Inclusive Co-Creation: Rethinking Museum Experiences using technologies for Sensory-Impaired Visitors

The visitor experience is increasingly enhanced by museums, which align with co-creation theory. However, people with sensory impairments, such as vision or hearing loss, often face barriers that restrict their access to and enjoyment of museums. This study investigates how people with sensory impairments (PwSI) experience museums, focusing on the key factors that influence their engagement and ability to co-create within museum environments. It aims to identify how physical, communicational, attitudinal, and technological elements affect accessibility and visitor satisfaction. By exploring these dimensions, the research seeks to provide a deeper understanding of how museums can foster inclusive, interactive, and value-driven experiences for PwSI through co-creation strategies. The survey included PwSI who had visited museums in the past three years. Respondents in Portugal and abroad (N = 254) received the questionnaires both in-person in Portugal and online. Analyses of linear regression revealed that different dimensions of PwSI's co-creation in museums are significantly influenced by visitor-specific constraints and museum-specific factors. Strategic recommendations for museum managers are provided to foster more inclusive and value-added visitor experiences.Keywords: People with sensory impairments, Visitor’s experience, Museums; Co-creation; ExperiencesDOI: https://doi.org/10.54663/2182-9306.2025.SpecialIssueMBP.170-192