METHODOLOGY
Conceptual Foundations and Key Assumptions
The META-MUSEUM project aims to improve understanding of the transformative nature of cultural heritage and how this understanding can support EU citizens in facing change with confidence. The project explores three core concepts: confidence, resilience, and empathy.
The project’s methodology rests on two key assumptions. Firstly, cultural heritage is not only transformed by society but also transforms societies and individuals in turn, recognising heritage as a dynamic process of cultural production involving various stakeholders. This acknowledges that heritage is constantly reinterpreted and adapted to current needs, highlighting the importance of co-creation in improving social cohesion and strengthening international networks. Secondly, “transformative encounters” with cultural heritage trigger personal appropriation and active participation, generating confidence and resilience by increasing understanding, self-esteem, and a sense of control and agency. To achieve these objectives, META-MUSEUM will deepen empathic cultural heritage communication, engaging with a Lead User Panel and an Advisory Board.
From Theory to Practice: Structured Experimental Design
The project’s work is structured around theoretical work (WP2-WP4) and experimental work (WP5-WP8), based on a strong interaction between theory and robust experimentation. Key methodological challenges include a lack of interdisciplinary dialogue among social sciences, cultural heritage disciplines, psychological and neurophysiological sciences, and computer sciences; a lack of experimental data on affective responses to cultural heritage, and a lack of tools and guidelines for developing empathic cultural experiences. The project’s experimental core comprises two phases: “status quo measurements” to establish baselines for emotional involvement, confidence, and resilience during typical museum visits and hospital therapies. This is followed by “pilot measurements” conducted after implementing Transformative Methodology solutions, such as digital and physical prototypes and the “attaCHbox” app, across museums, hospitals, and hybrid (physical/social media) environments. The comparison between these phases will inform the refinement of the TransforMeans theory.
Implementation, Measurement, and Innovation Tools
META-MUSEUM’s implementation challenges involve accurately measuring emotional states and confidence in real-world cultural settings, linking neuro-physiological data with location, and gathering diverse participant samples. To address this, the project will develop the AI-powered M4 system for real-time content adaptation, ensuring robustness and transparency. Its methodology integrates various frameworks, aligns with EU initiatives, and considers the social and diversity aspects of cultural heritage experiences. META-MUSEUM is also committed to open science and inclusive data management.