After a rebrand, the Missouri History Museum was looking to implement new messaging and improve its visitor experience. Interested by Atomicdust’s practice of using design to solve problems, the institution brought us on to update the museum inside and out.
Elevating the Museum’s visitor experience meant examining the entire journey. We mapped out every step, from parking to exhibits to exit, and considered what needs and questions visitors might have at each point along the way. For the exterior, we designed huge banners and a two-story-tall window cling to catch the attention of passersby and establish the south entrance as the main entrance.
New signage throughout the building helps visitors find their way around. We added a welcoming desk just inside the entrance to greet visitors on their way in; on the back, a call to action invites them to purchase memberships on their way out. Floor decals in front of the elevators show visitors what they’ll find on each level right as they step off.
With each new exhibit at the Museum comes a different design style, so we were challenged to infuse the Museum’s new branding throughout the space and unify the aesthetic. Playing on the institution’s tagline, “Find yourself here,” wayfinding signage declares “Find your way.” To match the branding we designed a new donation box, which brings in three times as much as the old box.
Accessibility was top of mind throughout the project. Many of the museum’s visitors rely on strollers and wheelchairs for mobility, so all signs needed to fit specific size and height requirements. We worked with Tao + Lee to choose furniture that’s sturdy enough for older people and people with physical limitations to easily sit down and stand up again.
Missouri History Museum staff have already reported noticeable positive improvements from the updates, and more facets of the project are in the works as the Museum continues to advance its visitor experience.
