Exploring Expert and Non-Expert Perception of 3D Digital Models of Museum Objects

Increasingly, museum objects are documented as 3D digital models (3dDM) for scientific study, online exhibition, or personal enjoyment; however, 3dDMs invariably exhibit imperfections due to technological limitations and/or the lack of standardisation in museum object digitisation. Little is known how such inaccuracies are perceived and interpreted by users. Through qualitative interviews and deductive thematic analysis this user study first investigates which inaccuracies in 3dDMs lead to misinterpretations by users and then considers six factors based on the concept of Epistemic Vigilance (EV) and to what extend these factors play a role in the users’ ability to correctly understand the information presented within 3dDMs. Only one of eight explored inaccuracies was correctly identified by all participants and background knowledge of the museum object and 3D imaging technology (3DIT) had the most influence on correct interpretation of inaccuracies. Furthermore, trust in the museum publishing the 3dDM and in 3DIT also played a role in how the inaccuracies were perceived. Publishing data about the issues present alongside the 3dDM will increase transparency and further work should therefore concentrate on mechanisms that promote correct interpretation of 3dDMs’ limitations to enable museum practitioners to make the most of their digitisation efforts.