Digital as Catalyst: Designing for Surprise in Trusted Spaces

Digital as Catalyst: Designing for Surprise in Trusted Spaces

From Museum Buzz by Emily Kotecki

April 13, 2026 · 23 min · Season 5 · Episode 6

About this episode

Sarah Van Haastert discusses the role of digital learning as a catalyst for enhancing visitor experiences in museums.

Sarah Van Haastert, Global Director of Strategic Partnerships at AVI-SPL offers a beautifully layered take on digital learning in museums. As she puts it, digital learning is both "a drop and the ocean": a small spark of curiosity that surprises visitors in the gallery, and the vast infrastructure behind the scenes that makes it all possible. In a place where visitors come to be social, learn, and connect with stories, digital becomes a catalyst — delivering moments of delight that stay with people long after a visit. This conversation digs into what it really takes to make those moments happen, from the essential foundations to the magic of a visitors experience. We also explore: Sustainability and Infrastructure What Museums Mean When They Say "Personalization" Learning From Other Industries The Vendor Trust Gap

People in this episode

Guest: Sarah Van Haastert

Topics covered

  • digital learning
  • museums
  • visitor experience
  • sustainability
  • personalization

Keywords

  • strategic partnerships
  • infrastructure
  • curiosity
  • delight
  • vendor trust gap

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