We’re Not Our Visitors

All of us at the table in our planning sessions have one thing in common.

We’re not our visitors.

But sometimes we act like the project is for … us. Like:

“I know it’s an exhibit about ferns, but I just personally hate green. Can we see a grey option?”

“I know this will be a library for teens, but it’s too chaotic for me. Can we make it more spa-like?”

“Now that the outer space exhibit is installed, it feels too dark to me. I’m turning the lights way up.”

We all need to have a voice in decisions, sure. And if a decision is entirely subjective — no one logical answer, no effect on the outcome of the project — all voices are welcome.

But if a decision is objective and will have an impact on success, we have only two choices:

1. Use our expertise to anticipate what will best serve our visitors (not us).

2. Ask them.

Here’s the thing:
We’re not our visitors.

Even if we were … do we even truly want a grey exhibit about ferns, a teen library that’s spa-like, or an outer space exhibit lit up like a drugstore?

Warmly,
Jonathan

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MtM Word of the Day:
Credit panel. A panel in an exhibition that lists the main contributors, collaborators, lenders, and funders of the show. Credit panels are easy to make, and they make the participants proud to be involved. Have as many names on it as you can.

See hundreds more words demystified at the growing MtM Glossary.