Web Interpretive Signage
Catchy titles and other tricks
  1. Use larger type for titles.
  2. Add interactive components to your sign.
  3. Use colour or another means of contrast for your text.
    For example, the colour red can be used to denote conflict: Example Photo
  4. Include an element of surprise!
    Anchovies only yawn at mealtimes.
    Welcome to The Bowerbird School of Painting and Decorating!
    Washing: The Victorian housewife's ultimate workout!
    Art: A peep-hole into the lives of our ancestors.
    Mangroves are the source of life.
    Sea cucumbers: Nature's best vacuum cleaners!
    Cobwebs: Stronger than steel, more stretchy than rubber!
    Surprising information can also be inserted into the text: Example Photo
  5. Use elements or themes that connect to your visitors. This personalises the experience and makes it more meaningful. For example, a sign discussing the impact de-forestation and urban growth is having on the koala population could commence with the title "Imagine if your home and food source were destroyed to make way for bricks, mortar and the invasion of another species!"

  6. Speak to visitors directly. This has a similar effect to the point above in that it stimulates interest and draws visitors into the interpretive process. One of the best methods of doing this is to ask visitors provocative questions.
    Examples include:
    How could knowing the difference between a millipede and a centipede save your life?
    Why would a bird that can fly build its nest so close to the ground?
    If erosion continues at its current rate, what do you think this area will look like in twenty years time?
    If you were transported back to 1902, what would you miss the most?
  7. Leave space around text and illustrations to ensure signs don't look too crowded. Spaces between paragraphs and/or illustrations should be just enough to make it clear that the components are separate. Example Photo
  8. Balance your illustrations with text and vice versa. For example, a large illustration on one side of the sign should be balanced on the other side by

    • a large body of text; or
    • a smaller body of text and another small illustration.

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