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Exhibit design (or exhibition design) 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. MA Design for Exhibition and Museum , University of Lincoln, UK.
There are many people who collaborate to design exhibits such as directors, , exhibition designers, and technicians. These positions have great importance because how they design will affects how people learn. Learning is a byproduct of attention, so first the designers must capture the visitors attention.
A good exhibition designer will consider the whole environment in which a story is being interpreted rather than just concentrating on individual exhibits. Some other things designers must consider are the space allotted for the display, precautions to protect what is being displayed, and what they are displaying. For example a painting, a mask, and a diamond will not be displayed the same way. Taking into account with artifacts culture and history is also important because every time the artifact is displayed in a new context it reinterprets them.
(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. (2026). 9781611320459, Routledge. ISBN 9781611320459 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. The use of new interactive technology can increase the comprehension of facts. New full-body or multi-user interactive technology can help engage visitors in fun activities that support exploratory learning. 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.Benford, Steve, Dimitri Darzentas, Edgar Bodiaj, Paul Tennent, Sarah Martindale, Harriet Cameron, and Velvet Spors. “Data-Driven Visiting Experiences.” In Hybrid Museum Experiences: Theory and Design, edited by Annika Waern and Anders Sundnes Løvlie, 157–76. Amsterdam University Press, 2022. . edited 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.
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 including community members, government agencies, and other partner organizations.
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