Writing a clear brief
• A strong design brief should spark curiosity, but it should have a strong narrative, ideas of what objects might be displayed, messaging and an idea of the space.
• Outline your brief to other people in your organisation: do they understand what you want to do?
• The design brief should help to unlock key moments in the exhibition journey. It should have installations and focal points.
• Consider what you want the visitor experience to be and what you want visitors to take away with them. What is your USP? What can you share that they can’t get elsewhere?
Things to consider when working with designers
• Be clear on your expectations and what you are trying to achieve from the outset.
• If co-production is important to the project, be clear with the designers at the outset that they need to take the views of those groups on board.
• While a lot of expertise will come from designers, do not forget that the museum team can bring a lot to the relationship.
• Stand your ground if necessary: the museum is the expert on what you are trying to achieve and the stories you are trying to tell.
• Use designers from different disciplines to inspire different interpretation and design elements.
• Consider working with one team on design and build. This should offer better value for money, and the team will be more invested in your project.
• Don’t be afraid of asking for the impossible: in fact, you do not know what is possible until you ask.
• A strong design brief should spark curiosity, but it should have a strong narrative, ideas of what objects might be displayed, messaging and an idea of the space.
• Outline your brief to other people in your organisation: do they understand what you want to do?
• The design brief should help to unlock key moments in the exhibition journey. It should have installations and focal points.
• Consider what you want the visitor experience to be and what you want visitors to take away with them. What is your USP? What can you share that they can’t get elsewhere?
Things to consider when working with designers
• Be clear on your expectations and what you are trying to achieve from the outset.
• If co-production is important to the project, be clear with the designers at the outset that they need to take the views of those groups on board.
• While a lot of expertise will come from designers, do not forget that the museum team can bring a lot to the relationship.
• Stand your ground if necessary: the museum is the expert on what you are trying to achieve and the stories you are trying to tell.
• Use designers from different disciplines to inspire different interpretation and design elements.
• Consider working with one team on design and build. This should offer better value for money, and the team will be more invested in your project.
• Don’t be afraid of asking for the impossible: in fact, you do not know what is possible until you ask.
