MCN 2026

As museums and cultural institutions explore AI-driven discovery tools, a critical question emerges: how do we design generative experiences that enhance discovery while sustaining institutional trust over time? This session shares early exploratory work from the National Gallery of Art rethinking search through the lens of Generative UI (GenUI), an emerging interaction model where interfaces dynamically adapt, synthesize information, and guide users through more personalized discovery journeys rather than relying solely on static keyword-based search results.

Drawing from ongoing cross-collection search initiatives and AI-assisted prototyping work at the National Gallery of Art, this session will explore how generative search experiences may help visitors navigate complex cultural content, begin searching without knowing exact terminology, and engage with collections through more intuitive and exploratory pathways. At the same time, these systems introduce important questions around transparency, interpretive authority, bias, user expectations, and the long-term stewardship of institutional knowledge.

Through a short case study and examples of generative search concepts and prototypes, the session will examine how UX design and human-centered research can help museums experiment responsibly with emerging AI technologies while maintaining clarity, credibility, and public trust. Rather than presenting a finalized solution, this talk offers a framework for how cultural institutions can thoughtfully evaluate and prototype AI-mediated discovery experiences during a period of rapid technological change.