1 / 13

Creating Effective Interpretive Signs

Creating Effective Interpretive Signs. Putting interpretation to work!. Chuck Lennox. Overview. Introduction Defining the Process Working the Steps Getting to Effective Now It’s Your Turn. Introduction. The Planning Process. What was your first impression of this area?

judd
Download Presentation

Creating Effective Interpretive Signs

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Creating Effective Interpretive Signs Putting interpretation to work! Chuck Lennox

  2. Overview • Introduction • Defining the Process • Working the Steps • Getting to Effective • Now It’s Your Turn NAI Region 10 2009

  3. Introduction The Planning Process • What was your first impression of this area? • Why is this area exciting or unique? • What is the most important idea(s) for visitors to come away with? • Who might care about it, or actively get involved in its stewardship? NAI Region 10 2009

  4. Introduction The Planning Process - continued • What might be the challenges of interpreting/engaging visitors in this area? • What are the compelling stories that can be told here? • What resources can provide more information on this site (people, books, institutions, websites, etc.)? NAI Region 10 2009

  5. Goals and Objectives • Define the purpose • Why should this project be done? • Is this the best method? Alternatives? • Who is the audience? • What do visitors want to learn? • What do you want them to understand? NAI Region 10 2009

  6. Theme What is your theme? The theme is the central or key idea of any presentation. When a sign or brochure has been read or viewed, the audience should be able to summarize it in one sentence. Development of a theme provides organizational structure and clarity of understanding. Once the theme of a sign or brochure has been decided, everything else tends to fall into place. Bill Lewis 1983 NAI Region 10 2009

  7. Audience • Who is your audience? • Hint – there is NO “General Audience “ • What are their needs? • Note: consider culture, language, education levels, physical and mental abilities • How do they visit the site? • What is the best way to reach • them? General Audience – NO! NAI Region 10 2009

  8. The Development Process • Develop a Common Vision • With the planning team, visit the site • View it as a visitor might • What are the group’s insights and thoughts • Brainstorm • Pie-in-the-sky, freewheeling, no-holds-barred thinking • Get creative; have fun! • Explore core purpose for sign(s) • Research and Inventory • Collect facts, reports, files, documents • Identify and interview people with special knowledge of the site • Listen carefully for metaphors, analogies and phrases NAI Region 10 2009

  9. The Development Process • Set Final Theme and Objectives • Refine and solidify themes for each sign • Write an objective for each sign • Reflect the emotions and knowledge you want the visitor to have • Craft the Message • A wedding of words and visuals • Graphic artists and writers must work together • The art and text must tell the story in a concise and compelling way • Construct A Mock-up - Test out your ideas with visitors - Observe visitors as they interact with the sign – talk to them - Do they have questions? Suggestions? NAI Region 10 2009

  10. Design Hints The 3 – 30 – 3 Rule 3 Second Message Skim 30 Second Message Browse 3 Minute Message Gorge NAI Region 10 2009

  11. Design Hints Another Rule of Threes: • 1/3 text • 1/3 graphic • 1/3 white-space • Don’t be Afraid of SPACE! NAI Region 10 2009

  12. Your Turn • Form into four groups • Three groups will revise and redesign interpretive signs. • One group will critique printed media. • Follow directions on your handout – spend time discussing as a group • Work quickly – appoint a spokesperson • Report back to group when prompted NAI Region 10 2009

  13. Interpretation is a seed, not a treeNational Park Service Chuck Lennox Seattle, Washington USA www.interpconsulting.com NAI Region 10 2009

More Related