Design Portfolios

 ince interpretive design remains a relatively new profession, we want to highlight some of those who are already pursuing it. If you would like to submit a brief synopsis of your work, please contact the Executive Secretary of the Interpretive Design Network, who will provide you with a template to use in formatting a description.Here is a snapshot of his design work.

Design Portfolio: KON-TIKI (Germany)

Interpretive consultation, training and evaluation

KON-TIKI specializes in developing and implementing strong experiences for visitors at interpretive sites, including protected areas, zoos, museums, water parks, environmental organizations, historical sites, etc. KON-TIKI’s core competencies are interpretive planning, training, and visitor studies.

Interpretive Planning – instead of brainstorming

Visitors mainly come to a facility in order to have rich experiences. And that´s great! Why? Because communicating through rich experiences is the most productive form of communication. What is needed are creative ideas, no doubt. But those are not enough, because at the end of the day the facility’s mission has to be fulfilled. What’s often neglected is the structure behind the creativity. In short: Experiences in interpretive facilities need, for example, to be connected with meaningful messages and images. For more than 10 years we have been developing interpretive plans. During this time, we have developed a range of powerful instruments to help create and structure rich experiences. Whether interpretive consultation, analysis or planning – we offer seamless services to fit the needs of our customers. Our projects extend from exhibits to events, training to testing.  

Professional Training – instead of “oral tradition”

In interpretation there is a tendency to qualify via an “oral tradition”. This means that new staff members learn about interpretation through colleagues who have already been doing the job for quite a while. If we consider the requirements which have to be fulfilled  in other educational professions (e. g. teacher training), this is an astonishing fact. We believe that in the developing field of interpretation, comprehensive training is needed. This is the only way to professionally communicate the meaning of our natural and cultural heritage in the long run.

Visitor Studies/Evaluation – instead of counting numbers of visitors

Receiving a lot of visitors is a desirable goal. Often though, the number of visitors is misunderstood as the only measure of success. But what else can signal the “success” of a site? Who are the visitors, where do they come from and how can they be reached? What are the best ways to communicate with them? And what do the visitors “take away” at the end of the day? Questions upon questions! The more the management knows about the guests, the more precisely can the offered experiences be adapted, the higher the probability that the site is successful! From target group analyses in the development phase of the project, via tests of test concepts, to summative evaluations, we are at service when it comes to listening to the visitor’s “voice”.   We would be pleased to discuss your needs. You can contact us at KON-TIKI Director :
Dr. Lars Wohlers
Boehmsholzer Weg 22a D – 21394 Suedergellersen – Heiligenthal, Germany
Tel. +49(0)4135-317 9948 Fax +49(0)4135-317 9000
info@kon-tiki.eu
www.kon-tiki.eu