Visible Exit Problem

Visitors do not only look at what we give them to look at.

If only.

Case in point: the visible exit problem.

All of us humans automatically, subconsciously, and constantly scan for obvious ways out from the spaces we are in.

That is why a visible exit can be an underdiagnosed problem in an exhibition gallery: a doorway, a portal, a corridor, a stair. Or, worst of all … the dreaded illuminated EXIT sign.

These aren’t just background architecture. They are primal movement cues for our lizard brains.

Once they perceive the exit, visitor attention starts leaking. Yes, they might still be standing in front of that artifact, graphic, interactive, or media piece we spent 486,000 hours developing. But their body is preparing to leave.

Visible exits nearby are especially problematic for quiet or heady exhibits. Subtle objects, lengthy labels, long media moments, and counterintuitive interpretive ideas can easily lose against a simple EXIT sign.

Obviously, we can’t exactly eliminate exits or EXIT signs, at least according to the last fire marshal I asked.

But we can manage the views. We can use turns, partial screens, angled walls, lighting, and stronger display anchors.

In other words, we should proactively avoid letting the exit become the loudest thing in the room by accident.

Here’s the thing:

Visitors do not only look at what we give them to look at. Watch out for the visible exit problem.

Warmly,
Jonathan

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MtM Word of the Day:
Visible exit problem. An exhibition planning and design issue in which an overly obvious doorway, portal, corridor, stair, or EXIT sign draws visitors' attention away from nearby exhibits. Once visitors see where to leave, they may begin exiting mentally (or physically) before finishing.