Exhibit and Information Systems for Tourist Destinations - Universal Design and the Inclusive Interpretive Program

Rebecca Fuller, Exhibit Designer/Model Builder, Owner, RAF Models and Displays, USA

William Watkins, RAF Models and Displays, Exhibit Designer/Architect, RAF Models and Displays, USA

Background

Tourist destinations come in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from local historic buildings, to entire cities, and regional landscapes. Most tourist destinations are designed and managed to support visitor access, comfort, and orientation. Many sites also include some form of interpretive material or program designed to provide visitors with opportunities to explore and learn more about the site.

Interpretive programs are an enormously popular. They are an invitation to visitors to enrich their experience of the site. They vary in complexity from simple self-guided tours to full-scale exhibits. The primary goal of an interpretive program is recreational learning1, that is to say learning that is fun, rich in information, and provokes a deeper understanding of the intrinsic value of a site.

The development of an interpretive program is a complex process. It involves balancing educational goals and objectives with a wide range of visitor expectations and abilities. These expectations are met only when the program is designed to include as wide a variety of user abilities as possible.

Many times, an interpretive program is supported by an exhibit or information structure that is designed to bring the visitor into closer contact with the special nature of each site. They take many forms and play a major role in connecting the visitor to the educational program. They become the main vehicle through which the visitor has interpretive access to the site.

While most tourist sites and destinations manage to support visitor access and comfort and to some extent, orientation, very few sites have exhibits or information structures that are specifically designed to also provide visitor access to the interpretive program should that visitor be visually, hearing or learning impaired.

Proposal for Session

The proposed setting for this session is a location with natural, cultural, historical, or political significance to the people of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. The selected setting should also be a tourist destination or a place where visitation by the general public is encouraged. Ideally, the selected site will have a pre-existing program, or interpretive theme that has been created to explain the significance of the site and outlines, in some detail, the necessary information to be made accessible to visitors. The session will focus on the presentation of interpretive information in ways that are accessible to all visitors, including those persons who are visually, auditorally, or learning impaired so they too can enjoy full benefit of their visit or use of the site.

Possible Venues

  • A building or group of buildings that are architecturally, culturally, or historically significant.
  • The site of an important cultural or historical event.
  • A significant natural or recreational area that has unique features (animal, mineral, or vegetable) and is recognized for its contribution to the quality of life.
  • The site of significant commercial, industrial, or public works with unique importance to regional or national social and cultural development.
  • Locations with cultural or educational themes. (Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers, science centers, etc.)

Goals

  • The session will explore the problem solving process undertaken in incorporating the principals of Universal Design in the area of program accessibility. Emphasis will be on the unique dialogue that takes place between the participants when information or an interpretive theme is being designed in a manner that accessible to all.
  • The session will stimulate a dialogue between participants about programmatic access and information design at tourist destinations and other places of public accommodation.
  • The session will facilitate the exchange of specific information between the participants on materials, techniques and equipment that may be used to advance the mission of Universal Design and "Something for Everyone."
  • The session will illustrate the enormous creative potential for making information and exhibit programs accessible without resorting to compliance standards and codes.

Key Ideas

Tourist destination, interpretive theme, interpretive program, recreational learning, information design, exhibit design, access to program, problem solving, inclusive design, "User fit," Universal Design, "Something for Everyone."

Proposed Schedule

8:00 - 8:30 - Registration (Refreshments)

8:30 - 9:00 - Opening Remarks / Introduction of Leaders and Host Site

9:00 - 9:30 - Universal Design - Theory and Practice
Laurie Ringaert - Center For Universal Design

9:30 - 10:00 - "Something for Everyone" - A Design Process
William Watkins - RAF Models and Displays

10:00 - 10:15 Break (Refreshments)

10:15 - 11:00 Multi-sensory Exhibits - Examples and Techniques
Rebecca Fuller - RAF Models and Displays
With Ray Bloomer, Kay Ellis, Ellen Rubin

11:00 - 11:15 - Creative Teams Formation

11:15 - 12:15 - Guided Tour of Site

12:15 - 12:30 - Questions

12:30 - 1:30 - Creative Team Working Lunch

1:30 - 3:30 - Creative Team Work (Refreshments Provided)

3:30 - 4:30 - Team Presentations - Findings and Recommendations

4:30 - 5:00 - Review and Evaluation

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