Leaping Lizards!
A slice of exhibition design focusing on the crested gecko.
PROBLEM
Create a display to be showcased in a musuem that will ecourage audiences of all ages to learn more about the crested gecko. Focus on educating about concerns surrounding the species, as well as general information about their habitat and lifestyle. Really experiment with ways to draw audiences in, rather than having them skim over the exhibit.
INSIGHT
After researching other nature musuems and speaking with their designers, I realized I had to create an exhibit that could be truly accessible to all ages. This meant the size of the type, where it is placed in the physical space, the verbage used, and more, all had to be considered when making something engaging for a wide audience. And because of this desired appeal for especially younger ages, the design could not be too simple to be overlooked, children should be curious and want to engage with the work.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
In order to design something engaging, I made sure I gave the audience a way to interact with my work. By giving them the option to fill out coloring pages, they were now becoming a part of the process so it would leave them with a greater impact. Elements of the display could also be interacted with, such as a liftable door to encourage curiosity from all ages. Beyond just having all of these elements attached to a board, it was important that this display represent the real thing as best as possible, and a imitation enclosure was at the center of the work to fully immerse the viewer.
OUTCOME
Viewers of all ages loved interacting with the work. They were excited to sit down and color, as well as learn more about the life of a crested gecko. Adults that enjoyed reading the informational panels, also really appreciated having a space for younger kids to be able to occupy themselves without a screen, even taking pages home with them. Throughout the night, people of all ages could be found coloring, and upon return to breakdown the installation several days later, outside musuem goers had filled out a dozen more sheets. The installation was very successful in educating a variety of audiences on the crested gecko in a way that ensured they would engage with the work uniquely.