"They bring their own experiences, bias, beliefs."

"Whether they're willing or not, they leave with an impression — good or bad."

"They have a chance to make personal connections to the resource."

"They seek an experience."

"They visit for their own reasons."

"They're looking for a reason to like the place."

Watch Part 2 of the video, Something of Value.

implications

Motivations run from the fun to the sublime.

Audiences believe there's something special in the resource.

"Access."

"Challenge and accomplishment."

"Self-confidence."

"A chance to pursue activities without being bothered by anyone, and to be safe while doing it."

"They hope to be physically stimulated by the resource."

"Solitude. Direction without intrusion. Insight?"

"Freedom, quiet, peace, history."

"They want to recreate past positive experiences."

"Discovery."

"They're typically not too involved with intellectual immersion."

"An experience that will last longer than the day itself."

"They value doing. They hope for a safe, enjoyable, meaningful experience."

"They hope for adventure — to build memories, excitement."

"Something they're searching for without knowing what it is."

"Connections with traveling companions."

"Nostalgia — a warm feeling for the past."

"Health."

"They are often looking for facts and detailed information, but because of tunnel vision, they may need help seeing the big picture."

"They hope for a tangible icon they can remember and enjoy."

"They may want more in-depth information, background, interactions, comparisons."

"They already value the resource. They may want to tag something, add it to a collection or list."

"Specific and in-depth connections."

"A connection to why these species are here and how they make this place special."

"To have their knowledge of the resource validated or reinforced."

"They seek background, the history behind an object, event, or practice. They seek connections between interests and the bigger picture and issues. They want a chance to build and expand on what they know or their previous experience."

"They hope the specific is still there, in good shape, and doesn't offend."

"They come for a particular reason and they expect to find what they are looking for."

"They want to experience wildness."

"They want to know what it was like back then."

"Surprise!"

"Resonance."

"They want a chance to find missing pieces or information about their intellectual endeavor."

"A sense of purpose, heritage, and pride."

"They seek affirmation, heritage, and comfort."

"They may not be seeking knowledge as much as to put their existing knowledge in a physical context. Someone might know all about an ancestor but want to see where the ancestor lived."

"They want their personal story seen as important. They want to tell others of their knowledge."

"They want to feel a part of the place."

"Often, they don't need much from interpreters. The meanings of the place involve their personal values. Interpretation can help them with enhancement, access, and elaboration."

"Opportunities to explore the meanings of their knowledge."

"Tangible experiences to add context to their knowledge — the real thing."

"They need a library or to find an interpreter that is a subject-matter expert. Good luck!"

"Maybe they just want a lively discussion."

Think about

Create a Wheel of Motivation that fits your site. If you don't feel confident describing the motivations of your audiences, try to generalize. Consider what visitors say and the questions they ask. Look at your answers on pages 30, 32, and 34, and ask your colleagues what they think motivates your visitors. When you have the time and are in pleasant and informal conversation with visitors, ask them "What brought you here today? What did you hope to find or experience?" Once you've created a Wheel of Motivation, identify ways to address each motivation with opportunities for deeper resource connections.