Evaluating the Influence of Tangible 3D Printed Replicas on the Museum Experience

Sif Lærke-Hall (University of Warwick in partnership with Oxford University Museum of Natural History)

Supervised by Professor M Paul Smith and Ms Janet Stott at Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Professor Mark Williams and Dr Paul Wilson at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at University of Warwick.

Sif’s doctoral research focuses on ‘Evaluating the Influence of Tangible 3D Printed Replicas on the Museum Experience’. The project seeks to draw on theories and methodologies from a range of disciplines and industries, including UX (User Experience) design. Key aims will be to communicate practical information and guidance to museum practitioners interested in 3D printing technology, as well as to contribute to the existing research literature in this growing field.
Sif is particularly interested in exploring the impact of 3D printed replicas in relation to engaging audiences experiencing barriers to participation, and in relation to facilitating meaningful learning experiences.  

Sif holds a BA in Ancient History from the University of Birmingham and an MSt in Greek and Roman Studies from the University of Oxford. After completing her MSt, Sif worked as a Research Assistant at the Centre for Urban Network Evolutions (UrbNet) at Aarhus University, Denmark. She later joined the Museum of Oxford as a heritage trainee, during which time she carried out her own oral history project in East Oxford. Before starting her PhD, Sif worked as a freelance workshop facilitator for Film Oxford, and as a researcher and content developer for digital storytelling company this great adventure. Sif is fascinated by objects and the stories they can tell. She has shared her love of history with others as a Primary School Guide at the Pitt Rivers Museum and as a Latin teacher of children at the East Oxford Community Classics Centre.

Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) scheme.