** Sorry Steven! I signed up for museums the second week and missed this trip. I went back on my own and saved this partially done in a draft and totally forgot to submit it. Hope thats ok!
1. Critique the logo
Does it relate to the mission / subject matter / content?
Is it appropriate for the audience?
This logo seems to perfectly relate to the mission/subject matter/content of the museum. The exhibits they have vary from space to human anatomy to the internet and beyond. The logo has a very modern and versatile look which matches the progressive scientific topics in the exhibits. The block lettering and unique layout are reminiscent of one you would see on a computer, which references the technology exhibits and up to date scientific material they offer.
THe museum is aimed at children and adults with really more of a focus on the children with the interactive and colorful exhibits they offer. Just like many of the objects inside the logo is very eye catching and interesting. It would catch the attention of the children and adults.
2. Navigation
Is there a clear path to exhibitions?
Do the signs adequately navigate users?
Does the museum plan allow for several paths?
Is the handout/map legible for navigation?
Overall the layout seems simple, everything is color coded, has arrows and frequent signs which direct you to where you need to be. I personally found it difficult to locate some exhibits but that might be because I have trouble reading map. Some floors were difficult to get to and you could only get there by taking and elevator then the stairs. It is such a large place it can be overwhelming. The signs were definitely more helpful to me then the maps were, explaining what each floor had on it and where they were.
3. Shop / Cafe
Describe how the shop and cafe extend or compromise the brand? Do products (merchandise) reinforce the brand?
The shop and cafe extend the brand in numerous ways. They have a similar type face, bright colors, and large signs which all resemble one another, keeping a direct connection between all aspects of the museum. The products were all science related and related to the many exhibits in the museum itself, this reinforcing the brand and museum. Also, they sold science tshirts with the museum typeface which maintained the continuity of the brand. Except for some books, complex telescopes, etc most of the products sold were directed at children, their main audience.The location of the cafe and the shop were both just off the main area and very open, keeping it in sight of everything going on the rest museum. This kept everything in sync and connected.
4. Display cases
Compare and contrast the display cases throughout the museum.
Do they function to protect? How is text integrated into the display?
Two of the major types of display cases in the museums were ones where an object is housed inside of a glass case to protect it, usually with a text right near by explaining the objects importance or information behind it. This type of exhibit is less interactive and more informative. They are interesting to look at but usually one can move on quickly. Another type of case I was surprised to find was the open display cases. This was when the object wasn't surrounded by glass but had a little barrier in front to fit allowing the viewer to feel closer to the object. For example you were able to go up to the large, rotating globe in the space exhibit and although it was out of reach, I still felt like it was more aesthetically interesting then something I just glanced at in a display case. Most of the time the text was either on a large panel next to the object or sometimes actually written on the glass itself. More often it was right next to the object or exhibit providing detailed background information, which the science museum actually did very well.
5. Exhibits
Describe the details of your favorite exhibit
Consider color, layout, content, objects. Why is this memorable?
My favorite exhibit was probably one of the less colorful and flashy ones. I really enjoyed the information about medical history and medicine in culture. On the floor about illness you could walk along this plank path through the history of illness, which focused on asthma, tuberculosis, childhood illness and how all these were treated. They had tv screens which were playing black and white videos of Drs explaining medical findings or what an illness was or how to treat it. This was a focus on the history of these illnesses and there were old time lung machines, syringes, exam tables and medical equipment. Next to each object and station there were detailed but simple enough explanations. I was impressed by their description of complex concepts such as DNA, explaining them in a way that a child could easily understand. THey also used creative fonts and styles to punch up the exhibit and the readings. I found this exhibit memorable mostly because of my own personal interest in medicine, illness and medical history. I also like the layout of the exhibit, the fact that you had to walk along a path to get there. Another really creative part was using the tv screens and videos to draw the viewer in. Watching these really mad you feel like you were back in that era and gave you a better grasp of what topic was being focused on.
6. Facts
What critical information did you learn from your visit?
The most important thing I took away from this experience was really looking at a museum in a different way then i ever have before. I was always a relatively passive observer, enjoying museums a lot but I never thought about them critically- why things are displayed the way they are, how they are laid out, or branding. I really enjoyed engaging in my surroundings more and I actually think I will remember this visit alot more because of this new way of looking at things.
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