This thesis explores the possibility of using a mobile application as a didactic tool to make museum content more accessible and engaging for preschool children. The research is based on the assumption that a properly designed mobile application can support the understanding of museum content and contribute to a more active, child-centered learning experience within a museum environment.
As part of the thesis and for research purposes, a mobile application was developed for the Straw Hat Museum in Domžale (Slamnikarski muzej Domžale). The application is not intended merely as technical support for the museum tour but represents a pedagogically designed tool based on the principles of the national Kindergarten Curriculum, enabling children to actively explore museum content. In doing so, it incorporates elements of gamification, interactivity, and the gradual discovery of information.
The purpose of the research is to examine how preschool children experience a museum visit when using a mobile application and how this experience differs from a traditional guided tour led by a curator. The study is based on a qualitative approach, with data collected through non-participant observation, comparative analysis, and semi-structured interviews.
The expected results of the research relate to identifying the advantages and limitations of using a mobile application as a didactic tool. The study will contribute to the development of theoretical insights in the field of museum pedagogy and the use of digital tools in early childhood, while also offering practical guidelines for integrating mobile applications into the museum environment.
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