Feb.9 – Interview: Random International Visitor

Saturday 9th Feb
11.00 – 2.00pm

Random International Visitor

Q: How many times have you been to the Mattress Factory?
A: First time

Q: Are you a local, national or international visitor?
A: International visitor, now living in Pittsburgh

How did you hear about the Mattress Factory?
A: Friends, word of mouth

Q: How would you describe the Mattress Factory to a friend who has never been here?
A: A place to view art that is in between the experience of visiting a gallery and museum

Q: How would you describe your experience in the Mattress Factory?
A: He saw each of the three galleries and enjoyed them a lot

Q: Is there anything that you think would enhance your experience here, were they any problems?
A: More information regarding events at reception. Would like the 6th floor to be made into a café so that visitors may enjoy the view of the rooftops and architecture of the Mexican war streets. Better signage for the restrooms.

Q: Imagine that the art pieces you have seen today were people. How would you describe your relationship with them?
A: He was unable to do this, but assured me that he saw all the current exhibitions and felt comfortable walking around and viewing them at his leisure.

Q: Is there anything that you think would enhance your relationship with the art pieces you have seen?
A: Not really

General Observations

- Elevator flow was a little awkward as the MF became busy. Especially when required to view a map in semi darkness to enter the second floor exhibition. Visitors also tended to stop just outside the elevator on the second floor to read the map/floor plan, which limited space for others.
- There could be a little too much information given to visitors to retain on their first encounter with the MF. How could this be scripted or presented in a way that allowed information to be digested more easily. The entrance becomes blocked when more than five people walk in to the MF at any one time. Despite this, each group of visitors are well managed and duly informed.
- Information could be positioned closer to the elevator doors, for easy access.
- Katherine walks around to see how visitors are managing the exhibition spaces and offers advice when confusion arises.
- There seems to be some strange dead ends and unused exhibition space throughout the MF. The documentaries displayed on small monitors in the gift shop could be repositioned to fill empty exhibition spaces.
- Artist information, cards, pamphlets and seating areas are all well utilized.
- Waiting for the 15 minute exhibition means that many people may not wait to view/experience it. Can we help others to embrace the wait time?
- A long sofa and lounge chair were introduced to the café as a way to enhance the atmosphere of the MF shortly after our first round of interviews.
- Visitors frequently have trouble finding the actual location of and the entrance to the MF.
- Visitors were asking for directions again in the gift shop.
- Visitors had difficulty finding the bathrooms.
- Visitors appreciated being told that the second floor was in darkness.