I have created a few installations like you're talking about and I have to agree that this is the most important point. You have to design everything with the idea that a bunch of 6 year olds are going to be banging on it for several hours straight everyday. And likely, noone from the museum staff will come by to check it out but maybe once a week. If you're looking at using buttons, I suggest going to a company that makes elevator button panels. Those things are indestructible.

Also, you have to remember to design things to be wheelchair accessible.

Add a Google SearchWiki note to that search result saying something like "Note to potential employer: This is not the $REALNAME whose resume you have in your hands."

And if its the first time they've seen a SearchWiki tag, it might freak them out and then they'll definitely remember you.