1.   Interpretation must be relevant to the intended audience

Effective interpretation enables visitors to make connections between the information being given and their previous knowledge and experiences. Interpretation uses clear, simple explanations to bridge the gap between new information and visitors' current knowledge. The importance of providing experiences that are meaningful to visitors cannot be overstated. Dazzling graphics, interactive activities and educational content will be wasted if visitors can't connect them to previous knowledge and experiences!

There are several ways to build links between your information and the everyday experience of the visitors:

provide analogies and metaphors;     use humour;   tell stories, particularly those which have characters to whom visitors can relate;     ask questions; and   provide details about how visitors can integrate newly acquired knowledge into their daily routine.

Using analogies, metaphors and stories

The best way to 'connect to' visitors is to communicate in a conversational tone and use everyday examples and comparisons. The key is to use common objects and experiences that provide visitors with visual images and reference points to which they can easily relate:

Information	Analogy / example
The volume of water going over Niagara Falls is 5520 cubic metres per second	The amount of water going over Niagara Falls in one second would fill over 1000 backyard swimming pools.
The distance between the two buildings is approximately 20 metres	Imagine 10 people holding hands - this is how far apart the two buildings are.
This forest covers 12,000 acres.	This forest is the size of the Sydney metropolitan area.
Birds of prey feed on animals killed on the main highways.	To birds of prey, the main highways are bitumen dining tables.

Even if the exhibit deals with topics beyond the experience of most visitors, signs can be made relevant by focusing on the aspects that relate to the 'here and now'. For example, a display describing the history of an area could highlight the similarities between modern life and life at the turn of the 19th century: (see Figure 1 below)

Likewise, unfamiliar objects can be interpreted by highlighting their similarities to common ones. In the example below, visitors may not remember the scientific name for this tree, but by linking the leaves to an everyday object (sandpaper), the uses and common name are likely to be recalled: (see Figure 2 above)

Telling stories also makes topics and attractions more relevant and interesting to visitors. Stories tend to focus on the lives of individuals and should give visitors an insight into their lives and experiences. Stories can also be used for non-human topics. For example, plants and animals could be given human qualities and the world 'seen' through their eyes.

Below are some facts about fig trees that have been woven into a story. Which is more appealing?