Museums, historically evolving from private collections, have transitioned into virtual spaces in the contemporary era, leveraging digital technologies to enhance visitor experiences through personalization, interactivity, and content richness.
While museums aim to be inclusive, addressing the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum presents a unique challenge. To cater to this audience, it is imperative to comprehend the impact of autism on an individual's experiences and interactions with the world. Autistic individuals perceive the world differently, necessitating an understanding of their distinctive needs to design informative displays. Notably, some museums, such as the Children's Museum, prioritize inclusivity by utilizing advanced information technology systems to develop online libraries and virtual museums.
The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted museums worldwide to adopt virtual exhibitions to engage communities. Unfortunately, many virtual initiatives overlook the needs of autistic individuals, incorporating elements like loud sounds and flashes that can be distressing. The proposed application, MuZtism, seeks to address this oversight by providing an interactive and customizable museum experience tailored to the unique preferences of individuals on the autism spectrum. The goal is to enable their participation in museum activities and foster their integration into the broader community.