Sometimes the simplest approach is the most effective. We live in an increasingly complex, interconnected world, where it’s easy to get tangled up when trying to move forward. That’s why I’m a big believer in simplicity: a clear idea, thoughtfully executed, can often cut straight through a problem.

Easy as ABC - here are three examples of solutions I’ve seen in museums that demonstrate the power of keeping it simple.

One gallery in the Stedelijk Museum in Alkmaar, to the north of Amsterdam, is dedicated to large group portraits of members of the town's civic guards. You may recognise these as being a little like the group portraits Rembrandt painted. In fact, these are genre paintings - many artists worked on this form of artwork over the years.

In the gallery, a simple projection asks a multiple-choice quiz question, such as: Were women allowed to be members of the guild? Yes or No. The visitor can move to the circle where they think the answer is or just read it.

Re-opened after renovation for the European Capital of Culture 2024, the Hotel Austria museum in Bad Ischl, Austria, also featured a neat quiz. On the top floor of the museum, there was a social space with tables and chairs where people could sit, relax and talk about the memories the museum raised.

There was no catering set up the day I visited, but I got the impression that it could easily be added. And these coasters help discussions along. Each one had a multiple-choice quiz based on the displays in the museum.

To understand what museum visitors look for, you could undertake a long, complicated survey of their needs and preferences. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you could also keep it simple - like this display at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry.

Asking a big question in a simple way, this is a quick and nifty way to understand what visitors are looking for. It would help the museum staff understand how and what to prioritise resources towards.

From now on, I’ll be sending this newsletter less frequently: more as-and-when-it’s-ready, rather than strictly once a week. So until next time, thank you for reading.