Nine Keys to Staging Experiences

March 13, 2012 by Taylor Studios in Professional & Industry Tips

Our mission is: To create products and experiences that inspire people. We do this by not just spewing out facts and details, but by telling stories and creating memorable experiences for visitors to our museums, nature centers, outdoor interpretive media, zoos, visitor centers, cultural exhibits, community artwork and more. We use an interpretative planning approach. J.B. Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore described in their books and articles how to stage an experience. We often refer to their research to inform our creative process. Here are the nine steps they recommend in staging an experience.

I look for these things when visiting places. I often note signage that gives obvious directions, e.g. turn this knob. I see that as a negative cue. It’s not the Apple way where the design is intuitive. I look for a variety of experiences: kinetic, visual and audio. I remember themes. I often use virtual experiences to enhance my visits, e.g. google maps, sending photos to friends, Facebook…. I often buy memorabilia. I have a refrigerator covered with magnets from various places.

Where have you seen these nine staging experiences?