Last month, NAI’s Interpretive Media section and Region 7 co-hosted the Northern Colorado Interpreters’ Development and Social in Golden, CO. The event took place at Lookout Mountain Nature Center, which is a facility of Jefferson County Open Space.
Jefferson County Open Space was founded as a land conservation organization in 1972 to preserve land, protect park and natural resources, as well as provide healthy nature-based experiences. Funded with a one-half of one percent sales tax, the agency has preserved over 54,000 acres and created 28 regional parks and 230 miles of trails in Jefferson County. Lookout Mountain Nature Center was constructed using sustainable design elements in 1997. Soon after its construction, interpretive exhibits were added to the facility.
Participants at the Northern Colorado Interpreters’ Development explored the nature center’s exhibitry on their own and were asked to provide their anonymous first impressions. This begun the discussion of effective interpretive design. Alexis Sohlden, Director of the Interpretive Media section and naturalist at Lookout Mountain Nature Center, guided this portion of this event.
Soon after, participants were tasked with an exhibit evaluation. Questions were split up into three categories that covered various exhibitry aspects. Categories included comfort, exhibit design elements as well as meanings and connections.
Sample questions:
Afterwards, the group of 30+ interpreters shared their findings. Many shared their insights into their own organization and agency’s exhibits or programs. A lively discussion ensued regarding what is effective interpretive design.
Lookout Mountain Nature Center is currently undergoing a strenuous process to redo or possibly replace exhibitry elements. If you’d like updates on this process, especially if your exhibitry needs a refreshing, please email Alexis Sohlden at [email protected].
Jefferson County Open Space was founded as a land conservation organization in 1972 to preserve land, protect park and natural resources, as well as provide healthy nature-based experiences. Funded with a one-half of one percent sales tax, the agency has preserved over 54,000 acres and created 28 regional parks and 230 miles of trails in Jefferson County. Lookout Mountain Nature Center was constructed using sustainable design elements in 1997. Soon after its construction, interpretive exhibits were added to the facility.
Participants at the Northern Colorado Interpreters’ Development explored the nature center’s exhibitry on their own and were asked to provide their anonymous first impressions. This begun the discussion of effective interpretive design. Alexis Sohlden, Director of the Interpretive Media section and naturalist at Lookout Mountain Nature Center, guided this portion of this event.
Soon after, participants were tasked with an exhibit evaluation. Questions were split up into three categories that covered various exhibitry aspects. Categories included comfort, exhibit design elements as well as meanings and connections.
Sample questions:
- “Could the exhibits be read, viewed, and used with ease? Were the exhibit elements at appropriate heights? Was the text and image(s) appropriate?”
- “What types of media are used in the exhibit (real objects, graphics, text, models, dioramas, sound, interactive, etc…)? Do you think the balance between types of media is appropriate?”
- “What do you think the primary theme of the exhibit is? What is the big idea? How is it communicated? Is this easily understood by most visitors, even if they quickly walk through?”
Afterwards, the group of 30+ interpreters shared their findings. Many shared their insights into their own organization and agency’s exhibits or programs. A lively discussion ensued regarding what is effective interpretive design.
Lookout Mountain Nature Center is currently undergoing a strenuous process to redo or possibly replace exhibitry elements. If you’d like updates on this process, especially if your exhibitry needs a refreshing, please email Alexis Sohlden at [email protected].
nai_region_7_exhibit_discussion.pdf |
exhibit_questions_for_nai_region_7.pdf |