Exhibit design

Exhibit design (or exhibition design^[1]) is the process of developing an exhibit—from a concept through to a physical, three-dimensional exhibition. It is a continually evolving field, drawing on innovative, creative and practical solutions to the challenge of developing communicative environments that ‘tell a story’ in a three-dimensional space.^[2]

Exhibit designers (or exhibition designers) use a wide range of technologies and techniques to develop experiences that will resonate with diverse audiences–enabling these targeted audiences to access the messages, stories and objects of an exhibit. There are many different types of exhibit, ranging from museum exhibitions, to retail and trades show spaces, to themed attractions, zoos and visitor centers. All types of exhibits aim to communicate a message through engaging their audiences in meaningful and compelling interactions.

Exhibit design is a collaborative process, integrating the disciplines of architecture, landscape architecture, graphic design, audiovisual engineering, digital media, lighting, interior design and content development to develop an audience experience that interprets information, involves and engages a user and influences their understanding of a subject.^[3] Throughout the planning and design process, exhibit designers work closely with graphic designers, content specialists, architects, fabricators, technical specialists, audiovisual experts, and, in the case of museums and other mission-based institutions, stakeholders like community members, government agencies and other partner organizations.

The exhibit design process builds on a conceptual or interpretive plan for an exhibit, determining the most effective, engaging and appropriate methods of communicating a message or telling a story. The process will often mirror the architectural process or schedule, moving from conceptual plan, through schematic design, design development, contract document, fabrication and installation. The first phases establish a thematic direction and develop creative and appropriate design solutions to achieve the interpretive and communication goals of the exhibit. The latter phases employ technical expertise in translating the visual language of the designs into detailed documents that provide all the specifications required to fabricate and install an exhibit.

Showcase containing two stone tools from the Lower Paleolithic cave site of Darband, Exhibition, National Museum of Iran

Exhibition Design in different parts of the world are influenced by the local culture as well as the availability of materials. Exhibition Design in Europe is considered as meeting place and relationship building while in North America focus on creating a sense of place and building community.

One of the major shifts in museum and exhibit design in the last decade has been a focus on visitor experience. By identifying the five types of museum visitors and their needs and expectations, museums can design their exhibits to give a positive visitor experience.^[4] Participatory activities are also becoming more popular, Nina Simon has done research describing and identifying themes and trends in museums that will attract visitors and educate them in fun and engaging ways. ^[5]

The trend towards improving visitor experience is about to take a leap forward as we are entering a new era in museum design as the technologies for immersive, interactive experiences become more sophisticated and widespread. Museum exhibit designers now have the ability to track users moving through and exhibit space, to record their interactions (anonymously)and therefore either deliver tailored content to them as they move from exhibit to exhibit and or to use this data to better understand how visitors behave and what it is that interests them in the Museum. Touch screen interfaces on digital screens such as LED screens are the primary interface at the moment, but it is expected that the options to interface will become much more varied in the very near future.^[6]

The Society for Experiential Graphic Design's Exhibition Awards Gallery is a reference point for peer reviewed excellence in Exhibition Design.^[7]

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