Constant Improvement

At Taylor Studios, we believe in constant improvement.  This may mean anything from better internal communication to creating better experiences for museum visitors.  Our Art Director, Jason Cox, has been working on improving communication between his office and the design department. Through his efforts to improve how projects are presented, came clarity in expectations.  Below is an email I received from Jason which he sent to our design department.  This Exhibit Design Punch List can help you clarify what is important in your exhibits, too.

From the Art Director:

I have a created a list of things that I feel you all should be considering when designing.  I feel that if you all are keeping these things in mind and presenting that information to me there will be better communication between us and the team.

I think if you are selling the design to me and offering this information I will be better about not strong arming the designs or interjecting my own designs into the mix.

Often I am offering my concepts and pushing you in my direction because I feel my idea answers these things better.  I admit there are times when I want to see my idea conceptualized because I am excited about my idea.  That’s just the exhibit designer in me…  I want to see your excitement with your concepts.  I want to see your enthusiasm and think of me like a client when you are presenting your designs.  How would you approach the client with your concept?  How would you explain your concept to the client?  What are your selling points to the client when you are trying to get your design approved by them?

Anyway, I think if you all are considering these things as you are designing and then selling me on your concepts, communication will be better and frustrations less.

Exhibit Design Punch List

Below is a list of things that need to be considered when designing exhibits and graphics.  All of the items listed below will be addressed when presenting design concepts to team members and the Art Director.

1.       How does the design reinforce the “Central Theme”?

2.       How does the design enhance the content?

3.       Explain how the design enhances the visitor experience.

4.       How will the design draw the visitor to it and do you find it engaging?

5.       Explain how the design takes into consideration the visitor’s interaction with the exhibit.

6.       Have ADA standards been addressed and met?

7.       Explain the durability of the design and materials suggested to be used.

8.       Does the design meet or exceed the budget?

9.       If it exceeds the budget how can your design be value engineered to meet the budget?

What do you think?  Is there anything you would add to the punch list?