What is "fun"?

The following paper "Quantifying Fun in the Museum Environment" comprises part of a session given at the American Association of Museums. Chaired by Dr. Susan Opotow, Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, we explored definitions of fun and current research on visitors perceptions of what makes an experience fun and personally fulfilling.

Along with Dr. Opotow, presenters included:

• Jessica Sickler, Research Associate, Wildlife Conservation Society
• Sylvia Matiko, Principal, A Different View
• Kelly Shindler, Director of Public Programs, Art21
• Jessica Sickler presented WCS's recent research on visitor opinions about what is fun in a zoo environment. Using the Q-methodology, Jessica shared with us the 4 visitor perspectives they found, noting that "fun" can be very subjective.

The following paper is Sylvia Matiko's presentation.