Exhibit Layout Specifications and Limitations

·        For the first layer of the project, designing the exhibit layout, I will adhere to the following specifications and limitations:

       The solution must include primary and secondary sources.

·         The solution must be concise and comprehensible.  

o   The solution must include information written at an eighth-grade level equivalent.

o   The solution must include paragraphs of 3-4 sentences.

·         The solution must have interactive displays (digital or manual).

o   The solution must have at least one per exhibit room.

o   The interaction must involve the visitor physically touching part of the display.

·         The solution must incorporate the accompanying documentaries spatially and logically.

·         The solution must only include objects available to obtain, borrow by applying for loans, or copy with permission from outside sources.

·         The solution must have clear organization for navigation and comprehension for visitors and staff.

·         The solution must have visuals to accompany each presentation of textual information.

·         The solution must adhere to the “10 ingredients” of museum exhibition design, as described by the article “Top Ten Tips to Great Museum Exhibit Design” (reproduced below).

From “Top Ten Tips to Great Museum Exhibit Design”

http://sensingarchitecture.com/1713/top-10-tips-to-great-museum-exhibit-design/

1.      Motivate Visitors: Target an audience — the general public and/or specific communities

2.      Focus Content: Filter content so visitors are not bombarded with information overload

3.      Immersion: Engage visitors within a “story”

4.      Modularity: Present smaller themes instead of one larger complex topic

5.      Skimmability: Information should be easy to take in because visitors are often standing and/or have different levels of education

6.      Patterns: Incorporate traffic/circulation patterns, exhibit sequence patterns and pre-existing framework patterns (architectural elements)

7.      Capture Curiosity: Use storytelling techniques to engage visitors

8.      Interaction: Give visitors a “fun” experience by tapping into their emotion

9.      Integrate Technology: Technology should enhance visitor’s experience, not detract from it

10.  Layer Content: Present information in a hierarchical manner