What are some of the key principles of universal design for exhibits?

1 Equity and diversity

One of the key principles of universal design for exhibits is to respect and value the diversity of your visitors and their perspectives. This means avoiding stereotypes, biases, and assumptions that may exclude or offend some groups or individuals. It also means providing multiple ways of accessing and interacting with the exhibit content, such as text, audio, images, videos, tactile elements, and hands-on activities. By offering different modes of representation and engagement, you can accommodate different learning styles, preferences, and abilities, and allow visitors to choose how they want to experience the exhibit.

2 Simplicity and clarity

Another key principle of universal design for exhibits is to make the exhibit content and interface as simple and clear as possible, without compromising the depth and quality of the information. This means using plain language, concise sentences, active voice, and familiar terms, and avoiding jargon, acronyms, and technical terms that may confuse or alienate some visitors. It also means using consistent and intuitive symbols, icons, labels, and instructions, and providing clear feedback and guidance for interactive elements. By simplifying and clarifying the exhibit content and interface, you can reduce the cognitive load and frustration for visitors, and enhance their comprehension and retention of the information.

3 Flexibility and choice

A third key principle of universal design for exhibits is to provide flexibility and choice for visitors to customize their exhibit experience according to their needs, interests, and goals. This means allowing visitors to control the pace, sequence, and duration of their visit, and to skip, repeat, or explore further any parts of the exhibit that they find relevant or appealing. It also means providing options for different levels of difficulty, challenge, and feedback, and for different modes of expression and participation, such as writing, drawing, speaking, or performing. By providing flexibility and choice for visitors, you can increase their motivation, engagement, and satisfaction with the exhibit.

4 Safety and comfort

A fourth key principle of universal design for exhibits is to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors and staff in the exhibit environment. This means eliminating or minimizing any physical, sensory, or emotional hazards or barriers that may pose a risk or a discomfort for visitors or staff, such as sharp edges, slippery surfaces, loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces. It also means providing adequate space, lighting, ventilation, seating, and rest areas, and ensuring that the exhibit is accessible and navigable for people with different mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive abilities. By ensuring safety and comfort in the exhibit environment, you can prevent injuries, accidents, or stress for visitors and staff, and create a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.

5 Engagement and feedback

A fifth key principle of universal design for exhibits is to foster engagement and feedback between the exhibit and the visitors, and among the visitors themselves. This means designing exhibits that are interactive, immersive, and responsive, and that invite visitors to observe, question, experiment, create, and share their ideas and opinions. It also means providing opportunities for visitors to communicate and collaborate with each other, such as through social media, games, or discussions. By fostering engagement and feedback in the exhibit, you can stimulate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking for visitors, and enhance their learning and enjoyment.

6 Evaluation and improvement

A sixth key principle of universal design for exhibits is to conduct evaluation and improvement of the exhibit throughout its life cycle. This means collecting and analyzing data and feedback from visitors, staff, and stakeholders on the accessibility, usability, effectiveness, and impact of the exhibit, using various methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or tests. It also means using the data and feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and challenges, and areas for improvement or innovation in the exhibit design, content, or interface. By conducting evaluation and improvement of the exhibit, you can ensure that the exhibit meets the needs and expectations of your visitors and your organization, and that it remains relevant and appealing over time.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?