It’s easy enough to spot the daily wear and tear on interactive museum exhibits. Display units will also show some wear over time or simply go out of fashion, which means that they’ll need to be updated as well. However, it’s harder to know when exhibits are no longer engaging with patrons. Over time, identifying and providing engagement becomes an even bigger enigma for museums because exhibit updates need to appeal to an increasingly informed and demanding contemporary audience, while also recouping the expense of those often expensive updates.

The important thing to keep in mind is that the exhibits themselves can help museum directors expand their reach into the communities they serve. Diversifying the mix of people visiting the museum increases the percentage of the community members supporting the mission. And, when each visitor can say they had a good experience, the museum will establish an even stronger relationship with the greater community.

The Star Wars exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg appealed to a wide variety of people of all ages. Plus it was such a pleasure to help design and build.

Strategies to Capture More Visitors

There are four different exhibit orientations that provide opportunities for capturing a visitors attention:

Exhibit as artifact on display
An exhibit that communicates ideas
Interactive exhibits
An immersive environment

Any updates to an exhibit should follow these closely and fulfill the participant’s expectations. If an exhibit is not well matched with the audience, then they may not be enthusiastic for another visit. So, it’s in the museum’s best interest to provide the widest range of exhibit orientations without straying from their mission. Performing some research into the audience and opting to create ever-green, lasting exhibits can help create a strong foundation.

Audience, First

When reaching out to new audiences, it will be easier to place them into segments, rather than large ethnic or socio-economic groups. Understanding the target segment provides a greater opportunity for connection. Focusing on only one exhibit orientation may have a negative effect with these new segments. Do some research into your community and use your local Chamber of Commerce as a resource to access data about the community. Consider focus groups as a way to assess your community’s mindset and specific needs. We’ve actually participated in a focus group for a local St. Petersburg museum. It was quite interesting and we noticed that the programming and special exhibits have become more and more spectacular since they started the focus groups. It’s definitely worth the investment, as long as you use the resulting data to take action.

This exhibit appeals to a particular audience segment – children. Being that it is the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, it is only appropriate that the content and style are geared towards kids.

Quality Does Matter

Quality design of exhibits and space will capture more interactions with visitors. According to the Smithsonian, the quality of a museum is largely based on the exhibit’s:

Use of authoritative presentations
Easy-to-use technology
Easy-to-do interactions
Graphic design
Educational focus

There is also a greater expectation that museums provide a more quality experience over other community attractions, even though they are not necessarily in the same category.

Exhibit to Promote Learning

Engaging museum exhibits can facilitate personal and group learning. A good exhibit links to past experiences and everyday events. Any updates to interactivity can promote more identification with the exhibits, as well as the proper interpretation of the exhibit. This will integrate a broader range of audiences and create deeper, developmental experiences.

ADM Two custom designs museum exhibits. We are experts on design, fabrication, and exhibit technology, so give us a call at (813) 887-1960 and one of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with your museum exhibit design and planning. Also, check out some of our other articles to get more information on museum displays.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Displays, Interactive Displays, Trade Show

Backlighting Displays Improves Visibility

2018-05-15 Shannon Bennett

Exhibiting at a trade show is a major investment of time, energy and money. That’s why you need to be as visible as possible. But all of the major trade shows have hundreds of exhibitors vying for everyone’s attention. How do you make your booth stand out from all of the others around you?

Research has shown that backlit displays increase visibility, delivering more return on your investment. The video below, Benefits of a Backlit Display, will tell you more about the many benefits and uses for backlit displays.

Simple design elements, like backlit displays and signs, attract more attention and create a buzz about your brand. But a successful trade show appearance does more than increase brand awareness. A compelling booth design becomes a stage where your company engages with more potential customers. They will want to learn more about your products and services. This quickly translates into more qualified leads.

If you’re looking to update or upgrade your exhibit with backlit displays, the ADM Two staff are experts on display design and fabrication, so give us a call at (813) 887-1960. No matter where your event takes place, one of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with your trade show needs. Also, check out some of our other articles to get more information on trade show booth layout and trade show graphics.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Design, Interactive Displays, Technology, Trade Show

Consider Your Audience

2017-12-22 Susan Canonico

To get the most return on your tradeshow investment, you need to connect with the audience. How you connect with them begins with knowing who they are and what they like.

Tradeshow Demographics

Almost every tradeshow can provide some background on the attendees. These audience profiles are typically posted to the websites and may include:

Profession
Job level
Age
Income

There may be more information available on the audience. This may cost extra, but it’s worth it, especially if you are exhibiting for the first time.

The General Audience

There are certain generalizations you can make about the audience and what they like or dislike. Younger audiences are much more likely to engage with technology (although this is quickly changing). For example, Millennials are considered to be “digital natives.” Their entire life has been surrounded by technology. They will also give personal information more freely.

Older audiences use technology a little differently. They are attracted to easy navigation, a compelling story, and no frills. They are also more apt to engage face-to-face, investigate, then follow up through email.

Professionals Are People, Too

While looking at the audience profile, remember that professionals are people, just like everyone else. An interesting booth will generate more interest and spread awareness about your brand.

Interactivity is a great way for everyone to experience your brand in a fun and challenging way. Another thing to think about is where your booth is located. If your booth is in an odd location, then play to the strengths of being unique. For example, you’re in the middle of the showroom, try offering visitors water and snacks to help them get to the finish.

ocean optics hybrid trade show booth demo_small

This Ocean Optics trade show booth had several stations with demonstrations and interactive sessions. It was pretty incredible and fascinating!

Make It Memorable

For anyone attending the same show, year-after-year, it can feel monotonous. Making your booth an experience, and not just an information depot, can leave your audience with memorable impressions about your brand. This is very important for brand recall and positive associations.

If you’re looking to exhibit your business at a trade show, the ADM Two staff are experts on display design and fabrication. Give us a call at (813) 887-1960 and one of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with your tradeshow needs, no matter where your event takes place. Also, check out some of our other articles to get more information on trade show booth layout, trade show graphics, and etiquette.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Interactive Displays, Museum Exhibit

Current Trends in Museum Exhibits

2017-12-06 Shannon Bennett

Technology has changed the way we interact with the world. Because of it, both young and old are drawn to more interactive events that are fun and challenging. These changes have affected how museums engage with their visitors and make lasting impressions for years to come. Below are a few of the current trends in museum exhibits that reflect these changes.

Fewer Gadgets, More Experiences

Technology continues to change how members and visitor engage with gallery experiences. But, having technology in the museum is not a new trend, however, the breadth of use of technology has changed to include social media, mobile applications, and augmented reality. Plus, one of the latest trends facilitated by technology is gift giving. All of these are driven by mobile phones, so visitors can continue their museum experiences beyond the front doors and bring it home with them.

Keep It Local

Our digital world has given us a global perspective, which is why museums need to develop a sense of place for visitors to personally connect with the exhibits. Their relevance and value come from the history and culture found at their location. Focusing on place is also a way for museums to distinguish themselves among others, because they are rooted in the unique nature of their community.

Engaging the Senses

In our ever-increasing virtual world, museums need to embrace the use of real-world materials and everyday objects within their exhibits. Holding and manipulating everyday objects is an important way to engage our senses and deepen our learning. Everyday objects carry stories of invention and adaptation, hold information about how the world works, and present possibilities for a deeper understanding of the concepts presented.

This engaging display can be found at Suncoast Youth Conservation Center museum exhibits.

Another way to engage the senses is through maker spaces and the crafting movement in museum exhibits. This is a level of interactivity, where members and visitors become self-directed learners. It’s also a great way to have social engagement between staff and patrons. Plus, there are a wide range of materials and tools to fit budgets, while promoting exploration through design and building.

And More Engagement

The latest trends for museums to embrace may involve revitalization of current exhibits to fit the needs of their visitors. Changes in display design and fabrication can go a long way in captivating the audience—making positive experiences.

If you’re looking to exhibit your business at one of these or other trade shows, the ADM Two staff are experts on display design and fabrication, so give us a call at (813) 887-1960 and one of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with your tradeshow needs, no matter where your event takes place. Also, check out some of our other articles to get more information on trade show booth layout, trade show graphics, and etiquette.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Custom Corporate Environment, Displays, Interactive Displays

How Cutting-Edge Interactive Displays are Improving Human Resources

2017-09-21 Shannon Bennett

Anyone who’s been to a trade show in recent years knows booths and exhibits have never been more interactive and high-tech.

Now it appears all kinds of companies are developing a taste for using similar whiz-bang interactive displays in offices and other workplaces for human resources-related purposes. Indeed, when St. Petersburg, Florida-based national electrical contractor Power Design, several years ago, was looking for a better way to teach employees about all aspects of what the company does and why, it turned to local exhibit designer and builder ADM Two Exhibits and Displays.

Though mostly known in years past for its museum and trade show exhibits, the firm is fast finding a new (and growing) niche in creating interactive exhibits used to educate company employees about all manner of goods and services. The female-founded and led company has recently fashioned everything from high-tech “membership experience rooms” for credit unions, to “employment engagement” areas for health care outfits aimed at helping keep staff up on changing HR-related issues.

“Interacting with HR used to mean you were in trouble,” joked Shannon Bennett, vice president of sales and marketing at ADM Two. “But these days, employees are coming to realize that HR is really about helping employees be as good at, and happy with, their jobs as possible. And interactive display technologies are fast becoming one of the best ways for HR to do this.”

Fast-growing Power Design’s task for ADM Two: help them find a better way to keep their 8,000 employees current on all manner of innovations in electrical contracting work, as well as bring new hires quickly up to speed.

The result is Power Design’s new Best Practices in Action Training Center. Occupying the better part of several large rooms, the interactive display training center uses everything from large computerized touch-screens, to mock-ups of various electrical wiring scenarios, to instruct employees on all aspects of the company’s design and work. With umpteen interactive quizzes, and videos of real and augmented-reality depictions of technical tasks, the center takes participants from concept to completion of every type of project the company handles.