Simulating Visitor Behavior

The dynamics of the interplay between the visitor and the exhibition environment form complex circulation patterns. As an exhibition designer, developing an understanding of those dynamics is important for improving visitor satisfaction. However, an overwhelming number of variables may transform the exhibition design process into educated guesswork. Designing through trial and error is just not feasible. In addition, as a result of the nature of creating built environments, modifying decisions later in the design process results in significant costs. The designer has to rely on extensive experience to succeed. Accordingly, implementing a method for guidance into the design process should prove valuable for the designer. This book discusses the development stages of a simulation application for visitor circulation in exhibition environments, and presents the challenges of integrating a complex mathematical process into a visual and artistic process like exhibition design. Those issues include understanding the individual stages of development, building a theoretical foundation, creating a simulation framework, composing individual operations, and implementing the finalized simulation into the design process. Taken together, this process sheds light on the underlying challenges of creating a functioning simulation. The contents of this book will be beneficial not only for exhibition designers and simulation developers, but also anyone interested in visitor behavior and spatial design.

Kutay Guler is an award-winning interior architect and academician based in Turkey, currently working as a full-time Assistant Professor of Interior Architecture. In addition to extensive teaching, he has conducted research on topics such as computer aided/digital design, social media in design learning, visitor behavior, exhibition design, and basic design education. His research has been published in top academic journals, including Computers and Education, Museum Management and Curatorship, and Art, Design and Communication in Higher Education. Guler has also pursued a freelance design career since 2006, and has completed many design and visualization projects during this time.