How We Work
At Experiential Interpretive Design (EID) we take a unique path to planning and design for parks, museums, zoos, gardens, aquaria, and other natural and cultural sites. The key difference is the coaching interaction we have with site staff and associates.
EID also takes into consideration the complete visitor journey: Pre-During-Post Visit.
We believe a Visitor Experience Interpretive Plan (VEIP) should be developed before, and integrated with, the Master Plan. Too often the experiential interpretive and educational component is shoehorned in after the completion of the Master Plan and infrastructure.
We focus on the project you think is important:
one specific visitor enhancement (such as visitor flow, a new trail, upgrading an exhibit, or the exit experience), OR
an entire Visitor Experience Interpretive Plan (VEIP).
What do we mean when we say “Coaches” rather than “Consultants”?
As Coaches our main goals are:
Building a trusting, open relationship,
Implementing our planning process with staff so it can be applied on future projects,
Giving feedback while ensuring it is “Your Plan,” AND
Providing long-term support to the staff /stakeholders.
We introduce a planning and design process that emphasizes:
the site mission,
visitor outcomes, and
the uniqueness of the site.
What are the benefits of developing a Visitor Experience Interpretive Plan (VEIP) before the Master Plan?
interpretive staff gain an upfront influence with architects, landscape & exhibit designers
visitor outcomes and needs take on a priority
more effective visitor flow & arrival sequence is baked into Master Plan
the VEIP drives a more rational placement of buildings, trails, exhibits, & other facilities
interpretive & educator planning involvement = greater acceptance
So, how does your process work? How would we get started?
EID is flexible enough to work on a specific shorter task or a longer VEIP project. Do you want a comprehensive site plan or to just focus on a new addition or upgrade, or perhaps you have an existing problem that needs an experienced eye to suggest alternatives.
Below is the step-by-step process of what our involvement would look like in a “perfect world” situation for a VEIP. However, depending on your situation and priority, we can also focus on a specific step in the process that you think needs attention. In either case, we want to assist you to achieve a top-notch visitor experience:
Review and Share Site’s Vision for Success by…
ensuring the Mission, Image & Unifying Message are still relevant for the site and with administrators, staff, stakeholders, & community members.
Confirm the Essence of the Place by…
uncovering the natural & cultural processes, the forces that created the site, and identify key features & facets that make this place unique.
Develop Visitor Outcomes with Staff by…
reflecting on what you want each person to takeaway and remember about the site, ensuring the Outcomes touch the whole person -- Head, Heart, Hands, and Hunger.
Satisfy the Visitors’ Needs by…
determining how to best Welcome, Orient, & Guide the visitor as they enter and begin to experience the site, plus
reviewing methods of pre-visit communication, site approach, and visitor flow.
Encourage Visitors’ Reflections by …
designing an Exit Experience to assist them in remembering the place and its mission, encouraging them to spread the word & return, as well as to support the site in a variety of ways.
Then Staff & Coaches Begin the Process of Designing Experiences to:
+ Achieve the Outcomes,
+ Motivate visitors to participate in experiences,
+ Organize the interpretive experiences to help visitors remember the Outcomes,
+ Reinforce the Outcomes at other locations on-site, &
+ Evaluate experiences to see if they Achieve the intended goals & objectives.
Finally, Create Inviting Participatory Experiences for the Visitor by…
developing Invitation Stations, Immersing Experiences & Experiential Maps that incorporate Mission-based Outcomes.
NOTE: Too often we encounter sites that jump to the final “designing experiences” step too early in the planning process. We counsel sites to first consider the foundational steps mentioned earlier to form the basis for a successful visitor experience.
To find out more about Who We Are and What We Do, visit us at www.eidcoaching.com or email contact@eidcoaching.com & we will respond cheerfully.