I det virtuella utställningsrummet
en fallstudie av 5hus.nu genom dess besökare
Interdisciplinary studiesUtställningar på webbenWebbutställningInternetWebbenVirtuella utställningarVisitor StudiesKulturell kommunikationITTrafikanalysWebbenkäterUtvärderingRiksutställningar5hus.nuWebexhibitExhibitionOn-line exhibitsInternetThe netVirtual exhibitsVisitor StudiesCultural communicationICTLogganalysisWebsurveysEvaluationRiksutställningar5hus.nuTVÄRVETENSKAP
Webexhibits is a growing but unexplored, cultural phenomenon that indicates a new use of the Internet for cultural communication. In the essay two quantitative methods, logganalysis and websurveys, have been used to study the visitors in 5hus.nu. The purpose is to generate knowledge about webexhibits as a cultural manifestation and medium by studying the experience and actions of its visitors. To achieve the aim the paper explores the methodological questions of how to study webusers. Theories about the exhibition as a medium and the web as a virtual area of exhibits have been used to understand and interpret the results. The study also relates to the research field of Visitor Studies. The analysis shows that a new relationship and pattern of ommunication between the producer and its public is created in the"virtual"exhibition space. Interactivity contributes to differentiated experiences and varying ways in which visitors navigate the site. However the statistic results illustrate that the net is a traceable, complex and technical exhibition arena, where time and space are subordinated and where a new form of cultural activity is being developed.