environments. As a result of this research and in line with EU priorities, Toolkit aims to support small- and medium-sized institutions in using digital solutions to engage diverse audiences, with a focus on innovative learning experiences and interactive tools, especially targeting young people.
The applications are based on a human-centred approach, offering visitors interactive experiences throughout their visiting journey, providing playful and immersive tools to trigger emotions, inspire creativity and motivate learning. The main goal of the Toolkit is to provide not just a set of tools as a final product, but to foster a collaborative development process, creating a mediation and negotiation between different disciplinary sectors. Toolkit’s resources enable an open-ended framework for development and customization of AI-based tools in museums and cultural heritage.
In the context of AI advancements, this framework is crucial for initiating a discussion on the challenges and best practices related to the use of innovative tools in museums, its influence on cultural heritage professionals, and the impact of AI on visitor experiences. Looking ahead to the long-term future, the availability of an open-source Toolkit, supported by technical webinars and documentation on the Digital Hub, will guarantee the sustained maintenance of the project’s technical outcomes.
