Analysis of virtual environment applications of cultural assets through visit motivation: An analysis on Sai̇t Fai̇k Abasiyanik Museum

In this study, digitization processes of cultural assets were discussed. The structures of those objects were analyzed on virtual museum which is a digital reflection of real museum. For this purpose, a broad range of literature was reviewed in terms of virtual museum and virtual reality. Then, the website of Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum was reconstructed and a 3D museum simulation was produced for related place. A content analysis which was applied for most visited museums, was used for the reconstruction process of website. On the other hand, game mechanics were used in the process of creating 3D simulation. Then, 3D simulation was tested through usability analysis. In usability analysis, a model named PACMAD which includes effectiveness, efficiency, learnability, cognitive load, satisfaction, memorability and error counting, was preferred to use. Website and simulation were both improved in terms of current technology. These technologically improved tools were compared each other, through visit motivation. Means-End Chain Theory was preferred to use for analysis of visit motivation. 20 people between 16-24 years old, participated in usability testing and visit motivation interviews. Results showed that 3D museum simulation was more successful for visit motivation.