Imagine that you are the exhibit manager in... for example... the Museu de la Musica Barcelona. In Spain. You have a magnificent collection of musical items: instruments, sheet music, recording technology, knowledge... from across several centuries.
How do you design your public displays?
The actual Museu has its exhibits displayed in a well lit area. Behind protective glass. Lighting is perfect, every item is clearly visible. There are printed comments.
The comments are the weak point of the display.
Comments are in three languages: Spanish, Catalan and English. The English is stilted and confusing.
If you are providing comments in a language other than your own -- have it checked. By someone who both speaks the language and understands the subject.
That is, if your intended audience includes English speakers.
Most Museu comments are in white font on clear glass. To read a comment you need to stand at just the right position: light in the right position, no colourful musical instrument behind the letters.
Test your planned lettering. Is it possible to read it? Easily? Do you intend to encourage your audience to read your comments? Are they worth reading??
The main weakness of the Museu display is... that the comments are not worth reading. At least, not for the casual museum visitor.
The Museu de la Musica display is set up by experts in musical history, for experts in musical history. If you know your musical history then here are examples of what you know from the theory.
If you know nothing of musical history -- there is very little that you will learn at the Museu.
Who is the customer of the museum? Is it the expert who already knows it all? Or is it the casual visitor who would like to learn...
Consider your own communications with your clients. Do you tell them what *you* would like to hear? Do you communicate as though they already know everything and are just confirming their knowledge? Fine, if that is true.
If your clients depend on you for your expert knowledge -- be prepared to communicate. Use clear language. Provide sufficient detail. Inform... without being insulting!
Communicate to your intended audience. Not just to yourself.
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Problems ? Solved
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