Q: What is The Tech Open Source? I need to understand the concept.

A: The Tech Open Source is an open design platform for advancing the art and science of exhibit design in the museum industry.  It was founded and funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation for this purpose, and is hosted by The Tech Museum.  You simply post a Request describing the ideas, content, or help your museum needs, and many more people can help you with your project than could have before.

 

Q: How can it help me with my work?

A:  Post a Request for ideas, content, or proposals.  The community of users on the website will respond with ideas that can help.  Extend the call to your own communities and tap volunteer and professional talent that you would not have been able to find before.

 

Q: How much control will I have over my project if I post it here?

A:  You always have total control over your project.  The Tech Open Source is for generating ideas, developing content, and making connections with volunteers and professionals who can help.

 

Q: How can I be sure to be part of the process?

A:  Check in with some of the designers contributing to your Request.  Connect directly or we can help with ideas for hosting weekly design review meetings online.

 

Q: Who are the people who want to participate and what experience do they have - can I see them?

A:  Each user posts a profile and may provide links to portfolios of his or her work and you can see an overview on the Community page.

 

Q: How much feedback would I have to give?

A:  Some Projects are usually more on-target than others. It's up to you to respond or not.

 

Q: What happens if I don't like any of the ideas?

A: You do not have to use any submissions uploaded to The Tech Open Source.  

 

Q: What happens if I want to adapt someone's ideas?

A:  Update your Request posting to indicate the Projects that were used.  You may want to follow up with the same person or firm for fabrication.

 

Q: How can I be sure of the quality of the ideas?

A:  Some Projects may be better informed than others - this is the nature of an open platform. If an idea is off track, provide feedback in the form of a comment or simply move on to the next one.

 

Q: What is the incentive for professional designers to participate?

A:  Professional designers can create a Profile with examples of their work on this website, which is focused on the museum industry. The exposure creates opportunities to connect with institutions on a far greater scale than before. Professional designers can also contribute to innovation in the field by “open sourcing” their concepts (Here are two examples from Google and Open Exhibits). In the museum field, where copying good ideas is the norm, this is at least one place to get recognition for your innovative ideas.

 

Q: Can I use my in-house team to realize and produce the exhibit from the submitted designs?

A: Most exhibits from this site were bult that way.  You can also search our member profiles for local talent that can help you realize your plans.

 

Q: What if I don’t like the ideas that are submitted to my Request?

A:  No problem. Don’t use them.  If you decide later to use them, let the community know by updating your Request.

 

Q: How can I create enthusiasm about our space among my communities to encourage them to come up with some fantastic ideas?

A:  Post inspirational photos to your Request.  Contact talented contributors directly. Offer a significant prize or reward as part of a design contest.  Attend an online meeting to connect directly with designers interested in your project.

 

Q:  Where can I connect with other museum professionals on this site?

A:  The forums have a number of exhibit-related topics for museum professionals.

 

Q: What if my question is not on this FAQ?

A:  No problem. Just send your question to opensource@thetech.org.