I feel like this sign is an example of effective signage because it has a title bigger than the rest of the text and it also has a picture that takes up the majority of the space. It also has a map that pertains to the subject matter. The text on the sign describes body parts of the polar bear. You can read one or two and then walk away. You can also see these characteristics on the polar bears in the cage in front of the sign.
I feel like this sign is an example of effective signage because there isn't a large amount of information that would overwhelm anyone. The only drawback to the sign is that it is relatively high up in the exhibit so it may be difficult for children or people with impaired vision to read the sign. There is also a sign to the left of the snow leopard viewing area that gives more general facts about large cats.
I thought that this play area was an example of good interaction. It shows kids how a seal might hide its offspring from a potential threat. It makes sense for this play area to be here because it is in close proximity to the polar bear viewing area, hence connecting two different animals that share the same habitat.
This exhibit is in the children's room at the zoo. This exhibit is interesting because it explains the water cycle to younger children while still letting them play in the water. The only downfall to this exhibit is that it's a little bit out of the way if parents only want to take their child to the zoo and not take them into the plant rooms.
What's great about the zoo is that you don't need any signs really; you can just watch the animals run around and get a lot out of the experience. Speaking about the play area specifically, I think this type of "exhibit" is extremely effective. I remember when I was tiny I played in a system of tunnels at a museum that was supposed to represent an ant house, so even if the kids don't learn the scientific details, they will always remember the fun they had in an educational environment.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kristal--visitors STAR moments are often experiences we can't manipulate. They just happen based on the visitors' interests and the opportunities that exist in the exhibit.
ReplyDeleteIn your postings, I noticed the following characteristics of effective signage (some of which you mentioned in class): placement of signs, font size on signs, and the direct application of information from the signs to the exhibit. Keep those traits in mind when you create your signage.
Also, your comments reinforce the idea that physical interaction is key to engagement. We didn't talk much about where an exhibit is located in the museum, but this is an important consideration if you're installing a lot of exhibits. I'm sure the decision about where to put different stuff is political as well as practical. What do you think?