- A sign or signage system exists to identify or provide
directions in a space.
Exhibition design tells a story in three-dimensions.
I love DIY Lo-Fi exhibits
at local historical societies or small museums.
These have a certain charm.
That quickly grows tiresome when I'm trying to
understand lots of complex information.
Every exhibition I've designed is based on a clear grid.
The size and proportion of each message lets the viewer know
what kind of information is being presented.
The grid creates the hierarchy and unity
in a complex environment that might include
three-dimensional forms, artifacts, and art.
If the viewer sees the same size label
with the same size type, next to every painting,
he will quickly understand that this is a caption.
Each exhibition is different,
but they all share a narrative that is told
from beginning to end.
It's imperative that the viewer quickly understand the story
and the type of information being presented.
The grid and typography sizes help the viewer determine
what is an introduction, secondary information, and caption,
just like a book project.
When I worked on a exhibit at the
Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History,
I was faced with three entry doors at different locations.
I had to find a way to let the viewer know
what the exhibition was about and where they were.
In this instance, I used the grid system
to place large dates in the room,
alerting the viewer to not where, but when they were.
These dates then lead to the next level of information
that was consistent and so on.
It's a good idea to work with a consistent proportion
with exhibition design,
for example, a square.
The square can be doubled up
scaled 200 percent or reduced to be a small label.
The viewer will always experience this proportion
as the voice of narration of the exhibition.
It will stand out from the elements of the exhibition itself
and create a unified story.
Working with a basic grid structure,
consistent proportions, and typographic hierarchy
will provide structure to a complex space.
It will help the viewer understand the concept
and access the information.
Exhibitions are about information,
but they also need to be entertaining.
Use the grid, but explore color and materials
to create interest.
Remember to have fun.