What are the features of a good interpretation panel?

interpretation signage sample

Written by Made by Landmark - 2 Oct 2024

A panel is an engaging short introduction to your site or a specific location, subject, collection, or exhibition. It aims to attract and engage visitors who may be arriving or passing by. Effective interpretation signage provides context, key facts and visual elements in an accessible, focused manner to engage and inform visitors.

An effective interpretation panel also focuses on quality design for high-impact readability. These panels can be made from recycled plastics, aluminium or other durable materials that can withstand even the harshest weather conditions. Let’s explore the key elements that make up a great interpretation panel.

key features of a good interpretation signage

What are the key features of a good interpretation panel?

A good interpretation panel should have some key features that help it accomplish its goals effectively. Here are some of them:

1. Readability and accessibility

A panel must be easy to read and should be accessible to successfully engage visitors. It should have clear fonts and layout, even for reversed-out fonts. It’s also important to write concise and easy to understand texts that can be comprehended by the average reading age, which is 9 to 11 years old only.

2. Clear and focused messaging

You can write clear and focused messaging by using short and concise sentences that conveys all the important information. Try to incorporate bold and catchy headlines so that the readers will be drawn in quickly. When structuring the content, start with the vital details, allowing the readers to scan the panel for its key points.

3. Attractive and engaging design

Plain texts can look boring and unappealing. To ensure that the design catches the attention of the readers, use sharp, high-resolution images and illustrations that are relevant to the texts in the panel. Make sure to use contrasting colours for texts and backdrop to ensure visitors can read the content easily.

4. Split information for busy audiences

Some readers may not take the time to read an entire panel, so splitting the information into sections allows them to quickly scan for the most relevant facts. Break up the content by using titles, subtitles, and body text, giving the panel a more structured appearance. The rule of thumb is to limit the word count to 200 only, although you can add more if the content is split properly.

5. Interactive elements

Interpretation panels can be interactive by adding some elements that will encourage visitors to make an action. For example, adding QR codes that link to more information online. This can also be about the visitor attractions that surround the panel, encouraging readers to explore further.

You can also add audio aids, perfect for individuals with visual impairments. However, audio elements require more maintenance and can be quite expensive to install.

Tilden’s tips for effective interpretation panels

What are Tilden’s tips for effective interpretation panels?

Provoke curiosity

Captivate readers by using creative and thought-provoking headlines or visual aids. Interpretation panels should strive to capture people’s attention with intriguing titles and images that arouse curiosity and prompt further exploration.

Relate to everyday life

Relate the content to the audience’s everyday lives and experiences in order to make it more meaningful and memorable. If possible, use examples, anecdotes and stories that reference common activities, professions, hobbies and interests. Explain how the information in the panel can be applied practically in daily life.

Reveal the theme

Revealing the main theme of the interpretation panel in an engaging manner is key to its effectiveness. The theme should be presented in a clear and concise way using stories, anecdotes and examples that help illustrate the underlying message. Storytelling can be a powerful tool for revealing the theme as stories tend to stick in people’s minds and make abstract concepts more relatable and tangible.

Address the whole theme

Make sure that the text, visuals and layout of all elements in your interpretation panel tie back to and support the central theme. Every image, subheading and body paragraph should contribute to elucidating the core message you want to convey.

Message unity

Consistently apply design elements, visuals, and layout techniques that reinforce the main theme of the interpretation panel. Use a unified colour palette, font style, and graphic style for headings, subheadings, body text, and images.

Final Thoughts

Interpretation panels are an important part of many public spaces, museums and attractions. Architects, contractors, businesses and designers must consider the principles above when selecting interpretation panels for their spaces. Careful attention to readability, messaging, design, information structure and interactivity will ensure the panels effectively fulfil their role in informing and engaging visitors, leaving impactful impressions.

If you’re looking to create engaging interpretation signage for your public space, Made by Landmark can help bring your vision to life. Reach out today to design panels that captivate, inform, and leave a lasting impression on your visitors.

Written by Made by Landmark - 2 Oct 2024

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