The Hidden Cost of Unused Flexibility

We want our spaces to be dynamic.

Flexible.

Adaptable.

Changing. 

Always current.

Sounds … so right.

Is it?

How adaptable should our projects be? Do we pay for changeability we don’t need? What’s the hidden cost of unused flexibility? 

In a sense, the adaptable elements of an exhibition are tools for our staff to use. If there is no staff to use it — or there is, but they’re not given the time — we have an expensive tool we maybe shouldn’t have paid for.

Here are a few totally fictional examples.

(That will feel eerily familiar.)

We could create an interactive media station with a complex content management system so non-techies can easily make future updates. 

(And never use it.)

We could pay for an innovative label system with hidden inserts, so our curator can change information fast, as new cutting-edge knowledge comes to light.

(But our curator leaves for another museum.)

We could get an entire set of attachments for our LED track lights, to filter and colorize light in a thousand ways for future shows.

(And forget where we put the box.)

Here’s the thing:
Unused flexibility is a hidden cost. Can we afford it?

Warmly,
Jonathan

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