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. 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 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. 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. 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 a meeting place for relationship building while in North America energy is spent 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. 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. How an exhibit is designed can greatly persuade the visitors comprehension of artifacts. By using colors, lighting, graphics, guidance systems or materials can dramatize the display or help create a central theme which helps the narrative being presented. Utilizing this technology can make museums more fun and less intimating. It also encourages learning new ideas while working with others in a social setting. The use of technology in a museum setting goes further than the four wall of the museum itself. By adding the exhibits to a digital platform it allows others who can not visit the museum in person to still learn from the display. We saw proof of this working particularly during the Covid-19 lockdown when no one could go to museums. Another way this practice could be used is creating digital display for the artifacts sitting in storage due to lack of physical space in the display area. == Careers ==