Museum Exhibit Design
Course Description & Goals
This course introduces you to standards, considerations, and processes related to developing and designing interpretive museum exhibitions through which objects, text, graphics, and environment are combined to promote affective and transformative visitor experiences.
Reflective of the fact that many students who go on to museum work find internships or employment in small museums with minimal resources, students are introduced to graphic design and 3D rendering using free or easily accessible programs. For previews, click below:
Reflective of the fact that many students who go on to museum work find internships or employment in small museums with minimal resources, students are introduced to graphic design and 3D rendering using free or easily accessible programs. For previews, click below:
Student Learning Outcomes
This course will provide you with the knowledge to participate in the following tasks in a museum environment:
- Develop visitor-friendly, coherent, interpretive content that supports a big idea or specified theme
- Compose labels to guide visitor understanding and promote visitor interest
- Design visually pleasing and ADA-compliant spaces that promote informal learning and enjoyment
- Prepare basic museum exhibition-related technical documents
Course Schedule
WEEK 1: Introduction to Museum Exhibitions
Museums & Exhibitions
Exhibition Development Overview
WEEK 2: Thinking About Visitors
Museum Visitors
Front End Evaluation
WEEK 3: Interpretive Framework
Interpretation and Storytelling
Big Idea, Mission, Goals
WEEK 4: Concept Hierarchy
Thematic Development
Label Hierarchies
WEEK 5: Label Writing
Label Style, Legibility, & Accessibility
Graphic Design Basics
WEEK 6: Modalities
Presenting Objects
Beyond Objects
WEEK 7: Space Planning
Wayfinding
Museum Practicum (visit area museums)
WEEK 8: Working in 3D
Design Principles
Computer Rendering using SketchUp
WEEK 9: Presentation & Preservation
Mount Making
Conservation
WEEK 10: Individuals & Communities
Design & Development Case Studies
Course Review
Museums & Exhibitions
Exhibition Development Overview
WEEK 2: Thinking About Visitors
Museum Visitors
Front End Evaluation
WEEK 3: Interpretive Framework
Interpretation and Storytelling
Big Idea, Mission, Goals
WEEK 4: Concept Hierarchy
Thematic Development
Label Hierarchies
WEEK 5: Label Writing
Label Style, Legibility, & Accessibility
Graphic Design Basics
WEEK 6: Modalities
Presenting Objects
Beyond Objects
WEEK 7: Space Planning
Wayfinding
Museum Practicum (visit area museums)
WEEK 8: Working in 3D
Design Principles
Computer Rendering using SketchUp
WEEK 9: Presentation & Preservation
Mount Making
Conservation
WEEK 10: Individuals & Communities
Design & Development Case Studies
Course Review