Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-jn8rn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-26T07:55:19.301Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Measure Twice, Cut Once: Developing a Research-Based Interpretive Signs Checklist

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 June 2015

Roy Ballantyne  and
Karen Hughes
Roy Ballantyne*
Affiliation:
Queensland University of Technology
Karen Hughes
Affiliation:
Queensland University of Technology
*
†Director, Centre for Innovation in Education, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia. Email: r.ballantyne@qut.edu.au
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

Interpretive signs are used extensively in tourism and leisure settings to convey important messages and concepts to visitors. While the installation of signs ensures information is widely available and can be repeatedly accessed by large numbers of visitors, their static and inflexible nature means interpretive signs have to be particularly well-designed if they are to interpret topics in a manner that visitors find attractive, interesting and meaningful. This paper provides suggestions for how the six key features of interpretation can be successfully incorporated into signs, and arises from research conducted while developing a website to illustrate “best practice” design of signs and exhibits. The paper concludes with the Interpretive Signs Checklist which consists of a set of criteria against which interpretive signs can be judged. This checklist is designed to be used “in situ”, and provides a systematic, objective tool for designing new signs as well as evaluating and improving existing signage.

Type
Viewpoint
Information
Australian Journal of Environmental Education , Volume 19 , 2003 , pp. 15 - 25
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2003

References

Ballantyne, R. (1998). Interpreting “visions”: Addressing environmental education goals through interpretation. In Uzzell, D. & Ballantyne, R., Contemporary Issues in Heritage and Environmental Interpretation (pp. 77–97). London: The Stationery Office.Google Scholar
Ballantyne, R., Crabtree, A., Ham, S., Hughes, K., & Weiler, B. (2000). Tour guiding: Developing effective communication and interpretation techniques. Brisbane, Australia: Queensland University of Technology.Google Scholar
Ballantyne, R., Hughes, K., & Moscardo, G. (2002). Interpretive signs: Principles and practices, http://www.interpretivesigns.qut.edu.au Google Scholar
Ballantyne, R., & Uzzell, D. (1993). Environmental mediation and hot interpretation - a case study of District Six, Cape Town. Journal of Environmental Education, 24(3), 4–7.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ballantyne, R., & Uzzell, D. (1994). A checklist for the critical evaluation of informal environmental learning experiences. International Journal of Environmental Education and Information, 13(2), 111–124.Google Scholar
Bitgood, S.C., Finlay, T., & Woehr, D. (1987, 03). Design and evaluation of exhibit labels. Paper presented at the Southeastern Psychological Association, Atlanta, GA.Google Scholar
Capelle, A.D. (1995). Designing quality interpretive/EE programs: Meeting the expectations of a sophisticated clientele. Interp Edge, 2(2), 33–36.Google Scholar
Carter, J. (Ed.). (1997). A sense of place: An interpretive planning handbook. Inverness: Tourism and Environmental Initiative.Google Scholar
Caulton, T. (1998). Hands-on exhibitions: Managing interactive museums and science centres. London: Routledge.Google Scholar
Coxall, H. (1991). How language means: An alternative view of museums text. In Kavanagh, G. (Ed.), Museum languages: Objects and texts (pp. 83–100). Leicester: Leicester University Press.Google Scholar
Dean, D. (1994). Museum exhibition: Theory and practice. London: Routledge.Google Scholar
Dierking, L.D., & Pollock, W. (1998). Questioning assumptions: An introduction to front-end studies in museums. Washington: The Association of Science-Technology Centers.Google Scholar
Falk, J.H., & Dierking, L.D. (1992). The museum experience. Washington DC: Whalesback Books.Google Scholar
Falk, J.H., & Dierking, L.D. (2000). Learning from museums: Visitor experiences and the making of meaning. Walnut Creek, CA: Alta Mira Press.Google Scholar
Ham, S.H. (1992). Environmental interpretation: A practical guide for people with big ideas and small budgets. Golden, Colorado: North American Press.Google Scholar
Ham, S. (2003). Re: New interpretation article, http://www.interp@lorenz.mur.csu.edu.au Google Scholar
Hooper-Greenhill, E. (1994). Museums and their visitors. London: Routledge.Google Scholar
Hooper-Greenhill, E. (1995). Museum, media, message. London: Routledge.Google Scholar
Hooper-Greenhill, E. (2000). Museums and the interpretation of visual culture. London: Routledge.Google Scholar
Knudson, D.M., Cable, T.T., & Beck, L. (1995). Interpretation of cultural and natural resources. PA: Venture Publishing.Google Scholar
Machlis, G.E. (1992). Interpreting war and peace. In Machlis, G.E. & Field, D.R. (Eds.), On interpretation: Sociology for interpreters of natural and cultural history (Revised edition) (pp. 212–234). Corvallis, Oregon: Oregon State University Press.Google Scholar
McManus, P.M. (1991). Making sense of exhibits. In Kavanagh, G., Museum languages: Objects and text (pp. 35–46). Leicester: Leicester University Press.Google Scholar
Moscardo, G. (1996). Mindful visitors. Annals of Tourism Research, 23(2), 376–397.Google Scholar
Moscardo, G. (1998). Interpretation and sustainable tourism: Functions, examples and principles. Journal of Tourism Studies, 9(1), 2–13.Google Scholar
Moscardo, G. (1999). Making visitors mindful: Principles for creating sustainable visitor experiences through effective communication. Champaign, Illinois: Sagamore Publishing.Google Scholar
Museums Australia (1998). Museum methods: A practical manual for managing small museums. Sydney: Museums Australia.Google Scholar
Pasini, R. (1999). Sign-posting information design. In Jacobson, R. (Ed.), Information Design (pp. 83–98). Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press.Google Scholar
Pierssene, A. (1999). Explaining our world: An approach to the art of environmental interpretation. London: E & FN Spon.Google Scholar
Punt, B., Stern, S., & Ratcliffe, S. (1989). Doing it right: A workbook for improving exhibit labels. Brooklyn: The Brooklyn Children's Museum.Google Scholar
Regnier, K., Gross, M., & Zimmerman, R. (1992). The interpreter's guidebook: Techniques for programs and presentations. University of Wisconsin: UW-SP Foundation Press Inc.Google Scholar
Robertshaw, A. (1997). A dry shell of the past: living history and the interpretation of historic houses, http://www.heritage-interpretation.org.uk/journals/j2c-shell.html Google Scholar
Shackley, M. (2001). Managing sacred sites: Service provision and visitor experience. London: Continuum.Google Scholar
Screven, C.G. (1999). Information design in informal settings: Museums and other public spaces. In Jacobson, R. (Ed.), Information Design (pp. 131–192). Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press.Google Scholar
Serrell, B. (1996). Exhibit labels: An interpretive approach. Walnut Creek, CA: Alta Mira Press.Google Scholar
Thomas, G. (1994). “Why are you playing at washing up again?” Some reasons and methods for developing exhibitions for children. In Miles, R. & Zavala, L., Towards the museum of the future (pp. 117–131). London: Routledge.Google Scholar
Tilden, F. (1977). Interpreting our heritage. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.Google Scholar
Uzzell, D.L., & Ballantyne, R.R. (1998). Heritage that hurts: Interpretation in a postmodern world. In Uzzell, D. & Ballantyne, R. (Eds.), Contemporary issues in heritage and environmental interpretation (pp. 152–171). London: The Stationery Office.Google Scholar
Ververka, J.A. (1994). Interpretive master planning: For parks, historic sites, forests, zoos and related tourism sites, for self-guided interpretive services, for interpretive exhibits, for guided programs / tours. Montana: Falcon Press Publishing Company.Google Scholar
Ververka, J.A. (2001). Exhibit evaluation for children's exhibits: The Kirby Science Center Experience, http://www.heritageinterp.com/newpage13.htm Google Scholar
Woods, B. (1998). Animals on display: Principles for interpreting captive wildlife. The Journal of Tourism Studies, 9(1), 28–39.Google Scholar