The Value Realization Process: From Theory to Practice [VRC Foundations 2]

Many industries have revolutionized how they understand and deliver value to their users. Professional sports teams analyze millions of data points to improve player performance. Gaming companies study user behavior patterns to create compelling experiences. Yet in museums, we often rely on instinct and tradition rather than evidence. There is a better approach. Rather than attempting massive organizational change all at once, successful institutions embrace an iterative cycle of learning and adaptation. It's a process that transforms how museums operate, not through sudden upheaval, but through sustained attention to user needs and systematic response to evidence. In this second session of the Foundations series, we'll examine this cyclical approach to value realization and explore the critical first stage: calibrating value through deep understanding of user needs. Our discussion will center on real examples that illustrate both the challenges and opportunities in this fundamental shift toward evidence-based, user-focused operation. Session Focus & Required ReadingOur discussion centers on two implementation-focused chapters from my book, Leaning into Value: Becoming a User-Focused Museum: Chapter 3: Value Realization: Here I outline a cyclical process with four key stages — calibration, articulation, creation, and validation. While this process requires considerable time and effort, it provides museums with a systematic approach to becoming truly user-focused institutions. Chapter 4: Calibrating Value: Through extensive audience research, I've uncovered patterns in what users consider a valuable museum experience. These findings offer an evidence-based foundation for understanding institutional success. Come prepared to discuss passages you found particularly relevant or challenging for your institution. - John Falk Session Structure1. Opening Reflection (10 minutes) 2. Small Group Discussion (15 minutes) 3. Challenge Synthesis (5 minutes) 4. Facilitated Discussion with Dr. Falk (45 minutes) 5. Closing (5 minutes) Participation & RegistrationParticipation is open to: • Learning Leaders from institutions enrolled in The Value Realization Collaborative • Staff from institutions enrolled as Organizational Members Not Yet Enrolled? Registration for the Value Realization Collaborative closes January 31, 2025. Institutions can choose: • Full Program (includes membership, events, coursework for learning leaders, and implementation support through November) or the Foundations Program (includes membership, February events, and coursework) — Registration • Organizational Members (event participation only for your staff)  — Registration About John FalkDr. John Falk is the Founder and CEO of the Institute for Learning Innovation and Emeritus Sea Grant Professor of Free-Choice Learning at Oregon State University. His research focuses on how cultural institutions support public wellbeing and learning. Dr. Falk's work is transforming how museums understand and validate their impact. How to Participate1. Complete the assigned reading before the session (If your copy of the book doesn’t arrive in time, let us know and we’ll send you a scan of the introduction and first two chapters.) 2. Join via the link in your calendar invitation 3. Come prepared to engage in focused discussion 4. Consider bringing specific examples from your institution This session will be recorded and edited to protect participant privacy. The recording will be made available in the MaP Insights space. Questions?Leave a comment below or email [email protected]