At MCN 2023, a panel session titled Lessons from the Lifecycle, organized by Museable, explored how digital platforms evolve—and the kinds of relationships they build with users. But the most revealing moment came before the discussion even began: a debate over product features sparked a deeper question that continues to shape our thinking today—what does it mean to be a good partner in the digital space?
That question remains central to our ethos at Museable, and resurfaced in our 2024 Ignite Talk as we reflected on what it really means to show up for the people who rely on us. It reaffirmed what we’ve always believed—respecting users isn’t just a feature, it’s the foundation of Museable.
Rethinking the Software–User Relationship
We’re thinking about a deeper question: What kind of relationship should software companies build with their users?
The shift to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has transformed that dynamic. No longer a one-time transaction, it’s an ongoing interaction—more like a relationship than a purchase. And like any relationship, it works best when there’s trust, transparency, and the freedom to grow together.
Some companies model their user relationships on exclusivity and control—long-term commitments that can feel rigid. Others embrace flexibility but risk chaos with too many moving parts and unclear boundaries.
But maybe the real opportunity lies in something else: a relationship built on empowerment, mutual respect, and freedom of choice. One that evolves with users’ needs—without pressure, without friction.
The Intentional Community
At Museable, we’re not just building software—we’re building a community. One designed with and for museums, especially those with incredible collections but limited resources. We believe that everyone deserves the tools to tell their stories.
Museable is different. It works within the systems museums already use, making it easy to curate, highlight, and share collections—without needing to overhaul everything. And because it’s designed to empower, not control, institutions stay in charge of their data, their collections, their timelines, their stories, and their voice.
Inspired by movements like Local-First Software and open-source communities, we’re committed to transparency, sustainability, and shared responsibility. It’s a model built on trust—not lock-in. The goal? A more equitable digital landscape, where cultural institutions of all sizes can thrive and share.
A Different Kind of Commitment
Museable represents a shift in how software can serve cultural institutions—not through control or complexity, but through collaboration, care, and thoughtful design. Grounded in transparency, flexibility, and respect for the work museums do, it offers a new model: one that empowers..
By centering the needs of smaller museums and embracing principles that prioritize long-term trust, Museable aims to be more than just a tool. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when technology aligns with purpose.
Let’s build something better—together.