The Exhibit Doctor's Next Case: Wrangling iPads

After several queries recently about how best to deploy iPads in exhibitions, I thought I'd set up another case for The Exhibit Doctor.  (You can see some previous Exhibit Doctor postings --- one on temporary walls and mounting solutions and another on exhibit label "flipbook" solutions by clicking on the links.)

The way these Exhibit Doctor posts have been working is that I gather some background information about the topic, and then solicit input (especially practical "visitor tested" examples) from ExhibiTricks readers and then do a follow-up post containing the collected images, examples, links, and wisdom into one convenient package.

First off, there are a variety of commercial "frames" that lock and/or contain iPads (such as these) but most of them have limitations --- slots that visitors cram stuff into, or designs that still leave ports or the "home" button exposed in some way.  That doesn't mean that there aren't "off the shelf" solutions out there (somewhere!) that people have used or liked.  Let us know your favorite iPad protection device in the "Comments" section below, or by emailing me directly.

Secondly, there are "home-brewed" possibilities for locking down iPads that could be created that both prevent theft and mischief to the apps and iOS.  Have some tricks that worked well for you?  Let us know about those as well.

Lastly, perhaps the best way to utilize tablet/touch technology in exhibitions is not to lock down the devices at all, but instead to use them in staff-moderated ways.  I'd love to hear about success stories for facilitated ways to use iPads that go beyond merely helping people use vaguely-related apps next to a physical exhibit component.

So that's the plan --- send your practical examples of how to use iPads in exhibitions my way via the "Comments" section or email, and stay tuned for the follow-up post that collects all the ideas in one place!


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