Good practice: Real | Virtual exhibitions
October 2000

 

 

Realworld exhibitions

 

Virtual exhibitions

 

Navigation

 

  • Provide an overview of exhibition space
  • Map guide or visual clues available to find route and exits
  • ...these visual clues distinct from the rest of the exhibition
  • Provide choice to short cut fixed route gallery
  • Not easy to get lost in exhibition space

     

  • Navigation control always available to return or jump to the next page in series
  • Navigation controls are recognisable as such
  • Minimum amount of 'clicks' required to reach destination

     

  • Design

     

  • Good layout
  • Balanced level of information
  • Not too cluttered so that the content cannot be seen
  • ...and not too much blank space instead of content
  • Attractive and appropriate design style
  • Exhibit information is easy to see or find
  • Comprehensible
  • The exhibition looks good and is easy to use

     

  • Good layout
  • Balanced level of information
  • ...not too cluttered and not too much blank space instead of content
  • Attractive and appropriate design style
  • Links are easy to see or find
  • Comprehensible
  • The site looks good and is easy to use

     

  • Style

     

  • Maintains consistent 'front end' so you know where you are
  • Once you are familiar with the layout you can concentrate on the content

     

  • Maintains consistent 'front end' so you know where you are
  • Once you are familiar with the layout you can concentrate on the content

     

  • Media

     

  • Variety of media used to present content
  • ...this media made interactive where possible
  • Longer presentations should warn of their duration and provide seating

     

  • Given the choice to load Video/sound/Java/large files
  • Animations/blinking text used sparingly
  • Quick to download

     

  • Function

     

  • Build quality sufficient
  • Enough circulation space
  • Exhibits and text visible for all [or most] groups of society
  • Presents no health and safety problems

     

  • Links function
  • Pictures optimised for web use
  • Site has been tested on different platforms and functions

     

  • Information

     

  • Provides at least the same information as other sources, if not more
  • Answers questions you arrived with
  • ...or provides further reference elsewhere
  • Makes the visit worthwhile

     

  • Provides at least the same information as other sources, if not more
  • Answers questions you arrived with
  • ...or provides further reference elsewhere
  • Gives geographical location [if it is providing service a in the real world]
  • Makes the visit worthwhile

     

  • Interaction

     

  • Provides visual or audio feedback for actions taken

     

  • Has links
  • Provides eMail contact link
  • Provides visual or audio feedback for actions taken

     

  •  

     

     


    Simon Caslaw
    Exhibition design, real and virtual 2000/1