An exhibition design checklist for visitor circulation

Abstract

Visitors' time, energy, and perception limitations, as well as their physical characteristics, create complex circulation patterns arising from these visitors' interaction with exhibition layouts. Understanding the dynamics of these interactions is important for improving visitor circulation. In this research, a condensed exhibition layout design checklist is created based on data compiled from previous research on visitor circulation and behavior in various exhibition environments. The checklist is comprised of 20 items grouped under seven categories. In order to evaluate the proposed checklist, an experiment was devised involving 76 fourth-year students from various fine arts departments who were required to design the layout for an exhibition in a pre-determined space. Key findings of the experiment suggest that the checklist is helpful in understanding the exhibition environment, providing improved circulation continuity, judging more accurately the temporal aspects of visiting, and in better handling the exit gradient and backtracking effects of visitors. However, the checklist fails to be helpful in determining design requirements for the visitor profile and toward compensating a lack of spatial planning skills.

Keywords:

• design checklist
• exhibition design
• visitor behavior
• visitor circulation
• visitor satisfaction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Kutay Guler is currently an Assistant Professor at the Interior Architecture Program in Dumlupinar University, Turkey. His research focuses on the intersection of spatial design and exhibition planning.