Tired of all those self-congratulatory “look what we did” sessions? Now it’s time to appreciate someone else's work! Nothing is more convincing than being inspired by something not part of your field or domain.
In a pecha kucha session, speakers will present their most memorable examples of any exhibition-like format encountered that, somehow, just 'worked;' whether from within or outside science organisations – we can learn from everyone and everything! Speakers will share and explain what that outrageously good idea was and more importantly, why they think it is worth sharing and what we can all learn from it.
Facilitator
Exhibition Concepts & Didactics Consultant
curiocation - engineering insight
Winterthur
Switzerland
Session speakers
Science Centre Consultant
Winterthur
Switzerland
Great exhibits are clear, simple, obvious. As soon as you see them your first thought is “Why didn’t I think of that?”. Simplicity takes time, effort and evaluation.
I will show some examples of my favourite great exhibits and ask whether an exhibit idea can evolve towards greatness by passing through a number of different hands.
Director
Ian Russell Interactives
High Peak, Derbyshire
United Kingdom
I believe that the important thing is the visitor experience. Frank Oppenheimer’s ‘Walk in the woods’ metaphor for a truly exploratory experience continues to inspire me. I think many people will be startled to see one example I have chosen. It is an exhibition that encourages visitors to explore, observe, think, and discuss. It is impossible to experience it all during a single visit. It seems to be the total opposite of everything a modern, hands-on exhibition should be. And, yet, it ‘works’…
Associate Director Exhibit Content Development
San Francisco
United States
Coming face to face with a sublimely conceived exhibition is a transformative experience. It can inspire us to go further, to take on what we used to think was impossible, to trust visitors to become deeply involved, and to understand how and why institutions should address important questions of science and society. A recent exhibition in an anthropology museum made this kind of impression and I will share images and reflect on the bold and superlative experience design, content, and empathetic tone.
Development - International Partnership Coordinator
Milan
Italy
Some exhibitions really stick to our memories and our hearts. Why is this so? What is it that intrigues us about them? In this talk I will try to share some of the experiences that have charmed me, highlighting a common denominator which stands in the (sometimes involuntary) mix of science, art, philosophy, laughter, beauty, uneasiness, revelation that only exhibits (and no other experience) can give us.