Over the last few months we've been working on our next 5 year strategic plan. Everyone we've talked to wants to see walking trails, outdoor exhibits, art, interpretive panels, and learn about the geology, fauna, and flora of the region. They want to know what they are looking at when they go out exploring on their own. That connection between people and the desert has been at the heart of the new permanent exhibits we've designed. Through different mediums, visitors interact with the desert inside the museum and learn more about what they see in their day to day lives. Taking this theme outdoors is a perfect next step.
But what does that mean in practical terms? We know we want to develop easy walking trails that people can wander and explore on their own. What do they want to learn about when they are outside? Is it the same as what we want them to take away from the experience? Among the many plans are interpretive signs to identify native plants, their desert adaptations, and their cultural uses. But what about local animals?
Local Greater Roadrunner |
Same info, 4 ways of presenting it. What do visitors want? |
A little roadrunner research later and I made 4 different versions of a sign. All had most of the same information, with small changes. Two had a map of the Greater Roadrunner's range in North America, two didn't. Two were single panels, two were flip panels. Which would people prefer?
Single panel with tracks. So far everyone likes the tracks idea |
For example, only one of the panels includes pictures of roadrunner tracks. That was something I was sure I wanted in the final interpretive panel, but would visitors want it too? So far the tracks have gotten the best response.
Single panel, no tracks. So far the least popular |
What's been very interesting is how divided people are on the idea of single panel vs flip panel.
Some like the flip because it allows hands-on interaction as well as more space for more information. Others hate the flip idea and just want a single panel they can glance at to see if they are interested.
Flip sign version 1- open to see what animal we're talking about |
Which idea will win out? That's up to the visitors!
Flip sign version 2- picture on cover let's you decide if you want more info |
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