Planning an Interpretation Board
29/08/2009
Interpretation boards display facts and information and are a guidance tool for visitors.
The most effective interpretation boards are clear, simple to understand and blend in well with their surroundings. If you are thinking of investing in an interpretation board for your visitor attraction, you’ll need to consider the board’s design and content carefully, as well as the sign itself.
What Makes a Good Interpretation Board?
An effective interpretation board will:
- Use imaginative visuals which give at-a-glance information and complement the text
- Include content appropriate for the visitor audience and use the appropriate tone
- Be focused and only include information that is absolutely necessary
- Be easy on the eye – cluttered or garish interpretation boards won’t appeal to visitors
- Fit in with its environment – this will affect the materials and style of board that you choose.
Should I Hire a Professional?
The planning and design of your interpretation board is crucial. It can help to hire professional designers and copywriters for this, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. Many companies which supply interpretation boards will provide all these services at a good price – usually much cheaper than if you hired a copywriter, designer and researcher separately.
You can design an interpretation board yourself, but hiring professionals has many advantages. Remember that even if someone else designs your board, it will be in conjunction with you and you’ll get the final say on everything.
The benefits of hiring design and copy professionals include:
- They are experts at eye-catching design and layout
- A copywriter will be able to convey a lot of information concisely
- They will probably be able to work faster than you
- You will still be able to direct the content
Fitzpatrick Woolmer is a leading provider of creative sign and design solutions, including interpretation boards and panels, for public and open spaces, With in-house graphic design capabilities, and on-site timber, metal and recycled plastic workshops, we provide solutions to meet all outdoor communication requirements.
