An interpretive analysis offers you a focused ‘view from outside’ on existing sites or particular elements of the site (exhibition, film, orientation system, guided tour for visitors, printed materials, etc.).
Timewise the analysis normally requires 1-2 days on site, plus 2-3 days to develop a written response. Therein we point out central challenges with regard to the analyzed elements as well as first proposals for solutions.
There are two essential reasons for such an interpretive analysis:
First of all, research results and also experiences of practitioners very often show a routine-blindness arising after a certain amount of time. Our interpretive analysis offers you a fresh view of your site. Thereby known (and maybe unknown) challenges for your site can be seen in a new light and alternatives can be identified. The analysis is not about a ready-to-go interpretive plan, but about processing a first impression according to your requests as a starting point for further development.
At the end the solution to your project requests may differ from the recommendations of our interpretive analysis, but the ‘fresh view from outside’ may help your site to find and go down new roads towards solutions.
Secondly, informal education should include the visitor’s experiences as a whole, from ‘entry” to ‘exit”. Among other issues an interpretive analysis examines themes and images which are to be conveyed, not just e. g. exhibition elements or rooms.
We always focus on the question: “What happens to your visitor?”. But good informal education or interpretation goes beyond “visitor satisfaction”. Interpretation enriches the experiences of your visitors, attracts, motivates and activates them. In addition, information content will be carefully prepared to be easily understood by your visitors.
In other words, an interpretive analysis reveals specific opportunities to optimize essential elements of communication and the interpretive experience. Again, the analysis is not about a detailed, finished interpretive plan, but about highlighting the prospects and potential for further development.
The elaboration and further development are incumbent upon the particular site, which ideally nominates and prepares its own team for this task.
An interpretive analysis may be an efficient way to enhance a site, especially one with a forward-minded team, without any major remodeling or new attractions.
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