When planning exhibits, a lack of direction can be confusing and stressful. It might lengthen the time it takes to bring a project to life, or even stop it in its tracks.

Douglas Hart Nature Center wanted to create engaging exhibits that would inspire their visitors, but they were unsure of how to go about telling their story. Despite their great ideas about what the exhibits might entail, staff, board members, and stakeholders struggled to find a cohesive vision.

So, the nature center came to us to guide them through developing a vision of what their exhibits might become. We offered a four-step plan to help them turn their ideas into reality.

(1) Onsite Workshop

Prior to the onsite workshop, the nature center completed our planning guide and sent it back to us for preparation. Then, our interpretive design team went to their site for a one-day intensive focus workshop. They began with a tour of the site, learning about its offerings and its significance. After the tour, the team worked with nature center representatives to identify the central theme, subthemes, media, and an exhibit wish list.

(2) Pencil Sketches

Next, Taylor Studios independently refined the central theme, subthemes, and pencil sketches of exhibit concepts. Working with the client, we received feedback on the central themes and subthemes, and they picked two of the exhibit sketches for us to develop more fully.

(3) Revised Sketches

The more developed exhibit concepts were then sent back to Douglas Hart Nature Center for review and approval by the stakeholder group.

(4) Renderings and Budget Estimates

Finally, the design team developed the selected exhibit concepts into a rendered format complete with narratives. Budget estimates were also provided. These were sent to the nature center for final review and approval.

Our four-step plan solved multiple problems for the Douglas Hart Nature Center. It clarified and organized their messages. It got their team on the same page. It offered the tools needed for effective fundraising. Plus, they can use the materials for newsletters, on their website, printed posters or grant applications. With clearly defined exhibit concepts and budget estimates, new board members will be able to quickly get up to speed. The nature center plans to do site-wide strategic planning and this exhibit plan will be an integral part of that process.

When creating an exhibit plan, a workshop can be an effective way to clarify your vision. We know that every site has varying needs and goals, so we design workshops in different ways. For instance, sometimes Taylor Studios spends more than one day on site. This offers the opportunity for the design team to develop the themes and sketches together with site representatives. Bringing in outside facilitators is another strategy that can increase the benefits of a workshop. Outside facilitators often create more momentum and buy-in. No matter what you need to turn your ideas into a cohesive plan, Taylor Studios will work with your site to design engaging exhibits.