In October 1999, the National Eye Institute (NEI) launched a Low Vision Public Education Program (LVEP) to provide information to the 14 million Americans who have low vision, their families and friends. One component of the program is an exhibit consisting of five, 4-sided kiosks, each with text and graphics, and an interactive multimedia program, that will be displayed in shopping malls across the country. The Eye Site-A Traveling Exhibit on Low Vision was evaluated for its ability to reach its intended audiences, for its effectiveness, and its usability and behavior-change messages. A multifaceted approach was used to evaluate the exhibit and included observations, intercept surveys, focus groups, a suitability assessment, and lessons learned. The observations and intercept surveys allowed NEI to know which kiosks both attracted the public and provided the most useful information. The focus groups offered concrete information about the content of the kiosk panels. The suitability assessment had experts assess the exhibit's kiosk panels and the interactive multimedia program on factors such as content, layout, text and font, learning simulation and motivation, cultural match, and physical structure. A debriefing session was held with the host agency to identify lessons learned. All data was compiled and analyzed. The findings and recommendations were presented to NEI for their consideration. As a result of this comprehensive evaluation, NEI modified the exhibit to ensure that it effectively communicates its behavior change messages.
Learning Objectives: Recognize the need for using a multifaceted approach for evaluating; Describe a process for evaluating an health educational exhibit; and Understand the importance and utility of conducting a suitability assessment.
Keywords: Evaluation, Health Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.