“There’s so much potential.”

Kerem Cetindamar, Digital Project Manager for Leicester Museums.

When you think of museums, what comes to mind? Quiet halls, traditional labels, and the faint sound of footsteps on polished floors? Leicester Museums and Galleries are shaking up this conventional image by introducing innovative ways to engage visitors — using Visionect’s e-paper technology.

E-Paper Displays Enhance Sustainability and Interactivity

Kerem Cetindamar, Digital Project Manager for Leicester Museums, oversees five sites across the city, including the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery and the medieval Guildhall. He and his team sought a solution with a long battery life, and the potential to create interactive experiences, allowing visitors to engage with exhibits more dynamically and inclusively.

In a recent conversation, he shared how e-paper displays have transformed the museum experience by merging sustainability with interactivity.

Transforming Museum Exhibits With Interactive Digital Signage

The journey began in 2021 with an Arts Council England grant to “bring new voices into the museum.” Traditional labels provide academic descriptions, but Leicester Museums aimed to capture and share visitor perspectives instead. 

“We loved the idea of turning a museum label into something like a comment section,” Kerem shared. After testing Visionect’s 6-inch RE e-paper devices, the team purchased more units to display visitor insights in curated slideshows.

The museum uses social media to gather public feedback, inviting people to share thoughts on objects or exhibits. These comments are integrated into the e-paper displays, creating a “comment section” visitors can explore by tapping through slides, showcasing diverse perspectives and memories.

Whether sparked by a vintage dinner set or a fresh interpretation of art, the e-paper labels foster a two-way dialogue between exhibits and audiences, encouraging new perspectives and deeper connections through shared experiences.

Low-Power Displays for Sustainable Museums

Environmental consciousness played a significant role in choosing e-paper technology. Visionect’s low-power digital signage displays are renowned for their energy efficiency and long battery life, making them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional screens.

“The devices appealed to us because they’re not always powered on, which saves energy. because sustainability is a priority for us.”

Kerem Cetindamar, Digital Project Manager for Leicester Museums

Visionect energy-efficient displays have also proven to be robust and versatile. They’re easily mounted using metal frames or magnets and can even withstand the curiosity of small, sticky-fingered visitors — a critical feature for any family-friendly museum.

Easy Content Updates with Browser-Based Digital Signage

Managing content across multiple sites could have been a logistical headache, but Visionect’s browser-based dashboard made it easy. Leicester Museums host their content on a custom-built webpage and direct the e-paper devices to display it.

“We’ve had up to 15 pages on one device. Visitors can tap through the slides, and we can update the content remotely, which has been a game-changer.”

This flexibility allows the museums to move the devices between locations, tailoring the content to fit each exhibit or venue. For example, at the medieval Guildhall, the electronic ink displays were used to create a self-guided tour focusing on notable women in the building’s history.

Sleek Indoor Digital Signage That Blends With Museum Spaces

Integrating technology into historic and artistic spaces is no small challenge, but the sleek design of Visionect’s indoor digital signage displays makes them an unobtrusive addition.

“The gray and black color scheme fits well with our existing labels, even in old, visually sensitive buildings like the Guildhall, they blend in beautifully.”

For low-light venues, newer models with backlighting ensure accessibility without disrupting the ambiance.

Exploring Larger E-Paper Displays for Digital Wayfinding

Leicester Museums are now eyeing larger e-paper displays, like Visionect’s 13 and 32-inch models, to enhance other aspects of the visitor experience. These large e-paper screens could be used for digital wayfinding, café menus, or even interactive maps.

“There’s so much potential. The larger sizes would be great for public information displays or providing detailed content in a more visually impactful way.”

E-Paper Displays: Inspiring Museums Worldwide

The success of Leicester Museums’ e-paper initiative hasn’t gone unnoticed. Kerem has presented the project at conferences and received inquiries from museums worldwide, from France to Singapore.

“It’s been amazing to see the interest from other institutions. The combination of audience participation and sustainability resonates with so many people.”

Visionect’s E-Paper Technology: A Sustainable Future for Museums

Leicester Museums have demonstrated how e-paper technology can breathe new life into visitor engagement. By fostering dialogue, embracing sustainability, and enhancing aesthetics, they’re setting a new standard for museums everywhere.

Ready to explore how Visionect’s indoor digital signage solutions can transform your space?