This is an ambitious web based virtual exhibition that tries to "combine the best qualities of a museum visit with the unique capabilities of online communication"*. It updates the traditional museum exhibition concept of displaying objects from the museums collection object by object, with accompanying collective text. It has similarities to the experience of a real museum visit, in that it is object lead and moving from one exhibit to another is made easy. Yet the interface goes beyond the limitations of a physical visit in that it allows for movements in any direction within the web of information presented. As there is no prescribed linear route objects can be viewed in any order and sequenced according to our own interest rather than that of the curator.

As you enter the exhibit itself a separate browser window opens of a fixed size, [642x404 pixles] designed to be compatible with smaller monitors. This Java window is not resizable, and no standard browser controls are available, the designer has restricted you to this controlled environment. This helps to contain your interest within the window, and in the exhibit itself, in a way comparable to the controlled environment of a realworld exhibition.

Within the window four main areas appear. From right to left, an area of text and images/multimedia detailing each exhibit. An area of thumbnail images linking to additional object details, these move up and down a column depending on their connection with the objects they are juxtaposed with. Maplet, an area that maps these connections between these objects with text and link lines but which also includes theme and era based text, this area moves fluidly in three dimensions as objects are selected or different links in the text map are selected and dragged. An area below this map provides interactive object, theme and era 'sliders' to change emphasis, it also displays test based theme and era based information.

The objects on display have been supplemented with texts [written and audio] by ordinary people with accounts of their use and personal memories embodied in the objects. These objects and accounts are supported with supplementary theme and era texts which links the objects together, these links are represented dynamically in an interactive device called a Maplet.

It is also worth noting that this exhibition was created specifically for the internet. " Revealing Things, the Smithsonian Institution's first virtual exhibition without a physical counterpart, is an exploration of the possibilities inherent in digital media "*. It is not simply a representation of an existing display but has been developed as an entity in its own right. As such it has sort to isolate the aspects of a realworld exhibition that make it successful, and combine these with the technical connectivity a virtual exhibit can provide.  

The quality of this exhibit can be clearly seen, much effort has been put into its development. Much attention has been put into how each object is displayed, how the elements interact with each other and how all this is supplemented dynamiclly with overview text. It can be a little difficult to understand the consul initially as it is unfamiliar, unusual and probably unique, but responds very well to exploration. On arrival at any new exhibition realworld or virtual orientation into the enclosed controlled environment is the first objective, these first impressions are what encourage you to stay or leave. In this case the navigation can seem random and connections between objects unclear, but the Maplet provides positive visual feedback of the context you are in, even if you cannot work out where you are. This exhibit works very well with the exception of one area. The area below the Maplet is a little too small when it is displaying text . The text does scroll but only about four lines are visible and the scrolling cannot be paused. It can be difficult to read this text which forms a important part in the understanding of the context the exhibits are placed in. This is an area for improvement if the exhibit gets developed further.

What is not clear here is the connectivity of the material on display, as this project is presented by the Smithsonian we assume it is under their curation. What is unusual in this example is that you tend to view the objects first, then review their links and context second, In a 'real' exhibition you would be steered, by the physical layout of an exhibition, to view the introduction followed by area topics first then go on to view object information. Of course there is often no way [or real need] to steer visitors to view a real or virtual exhibition in a particular order. Individual exhibits provide a coherent entity in themselves, additional information can be made available and will be viewed as required or ignored depending on the interests or requirements of the viewer.