I did my case study in a public area, The Staten Island Zoo.
I have been a part of the zoo since I was little. I went to zoo camp when I was
in kindergarten up to seventh grade I believe. And than I volunteered with the
camp and then became a Junior Docent of the Education Program. I know that zoo
like the back of my hand. And to those that don’t know it, it has plenty of
information design to get you around. It has an outdoor exhibit, a savannah
exhibit, an aquarium, a rainforest exhibit, a petting zoo and much more. They
have signs all over the exhibits explaining what they are, and what types of
animals reside in the exhibits along with explanations of their habitats and
eating habits and fun facts. There are so many signs and information designs
around the zoo that it is impossible to know where you are. They also have maps
that are very intricate. The Staten Island Zoo’s reptile wing in my opinion is
the most informative in the zoo. The renovated exhibit has a skeleton of a
snake and inside of a class case has a robotic snake jaw explaining how their
jaws work. They have interactive pieces also.
I think this zoo is a fine piece
of information design and all the works that go into it.
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with you about zoos being a great place to find information design. There are a lot different types of information design going on at a zoo including maps to find your way around exhibits, directional signs to help navigate the park, and of course the signs that give insight into the exhibit you're looking at.
On those exhibit signs the designers took great care to include imagery with graphic elements to draw your eye to beautiful photos, bold and weighted typography to prioritize information, and a good structure of the data included on the sign.
Good job,
Anthony
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteThe zoo is a great example to use because of the many entrances and exits within. Having signs all over the exhibits that explains what exhibits are is a great way in using information design. It's unfortunate that they do not have clearer signs or a better mapping system so that visitors can know where they are.
Hi Julie. I really liked your choice for an open space and how information design ties into it. Based on your analysis and the picture you provided, I can tell that there is a whole array of varying tools and presentations that are used here. I also like how the lighting is subdued pretty much everyone exempt on where they want your eyes to focus- the display areas. I wonder if there are an examples of sound and motion. Do any of the displays have an audio recording that gives information about the animals when pressed? Also, do any of the displays move to become more interactive with the audience? It's been so long since I've been to a zoo, but it definitely sounds like they have stepped it up a bit to become more informative in creative ways. I might just have to wander back to one this summer! Thanks for the good post! -Deidre Maturo
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