Web Interpretive Signage
Checklist for developing interpretive signage

Download this checklist and print it to assist you in evaluating your exhibits.

  1. Knowing your visitors

    2. Have the main visitor group/s been identified?
    Have visitors' likely interests and needs been documented?
    Have visitors' previous experiences and knowledge been considered?

  2. Conducting an inventory of assets

    3. Does interpretation focus on the special/rare/different characteristics of the site or attraction?
    Have activities or events in the area been included in the visitor experience?

  3. Developing topics and themes/messages

    4. Has the major topic/s been identified?
    Have core themes/messages based on the topic/s been developed?
    Are the themes/messages clearly stated?
    Are the themes/messages supported by stories and facts?

  4. Designing interpretive content

    5. Have catchy titles been used to attract visitors' attention?
    Is the content clearly organised into an introduction, body and conclusion?
    Does the introduction include clear definitions of central terms and concepts?
    Does the conclusion clearly reinforce the messages and concepts discussed?
    Have metaphors, analogies and personal stories been used to present information?
    Is the information presented accurate and up-to-date?
    Is the content interesting and thought provoking?
    Does the interpretation encourage visitors to solve problems and/or make decisions?
    Does the content engage visitors' emotions?
    Has humour been used where appropriate?
    Do signs and displays ask visitors stimulating and appropriate questions?
    Does the interpretation include a range of presentation techniques (eg. flaps, models, quizzes, audio visual components)?
    Does the interpretation require visitors to use different senses (eg. touch, smell, hearing)?
    Does the interpretation suggest ways in which new information can be integrated into visitors' daily lives?

  5. Matching interpretation to visitors

    6. Is the information relevant for the target audience?
    In particular, does it 'connect to' their previous knowledge and experiences?
    Does interpretation build on experiences visitors may have had at other sites/attractions in the area?
    Is the interpretation sensitive to the different social and cultural backgrounds of visitors?
    Does interpretation take into account the needs and limitations of 'special' groups (eg. families and visitors with disabilities)?

  6. Assessing readability and formatting

    7. Are sentences short and easy to understand?
    Does the level of language match the reading ability of the target audience?
    Are there any sentences that could have double meanings or be interpreted in a manner not intended?
    Are signs written in 'layers'?
    Is the font and size of text easy to read?
    Is the text well spaced?
    Do the colours chosen for text, illustrations and background match the sign's content and tone?
    Do illustrations match and enhance the sign content?
    Are illustrations clear and easy to see?
    Does the placement of text and illustrations look balanced?

  7. Constructing signs and displays

    8. Do the construction materials reflect the 'feel' of the sign/display content?
    Are the materials durable enough for the intended purpose?
    Have issues of maintenance, vandalism and longevity been considered?

  8. Positioning signs and displays

    9. Are signs placed where visitors will see them (eg. in direct line of vision, at natural stopping points)?
    If signs aren't directly in front of the attraction, are they within easy viewing distance and clearly matched to the feature/s being described?
    Could some visitors (eg. children and those in wheelchairs) have difficulty accessing signage and/or interactive displays?
    Is there enough space for people to view signage in comfort?
    Have seats been provided where appropriate?
    Has reflection from natural and artificial light been minimised?
    Are the colours used appropriate for the available lighting conditions?
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