Open Forum

I used a giant floor graphic map of the City of Tampa when designing the Tampa Firefighter Museum.  On it, we added photographs of fire stations (boy was it ever hard to wrangle 22 photographs of fire stations with similar sky conditions, from about the same distance, without traffic, high resolution), so that kids would have a visual recognition of their fire stations which are designated Safe Places.  

Tell your graphic artist your communication goals for the map as you get started.

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Mary Anna Murphy

MAM Exhibit Design

St. Petersburg, FL
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Maps at the entrance to each gallery is an excellent idea.  Just remember:

(1) that these maps are only one element of a navigation system (conceptual orientation, circulation system, and way finding).  The lobby/entrance area should have an orientation area that tells visitors what there is to see and do, how the facility is organized, and how to find rest rooms and other amenities. In addition, a complex pattern of pathways through the Museum can place extra burden on visitors and detract from engaging with the collections.

(2) formative evaluation is important to make sure the system works.  

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Stephen Bitgood PhD
Professor Emeritus of Psychology
Jacksonville State University
Palm Coast FL
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Dear All:  Please make sure the print is large enough so that people don't have to get close to read it!

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Richard Zimmer
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Also be aware that there are many people, mostly men, who are red/green colorblind.  Incorporating distinctive patterns in addition to your choice of colors can help.

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David Buchanan
Curator
Indiana State Museum
Indianapolis IN
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