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Redesigning and Revising an

Exhibition Design Handbook


Prepared for
Professor Kristen Gates
in partial fulfillment of
DAI 505: Industrial Research and Development
by
Adrienne Eliza Aquino
Department of Design and Industry
College of Creative Arts
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA 94132
May 2003
ABSTRACT
Descriptors:
Exhibition Design Handbook
Manuals/Handbook
Museum Studies
Exhibit Design
Publication Design
Manual Writing
Gallery Guides
Art Gallery Handbooks
ART 619/719 Exhibition Design Course
Many persons find it challenging to read and navigate through the out of date Exhibition Design
Handbook. The handbook plays a large role in the effectiveness and ineffectiveness in language
and presentation. The purpose of this study was to organize and construct a better system for
redesigning and revising the existing Exhibition Design Handbook for the San Francisco State
University Fine Arts Gallery that would provide more efficient navigation and clarity in subject
matter.
The research collected for this project was mainly influenced by my own personal experience of
actually working in the atmosphere of the Fine Arts Gallery at San Francisco State University.
Without that experience my research findings would have been very different. The library and
Internet research allowed me to discover how the major medium for research had gradually
changed from books to the Internet. By conducting the research for this project I have also
realized how willing people are to help another person out. Without the assistance of others, the
project would not have been as informative and up to date. Conducting surveys also provided
me with the knowledge that reassures your personal instincts to a design problem. Being in the
gallery environment helped me envision what important aspects need to be included in the
handbook revision and redesign. Being enrolled as a student in the Exhibition Design class was
also an advantage for me because I was able to frequently interact with classmates from different
departments in the University.
With a newly designed and revised handbook I hope the future students will be able to locate
subject areas and information with the least amount of difficulty. I also anticipate that the future
students will be able to refer to the handbook book more often in result of the simple to read
text, format, organized structure, and updated information. I have only one wish and that wish
is that in the end the handbook will make life easier for the staff and students who run the Fine
Arts Gallery and improve the staff and student relations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 THE PROBLEM 2
1.1 Introduction 2
1.2 Background Information on the Problem 2
1.3 Problem Statement 3
1.4 Purpose of the Study 3
1.5 Significance of the Study 3
1.6 Assumptions 4
1.7 Definition of Terms 5
1.8 The Parameters of the Problem 6
1.9 The Parameters of the Design 6
1.10 Hypothesis 7
1.11 Research Procedure 7
1.11.1 Library/Internet 8
1.11.2 Field/Interview 8
1.11.3 Design Concept 8
1.12 Chapter Summary 9
CHAPTER 2 RESEARCH FINDINGS 10
2.1 Introduction 10
2.2 Research 10
2.2.1 Library/Internet 10
2.2.2 Field/Interview 13
2.2.3 Design Concept 15
2.3 Additional Sources of Information on Publication Design. 16
2.4 Prominent Individuals, Industries, and Agencies. 17
2.5 New Ideas Approached for Solving Research Problems. 17
2.6 Suggestions 18
2.7 Evaluation 18
2.8 Chapter Summary 19
CHAPTER 3 HANDBOOK REVISION AND REDESIGN 21
3.1 Introduction 21
3.2 Hypothesis 21
3.3 The Parameters of the Problem 22
3.4 The Parameters of the Design 22
3.5 Design Process and Solution 23
3.5.1 Sketches, Roughs, Drafts, and Details 23
3.5.2 Revisions/Updates 24
3.5.3 Output 24
3.6 Chapter Summary 25
CHAPTER 4 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, & RECOMMENDATIONS OF STUDY 26
4.1 Introduction 26
4.2 The Problem 26
4.3 The Purpose 26
4.4 Hypothesis 27
4.5 Major Findings 27
4.6 Conclusion 28
4.7 Recommendations 29
BIBLIOGRAPHY 30
APPENDIX 33
Sketches 34
Influences 43
Revisions/Updates 51
Selected Sample Pages from the Handbook 53
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza 2 Chapter 1
CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM
1.1 Introduction
A handbook plays an important role in the effectiveness of communication. The goal of a
handbook is to be used often and effectively with ease. A handbook should provide the reader
with quick and simple solutions to a problem and information on a subject. A reader should be
able to use a handbook frequently without struggle. When a handbook is not designed and
organized well, the reader often finds it problematic to read and understand. It is important for
handbooks to be very well organized and painless to search through. Time and patience is lost
when looking through a handbook for a certain task or subject, so the easier it is to find
something, the more likely the handbook will be used.
1.2 Background Information on the Problem
The Exhibition Design Handbook for the San Francisco State University Fine Arts Gallery is
outdated, unorganized and therefore needs revisions. The ART 619/719 Exhibition Design class
is a studio class that spans over one semester and in which operates the Fine Arts Gallery on
campus. The Exhibition Design Handbook plays an important role in the class. Each student is
required to purchase the handbook and use it as a reference to various gallery operations and
tasks, which inform the class on how to properly run and utilize the gallery. The current
handbook in use is
poorly designed and structured. Students face many problems when searching through the
current handbook such as: hard to find forms and worksheets, unreadable photocopies,
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza 3 Chapter 1
handwritten corrections, nonexistent index and appendix, old information, handwritten and
messy diagrams, and long lines of text.
1.3 Problem Statement
Many persons find it challenging to read and navigate through the out of date Exhibition
Design Handbook for the San Francisco State University Fine Arts Gallery.
1.4 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study was to organize and construct a better system for redesigning and
revising the existing Exhibition Design Handbook for the San Francisco State University Fine
Arts Gallery that would provide more efficient navigation and clarity in subject matter.
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study will enable staff and future students of the Exhibition Design course to more
effectively utilize and be trained from the handbook. Current students face many problems with
the current handbook such as: hard to find forms and charts, unreadable photocopies,
handwritten corrections, nonexistent appendix, old information, handwritten and messy
diagrams, no concise format, no coding system, and long lines of text. One of the main
inconveniences current students face are the constant hunts for various forms and worksheets
in the handbook. The current handbook has no appendix that consists of forms, worksheets,
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza 4 Chapter 1
and reports in one easy to find location. These forms and worksheets are frequently duplicated
and used in the class and should be put in an appendix in the handbook.
With a newly designed and revised handbook future students will be able to locate subject areas
and information with the least amount of difficulty. Future students will be able to refer to the
handbook book more often in result of the simple to read text, format, organized structure, and
updated information. The dynamic and progress of the future students in the class would
increase with the new handbook because each student would be more knowledgeable and
trained. The content and design quality of the new handbook would be improved, as well as
student and staff relations.
1.6 Assumptions
It was assumed that:
The ART 619/719 Exhibition Design class runs the San Francisco State University Fine
Arts Gallery each semester and use the handbook frequently throughout the course of
each semester.
The San Francisco State University Fine Arts Gallery is a student run gallery that serves
as a forum for both professional and student art exhibitions.
The handbook is used as a reference tool for operating the gallery.
The handbook is complicated to read and navigate through.
The handbook is a manual that each student in the ART 619/719 Exhibition Design class
purchases as a reader from the San Francisco State University bookstore.
The handbook is composed of both old and new forms and worksheets that are poorly
created and rendered.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza 5 Chapter 1
The handbook needs new updated information for certain sections such as: proposal
writing, web page design, and digital photography.
The handbook would be referred to more often if it was better organized and regularly
updated.
The handbook has no index or appendix.
The handbook will be revised and redesigned on a low budget.
1.7 Definition of Terms
Appendix a collection of separate material at the end of a book or document.
ART 619/719 Exhibition Design class a semester long studio class in the Art Department at
San Francisco State University that runs the art gallery each semester.
Condition Reports Forms used to document the incoming and outgoing condition of artwork
in the Art Gallery.
Didactics labeling that provides information about a particular exhibition.
Fine Arts Gallery located on the second floor of the Fine Arts building at San Francisco State
University.
Fonts/Typeface a full set of printing type.
Handbook/Manual a book publication that contains information and instructions about the
operation of a machine or how to do something. The goal of a handbook/manual is to be used
often and effectively with ease.
Kerning the addition or removal of space between individual characters in a piece of text to
improve its appearance.
Layout the design or arrangement of all the elements of printed material.
Leading the spacing between lines of type.
Quark and PageMaker publication layout programs.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza 6 Chapter 1
Style the ways in which a particular publisher presents written material, usually in a
particular publication.
Thumbnails smaller scale sketches of ideas and concepts, part of the beginning stage of the
design process.
1.8 The Parameters of the Problem
This report will guide the reader through the revision and redesign of a handbook. In this
report, the reader will be presented with the following problems and solutions:
Redesigning the gallery handbook.
The handbook needs new forms, diagrams, and worksheets.
The handbook needs an appendix.
The handbook needs updated information is specific subject areas such as: proposal
writing, web page design, and digital photography.
The handbook needs a revised table of contents and organizational system.
1.9 The Parameters of the Design
(The design process for the handbook is as follows: sketches, revisions/updates, roughs, drafts,
details, and output).
The new handbook will be produced in PageMaker and Microsoft Word for easier
accessibility to the Gallery staff and students.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza 7 Chapter 1
Most files from the existing handbook are in a Word file, the rest of the content will be
transcribed and recreated.
Most forms, diagrams, and worksheets are hand rendered and will be recreated
digitally.
The handbook will be produced in a standard portrait letter size format in a one color,
black and white, print job to meet the small budget of the Fine Arts Gallery.
The current handbook is 200 pages in length, and will more than likely increase with the
new implemented design.
Some content from the current handbook cannot be recreated because of lost files,
the only alternative option would be to scan the documents in to at the least make them
digital.
1.10 Hypothesis
Through this research project I believe I can construct an efficiently designed and organized
handbook for staff and future students of the San Francisco State University ART 619/719
Exhibition Design class that will be up to date, easy to comprehend, and quick to navigate
through.
1.11 Research Procedure
The methodology used in gathering the research needed for this report is as follows:
1.11.1 Library/Internet
Gather information on publication design.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza 8 Chapter 1
Gather information on organizational studies.
Gather information on cognitive learning.
Gather information on gallery/exhibition operations and production.
1.11.2 Field/Interview
Interview exhibition design professor and gallery manager.
Meet with Museum Studies staff and students.
Request information from galleries and museums/collect samples.
Visit local galleries and museums.
Conduct surveys on exhibition design class student.
1.11.3 Design Concept
Brainstorm layout, design, ideas, and concepts.
Revise and Update (data, content, forms, photos, table of contents, and digital information).
Create sketches and thumbnails.
Develop a style guide system and templates.
Develop visual and technical design.
Consult with Exhibition Design Professor for approval and feedback.
Test publication and make final adjustments and corrections.
Collect for final print/output.
Submit for assessment.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 2 10
CHAPTER 2
RESEARCH FINDINGS
2.1 Introduction
In this chapter, the reader will be presented with the research findings I have arrived at from
various research methods I utilized. This chapter demonstrates the gathering of information
processes that I went through. Much of what I gathered was from primary resources. I was
fortunate to have been able to constantly be in the environment in which I was revising and the
redesigning the handbook for.
This chapter is structured into sections of the Introduction; Research; Additional Sources of
Information on Publication Design; Prominent Individuals, Industries, and Agencies; New
Ideas Approached for Solving Research Problems; Suggestions; Evaluation; and the Chapter
Summary. By the end of the chapter the reader will have a clear sense of the research process I
went through to find myself at a design solution for the Exhibition Design Handbook.
2.2 Research
The methodology used in gathering the research needed for this report is as follows:
2.2.1 Library/Internet
Through library and Internet research I gathered information on publication design,
organizational studies, cognitive learning, and gallery/exhibition operations and
production.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 2 11
The National Association of Museum Exhibition (NAME) website had an article with
information on Standards for Museum Exhibitions and Indicators of Excellence. The Standing
Professional Committee Council of the American Association of Museums developed this
information. The article discussed many aspects of museum exhibitions such as: audience
awareness, content, collections, interpretation/communications, design and production, and
ergonomics. There was also a section describing what factors indicate an excellent
exhibition. Some factors were signs of innovation, if the exhibit evokes responses from
viewers that are evidence of a transforming experience (Standards for Museum
Exhibitions and Indicators of Excellence, 2003), and if the exhibit offers a new perspective
or new insight on a topic (Standards for Museum Exhibitions and Indicators of
Excellence, 2003).
The website for the American Association of Museums (AAM) had very useful and relevant
information. In the library section of the website they had a list of publications that were
very closely related to my project. The site also had a page of the Code of Ethics for Museums
2000, which discussed the importance of a museum and the role a museum takes on. The
reading also had discussions of museum programs and resources. The information collected
from this website assisted in much of the organization standards in my project.
Cochran and Hill [1977] authored a book that discussed everything you need to know to
go to print. It discussed many topics such as: previewing recording, writing, rewriting,
reviewing, preparing, illustrating, photographing, lighting, searching, drawing, charting,
mapping, listing, finishing, marketing, publishing, printing, proofing, indexing, advertising,
speaking, showing, and telling. This information was helpful because it provided me with
most of the information that I needed to go to print from start to finish. With the gathered
information I was able to approach the actual project with more ease because I was better
prepared for what was ahead of me in the production and prototype process of my project.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 2 12
Guthe [1957] authored a book that discussed how to have good museums. This book title
caught my attention and led me to believe that a good museum means a good
museum/gallery handbook. This subject would apply to the operations and administration
section of study of the Exhibition Design Handbook. This information was supposed to be
helpful to me through my study, but was unfortunately too old and outdated. Although
there were good ideas and content within the book, the overall budget and cost estimates
were too low and not at all relevant to todays costs. The technology was also absent in the
content and made it difficult for me to learn any new skills or techniques. The book focused
more on small museums with a small staff with not as many duties, which was not the
audience I aimed for.
Driscoll [2000] authored a book that discussed how people learn through instruction and
surveys. For my study, I wanted to know how people learn and process information to
better my study and design of the Exhibition Design Handbook. There were several sections
in the book that I found to relate the most to my study. The sections were: Gestalt Theory,
Overview of the InformationProcessing System, Learning as a Participation in
Communities of Practice, and methods of Gestalt Theory. This information helped improve
my understanding of the thought and organizational process that everyone goes through.
This information assisted me in evaluating the surveys conducted to the students in the
Exhibition Design course concerning the handbook.
Serrell [1996] authored a book all about exhibit labels. From this book, I learned how to
properly discuss and exhibit labels in both a handbook and in a gallery. Some main topics
that I used were: how to properly use and exhibit labels, techniques used for labeling, types
of labels used in exhibitions, typographic design, production and fabrication, bibliography,
and the ability to know and understand objects displayed. This information applied to
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 2 13
the label section in the handbook. It allowed me to compare and contrast ideas and
techniques of labeling that helped me revise and update that section.
RouardSnowman [1992] authored a book on the graphic design aspect of publications from
various museums around the world. I was interested in how other museums publications
look and how they are formatted. Even though they were not necessarily manual/handbook
publications, it still helped me see what was going on in the museum world of publications.
Seeing the different print publications gave me a clearer idea of what I can work with in
terms of design for the handbook. This information enabled me to have a more visual sense
of the visual information other museums/galleries were outputting. With the new
information, I was able to take note and try to incorporate some of the various elements into
the handbook.
All the information that I obtained from the Internet was beneficial and up to date.
Although the book resources were accurate and organized, I found they were a bit out
dated. The book resources also had unrealistic estimates in cost and methods of exhibition
techniques because many of the books found and researched were printed around the mid-
20
th
Century. Overall, the library and Internet aspect of the project ran well, and definitely
light a way to the next set of research I had to accomplish.
2.2.2 Field/Interview
Through field and interview research I interviewed the Exhibition Design professor and
gallery manager, met with Museum Studies staff and students, requested information from
galleries and museums and collected samples, visited local galleries and museums, and
conducted surveys on Exhibition Design class students. This part of my research was quite a
success. I was able to really work closely with the manager and director of the Fine Arts
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 2 14
Gallery at San Francisco State University. Being in the gallery environment helped me
envision what important aspects need to be included in the handbook revision and
redesign.
Being enrolled as a student in the Exhibition Design class was also an advantage for me
because I was able to frequently interact with classmates from different departments in the
University. The Museum Studies graduate students provided me with ample information
on the administrative end of gallery work as well as information on various contacts within
the museum/gallery world that would help with my further research. Art students allowed
me to see the side of the gallery through an artists eye. All of the terminology and skills
utilized by Art students assisted me in revising certain areas of the handbook that dealt with
those issues. The surveys I conducted on the class came back to me with sufficient feedback
that showed me what main areas needed to be approached and attacked in the handbook.
The three main issues that I found to be a problem for the students with the handbook were:
one, there were hard to read diagrams and forms; two, there was no appendix with forms
and diagrams; and three, there were many sections of the handbook with old out of date
information. These problematic issues were very close to what I had predicted on my own
account and I was pleased to find that others felt the same way about areas in the handbook.
As far as the research went with outside galleries and museums, the turn around was not to
my expectations. I had contacted the San Francisco State University Museum Studies
program office, the National Association of Museums, the National Association of Museum
Exhibitions representative at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, the Center for
Exhibition Exchange, the National Gallery of Art representative of Academic Programs, the
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. From this
list of contacts, only about half responded and gave me sufficient feedback pertinent to my
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 2 15
project. Although I did not receive the amount of response as expected, I was still able to
discover valid information that made a large impact on my research findings.
The main source that I got the most information from was from Mary Beth Trautwein from
the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. She was also on the Board of the National
Association of Museum Exhibitions (M. Trautwein, personal communication, March 16,
2003). She was actually quite excited about my project and informed me that she too was
collecting information for an Exhibition Design and Development Education Handbook that
would be sold through the National Association of Museum Exhibitions (NAME) website.
We shared data and resources through email and I am grateful for her contributions to my
research.
2.2.3 Design Concept
Through the design concept part of my research, I gathered information on brainstorming
layout, design, ideas, and concepts; revising and updating (data, content, forms, photos,
table of contents, and digital information); creating sketches and thumbnails; developing
systems and templates; developing visual and technical designs; testing publications and
making final adjustments and corrections; and collecting for final print/output.
The research I came across for the actual publication design was interesting. I tried to look at
all aspects of publication design, even the cognitive learning process side of it. The design of
publications is very important when it comes to effective and ineffective communication. I
felt that this was a very important section of research for my project. If a publication like a
handbook or manual is unorganized and difficult to read and navigate through, chances are
the reader will either stop using it completely or avoid using it often.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 2 16
From the beginning of my project I was already clearly aware of my design limitations
because of budget and software accessibility. I had known that the handbook was
duplicated each semester by using the photocopy method and sold in the University
bookstore. It was also know to me early on in my research that the computers and software
in the Fine Arts Gallery workshop were very limited and older. Because off the lack of
software, I have decided to create the handbook in a program in which the gallery operates
in the workshop. The handbook will be in black and white and in standard 8.5 x 11 letter
page size doublesided. The programs that will be used are: Microsoft Word and Adobe
PageMaker.
With the design data and research I have conducted, I have found the series of Visual
Quickstart Guides to be the most coherent and easy to navigate through. The tabbing system
utilized and hierarchy of text in page layout was very useful to my project. The handbook
that I will be redesigning and revising will be strongly influenced by the series of Visual
Quickstart Guides. Both publications should be frequently used at ease and the handbook
will hopefully serve its purpose as a quick reference handbook/guide.
2.3 Additional Sources of Information on Publication Design.
The only additional source of information on Publication Design that I could think of would be
observing various print media in your environment and see how others are communicating
with you. To look at how things are constructed and organized. Any type of brochure, flyer, or
coupon that I picked up from various places in the city helped with my research. Exploring and
observing allows you to step outside for a moment and see how others are working and
thinking together.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 2 17
2.4 Prominent Individuals, Industries, Agencies.
The prominent individuals and industries for my project were those in my ART 619/719
Exhibition Design class. The gallery director and professor of the course, Mark Johnson and
gallery manager, Sharon Bliss were the backbone for my project. They both were very
supportive of my project and were the outlet of information when I needed assistance or
feedback on the redesign and revision of the handbook. The students enrolled in the class were
also very ready to lend a hand with my project and many of them were also by now within the
working world of museums and galleries and presented me with much information on the ins
and outs of museum and gallery life. Several students also helped with revisions of data and
topics in the handbook that they got credit for in the class. The Fine Arts Gallery itself was one
of the most major aids in my research and project. I was lucky to be in the environment of my
project subject. Just reading about a subject, especially in a handbook is very different than
being in the subject matter atmosphere. Not until one is actually working in the gallery hands
on and in the space does everything come to life. You certainly learn more and the visual
experience helps one understand concepts. Things make sense from what one reads and I
consider that to be the reason why I was able to approach this large project with ease and self-
confidence.
2.5 New Ideas Approached for Solving Research Problem
I never imagined that putting myself in the surroundings of the subject matter I was researching
would have such a result on the outcome of my findings. People are really starting to be more of
visual learners compared to anything else like auditory or receptive learners. Print media in the
world today forces one to read and see the images shown. The eyes are no longer allowed to
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 2 18
rest; they are always put to work. If I did the research and project without having the constant
site visits to galleries and museums, I believe that final outcome would be very dissimilar to an
outcome where I was always making site visits to galleries and museums.
Treating the handbook/manual as if it were like a car manual or instructions on how to
construct a piece of furniture aided in conceptualizing how the handbook would be redesigned
in a more logical order in terms of organization and structure. I tried to envision what a reader
would want to know quickly and where in a handbook/manual would the information would
be most readily available and easy to find. That seemed to be useful and have had a large
impact on where information and topics would go in the handbook.
2.6 Suggestions
Although I worked closely with the students and staff of the Fine Arts Gallery at San Francisco,
I felt that working closer with Museum Studies, Design, Journalism, and Technical Writing
students would have made my project even stronger. Collaborating with other University
galleries would have been a nice contrast to the Fine Arts Gallery and how it is run. Other
Universities may have had a different way of approaching the concept of a handbook and that
would have been beneficial to my project research. Other than that, I probably would have liked
to work closer to a publications company for the output of my project to come out more
professionally and better presented.
2.7 Evaluation
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 2 19
Through the research I have conducted for my project, I believe that I have learned a lot of
valuable information and grown as a person and a researcher. It was not easy to gather
information and organize it in a manner that is easy to read, understand, and locate. I felt that I
might have overlooked the aspect of time in my project. Even though I did not wait till the last
minute to start the project, I felt that I could have had more time and do an even better job
because I would have had more time to test out the publication and make more changes. I guess
that was the difference between others who have performed similar tasks to mine. Most of those
who have worked on redesigns and revisions are professionals and conduct the project as a job
and have bigger and better sources for research. So considering my situation as a working
student, I believe that I performed to the best of my ability for this project in terms of research.
2.8 Chapter Summary
The research collected for this project was mainly influenced by my own personal experience of
actually working in the atmosphere of the Fine Arts Gallery at San Francisco State University.
Without that experience my research findings would have been very different. The library and
Internet research allowed me to discover how the major medium for research had gradually
changed to the Internet from books. By conducting the research for this project I have also
realized how willing people are to help another person out. Much of what I have used in terms
of research directly onto my project have been from people sources that I never knew before I
started the project. Without the assistance of others, the project would not have been as
informative and up to date. Conducting surveys also provided me with the knowledge that
reassures your personal instincts to a design problem.
The following chapter will introduce the reader to the actual design process and design
outcome and completion of the handbook through concept sketches, page layouts, rendered
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 2 20
diagrams, and gathered sample design influences. The last chapter is the closure of the report.
There the reader will find the major findings, conclusion, and recommendations of the study.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 3 21
CHAPTER 3
HANDBOOK REVISION AND REDESIGN
3.1 Introduction
In this chapter, the reader will be introduced to the actual design process that occurred in order
to redesign and revise the Exhibition Design Handbook. At this point the research was
completed and the information and data would be implemented in the design portion of the
project. This chapter will demonstrate how the gathered information from the research has
made an affect on the overall design and organization of the handbook.
The reader will be presented with the full design approach, which includes: the main research
collected, sketches, revisions/updates, roughs, drafts, details, and influences examples.
Thumbnails of examples and sketches will be included in this chapter and the full scale of them
will be included in the appendix.
3.2 Hypothesis
My hypothesis of believing I could construct an efficiently designed and organized handbook
for staff and future students of the San Francisco State University ART 619/719 Exhibition
Design class that will be up to date, easy to comprehend, and quick to navigate through was
correct. I created a handbook that fit the needs of my audience and did so by selecting the best
solution as proven by the results of my researchthe data, figures, comparisons, validities, and
reliabilities. The solution was tested and was significantly well received by the ART 619/719
Exhibition Design Class, with minor corrections.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 3 22
3.3 The Parameters of the Problem
This report will guide the reader through the revision and redesign of a handbook. In this
report, the reader will be presented with the following problems and solutions:
Redesigning the gallery handbook.
The handbook needs new forms, diagrams, and worksheets.
The handbook needs an appendix.
The handbook needs updated information is specific subject areas such as: proposal
writing, web page design, and digital photography.
The handbook needs a revised table of contents and organizational system.
3.4 The Parameters of the Design
(The design process for the handbook is as follows: sketches, revisions/updates, roughs, drafts,
details, and output).
The new handbook will be produced in PageMaker and Microsoft Word for easier
accessibility to the Gallery staff and students.
Most files from the existing handbook are in a Word file, the rest of the content will be
transcribed and recreated.
Most forms, diagrams, and worksheets are hand rendered and will be recreated
digitally.
The handbook will be produced in a standard portrait letter size format in a one color,
black and white, print job to meet the small budget of the Fine Arts Gallery.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 3 23
The current handbook is 200 pages in length, and will more than likely increase with the
new implemented design.
Some content from the current handbook cannot be recreated because of lost files,
the only alternative option would be to scan the documents in to at the least make them
digital.
3.5 Design Process and Solution
(All sketches, diagrams, selected sample pages from the redesigned/revised handbook,
and forms can be found in the appendix of this report).
3.5.1 Sketches, Roughs, Drafts, and Details
I started out sketching out layouts and grids to see where on the page information can
go that would be simple to understand and read. I also tried to brainstorm how to
display to the reader where they were in the handbook, like having the chapter number
quite visual and apparent on the page layout. I knew that I wanted to apply a design
that was similar to the Visual Quickstart Guides and step-by-step manuals or handbooks
because they were very straight to the point and clean. I had a page size format of 8.5 x
11 to work with and a grayscale color scheme because of the low budget and
duplication process of the handbook. The handbook each semester is reproduced
through photocopies and therefore I planned on printing on plain bond paper stock
through an inkjet printer.
I eventually came up with a system that was coherent and easy to navigate through.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 3 24
I reorganized the table of contents in fashion that was better structured. I also
implemented a series of side boxes to remind the reader where the forms and diagrams
discussed can be found in the appendix in the back of the handbook. I also created a
style guide that allowed for hierarchy in text and size to provide for contrast on the page
layout itself.
3.5.2 Revisions/Updates
The revisions and updates I conducted were those of old forms, outdated and messy
diagrams, handwritten page numbers and grammatical corrections, and sections with
old information. Some portions of the handbook were not located on digital files, so
some of them were recreated into the computer and others were cleaned up and
retouched.
3.5.3 Output
Although I would have liked to send the handbook to print through a high quality-
printing bureau, I decided to follow the method the Fine Arts Gallery had been using to
print out the handbook for the past years. The method used by the Fine Arts Gallery was
that of printing out the separate pages black and white off the inkjet printer. From there
the inkjet printouts would be sent to a printer on campus in the University Library to be
photocopied and perfect bound. This simple method allowed for the manager and
director of the gallery to be able to make quick changes fast and easily if they needed to.
This method also saved in cost, which is one of the main concerns of the student run
Fine Arts Gallery.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 3 25
3.6 Chapter Summary
The design process for this project was more time consuming than I expected, but an
accomplishment because I went through so many versions of page layouts, font formats,
diagram styles, and section organizations until I was content with what I was working with. In
the design process, one can always feel that there is a better solution or that there is never a final
version of something. In a sense that viewpoint is true. But there comes a point when a design
solution works and completes its role and function, and that is where I believe my project
stands.
The next chapter is the final chapter of this report. In this chapter, the reader will be presented
with the final conclusion, summary, and recommendations of the study. The bibliography will
follow and then the appendix will follow the bibliography.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 4 26
CHAPTER 4
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STUDY
4.1 Introduction
In this last chapter the reader will be reintroduced to the projects problem, purpose, and the
hypothesis. By now the reader has been acquainted with all aspects of the project from the
problem, to the research, to the actual design process for the handbook, and now is introduced
to the conclusion and reflection portion of the report. This chapter is a brief recap on the study
drawn from content of the found research.
4.2 The Problem
Many persons find it challenging to read and navigate through the out of date Exhibition
Design Handbook for the San Francisco State University Fine Arts Gallery.
4.3 The Purpose
The purpose of this study was to organize and construct a better system for redesigning and
revising the existing Exhibition Design Handbook for the San Francisco State University Fine
Arts Gallery that would provide more efficient navigation and clarity in subject matter.
4.4 Hypothesis
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 4 27
Through this research project I believe I can construct an efficiently designed and organized
handbook for staff and future students of the San Francisco State University ART 619/719
Exhibition Design class that will be up to date, easy to comprehend, and quick to navigate
through.
4.5 Major Findings
The field and interview part of my research was quite a success. I was able to really work
closely with the manager and director of the Fine Arts Gallery at San Francisco State University.
Being in the gallery environment helped me envision what important aspects need to be
included in the handbook revision and redesign. Being enrolled as a student in the Exhibition
Design class was also an advantage for me because I was able to frequently interact with
classmates from different departments in the University.
With the design data and research I have conducted, I have found the series of Visual Quickstart
Guides to be the most coherent and easy to navigate through. The handbook that I will be
redesigning and revising will be strongly influenced by the series of Visual Quickstart Guides.
The guides are very easy to navigate through with the simple tabbing system down the side of
the publications makes it easy to find a section quickly. The guides also have an organized
hierarchy system among information on a page and order and size the information in order of
importance with boxes or shading or size for contrast.
The prominent individuals and industries for my project were those in my ART 619/719
Exhibition Design class. The gallery director and professor of the course, Mark Johnson and
gallery manager, Sharon Bliss were the backbone for my project. They both were very
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 4 28
supportive of my project and were the outlet of information when I needed assistance or
feedback on the redesign and revision of the handbook. Both are encouraging because they too
realize that most handbooks for Exhibition Design are outdate and they have received request
from outside Universities to purchase the handbook.
4.6 Conclusion
The completion of the handbook went smoothly and it was in part because of the large research
results. This would not have been able to be completed well if I did not receive the help and
feedback that I did. My hypothesis proved to be correct. The response that the newly
redesigned and revised handbook received was positive. Minor details and comments arose in
reaction to the handbook, but the majority of the reviewers of the handbook were quite pleased
with the new organized system the handbook had.
Overall, I am satisfied with the turnout of this huge project. I must admit that I did not
completely correctly estimate how much time I needed for the actual handbook prototype, but
since I was so interested and involved in the subject manner, I was able to get everything done
to my content. With a newly designed and revised handbook I hope the future students will be
able to locate subject areas and information with the least amount of difficulty. I also anticipate
that the future students will be able to refer to the handbook book more often in result of the
simple to read text, format, organized structure, and updated information. I have only one wish
and that wish it that in the end the handbook will make life easier for the staff and students
who run the Fine Arts Gallery and improve the relations between the staff and students.
4.7 Recommendations of the Study
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Chapter 4 29
There are not too many things that I would do in another way with this project. If anything, I
would have tried to interview more people in the industry and take tours of various galleries
and museums to see how other venues present and use their information. Also trying to
communicate with those via email was rather difficult and impersonal in my research
experience for this project. I would have preferred to meet each person I emailed in person, but
I understood that was very difficult. Even phone calls seemed cold to me, maybe that just shows
what kind of person I am and how I best communicate and express myself to others. I also
might have tried to work with students from an assortment of majors on the University campus
to get their perspective on different portions of the handbook. The handbook does contain a
range of different material that separate majors have expertise in like Technical Writing and
Museum Studies for example.
In the end, I look back at this semester project and can honestly say that I learned a lot about
others and myself. Time management and prioritization were two main factors in my project
flow and have allowed me to realize where my strong and weak points are in terms of work
habits. I have also obtained a significant amount of information on this subject matter and have
acquired a great amount of interest in where a Graphic Designers role is in a gallery/museum
setting and could possibly pursue it as a career.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Bibliography 30
BIBLIOGRAPHY
SOURCES CITED
Periodicals:
Cochran, W., & Hill, M. (1977) Into Print: A Practical Guide to Writing, Illustrating and Publishing.
Los Altos: William Kaufmann, Inc.
Driscoll, M. (2000) Psychology of Learning for Instruction, Second Edition. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Guthe, C. (1957) So You Want a Good Museum: A Guide to the Management of Small Museums.
Washington D.C.: American Association of Museums.
Neal, A. (1969) Help! For the Small Museum: A Handbook of Exhibit Ideas and Methods. Boulder:
Pruett Publishing.
Rouard-Snowman, M. (1992) Museum Graphics. London: Thames and Hudson, Ltd.
Serrell, B. (1996) Exhibit Labels: An Interpretive Approach. Walnut Creek: Alta Mira Press, A
Division of Sage Publications, Inc.
Weinmann, E. (1998) Visual Quickstart Guide: QuarkXpress 4 for Macintosh. Berkeley: Peachpit
Press.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Bibliography 31
Nonperiodicals:
American Association of Museums. (2000). Code of Ethics for Museums 2000. Retrieved: March 13,
2003, from
http://aam-us.org/aamcoe.com
National Association of Museum Education. (2002). Standards for the Museum Exhibitions and
Indicators of Excellence. Retrieved: March 13, 2003, from
http://www.n-a-m-e.org/standards.html
SOURCES CONSULTED
Periodicals:
Codnington, A., Hall, P., Heller, S., Moed, A., Sardar, Z., & Twemlow, A. (2001) 365: AIGA Year
in Design 21. New York: American Institute of Graphic Arts.
Coleman, L.V. (1942) College and University Museums: A Message for College and University
Presidents. Baltimore: Waverly Press, Inc.
Coleman, L.V. (1927) Manual for Small Museums. New York: G.P. Putnams Sons.
Evelyn, H. (1970) Training Museum Personnel. London: W & J Mackay and Co Ltd.
Fox, M. (1982) Print Casebooks 5 19821983: The Best in Exhibition Design. Bethesda: RC
Publications.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza Bibliography 32
Field/Site Visits:
Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, CA
Art + Food Canvas Caf/Gallery, San Francisco, CA
410 Jessie Street Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Marin Headlands Artist Studios, San Francisco, CA
Minna Street Gallery, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, CA
San Francisco State University Fine Arts Gallery, CA
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA
Palace of Legion of Honor, San Francisco, CA
Interviews:
Sharon Bliss, Manager, San Francisco State University Fine Arts Gallery.
Daniella De Aquino, Undergraduate Student, Art History Program.
Patricia Holloway, Graduate Student, Museum Studies Program.
Mark Johnson, Director, San Francisco State University Fine Arts Gallery.
Anne Lehmer, Graduate Student, Museum Studies Program and Volunteer, Yerba
Buena Center for the Arts.
Aquino, Adrienne Eliza 33 Appendix
APPENDIX
Sketches
Influences
Revisions/Updates
Selected Sample Pages from Handbook

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