16
Creatures & Shells
4
Season Usage Outdoors
84K
People Per Day
The Challenge
Aquatic Creatures
Inoperable Equipment
Unintuitive Navigation
The Department of Natural Areas and Preserves (DNAP) within ODNR had an exhibit that turned heads. Here’s why: It let people pick up creepy crawlies from a live tank with their bare hands.
Guests loved it, but the interpretation surrounding it fell short. Plastic tables and an unplanned interpretive flow failed to deliver an amazing experience.
STRATEGIC
SPARK
The good folks at DNAP work hard to preserve aquatic ecosystems. They’re as transparent as the water they manage. So we didn’t muddy the story with a disingenuous experience. We made it real so guests can feel like they’re right there at the stream bed with DNAP.
From Spark to Reality
Making it Happen
Immersion
Nature
Guest Flow
All the elements of the new experience flow from DNAP’s mission to preserve Ohio’s unique natural water resources. Using insight into their audiences’ experiential preferences, the exhibit creates a more intentional traffic flow and is peppered with moments of surprise and delight. Organic elements from the biomes that DNAP protects enhances immersion, literally bringing nature into the exhibit.
The Work
Tank Functionality
/
The cornerstone of the experience stays the same but wider access behind the scenes makes it easier for DNAP to maintain the tank.
Scenic River Search
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To compliment the living stream, guests first encounter an scenic faux stream. Inside, they can search for lifelike specimens, gamifying the education.
Interpretive Real Estate
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A simple side cabinet allows flexibility to display interpretive content and a second tank.
Improving a Legacy
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It was important to understand the history of the ODNR presence at the fair to leverage the best solution for guests.
The Results
Ease of Operation
Visual Impact
Interpretive Success
The set up works hard for both the DNAP team and their guests. Docents report enhanced convenience as they juggle protecting the wildlife with educating guests. And with a more immersive, graphic presence, they find it easier to attract passersby. Even better, guests enjoy a fuller experience from end to end to compliment what they already loved about the exhibit.
