Dear Tech Virtual exhibit designers,

I cannot fully express in words the extent to which you have inspired, impressed, and overwhelmed me with good feeling over the last eight months.  I came into this project in November with one question in my mind (well, one BIG question): Can a group of creative amateurs create exhibits that are as fun, content-rich, and unique as those designed by museum professionals?

You see, I'm not just a community person.  I want wonderful diverse people working together AND high-quality products.  I knew that this project could only be considered a success by the museum world (and in my own heart) if we could create exhibits that truly represented a step forward.  At the end of the day, when the exhibits are on the floor and kids are banging on them, the process by which they were created is just a charming footnote.  If the exhibits aren't good enough, the process won't survive.

I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was.  You have answered my questions and doubts with a resounding YES.  YES your creativity is as valuable as "professional" expertise.  YES your exhibits represent new thinking about experiential museum exhibits.  YES you are generous, smart, energetic people and I feel blessed to have worked with you. 

I'm moving on to work with other museums on participatory design experiences.  I will carry the lessons you taught me everywhere, and hopefully you will be an inspiration not only to The Tech, but to museums all over the world.  You can see more of the lessons I learned from this project here.

You can find me anytime at Museum 2.0 or nina (at) museumtwo (dot) com. 

With affection,

Nina