What’s an exhibit?

Over the past decade, experiences that were once only available in the physical world have been replicated online. Meetings have become webinars, reunions have become social networks, and shopping has become ecommerce. Similarly, information on virtually any topic is just a few mouse clicks away. But, just as information in the offline world takes many forms, online information runs the gamut from the encyclopedic (Wikipedia) to the archival (TIME Magazine’s back issues) to the supplemental (mini sites that accompany PBS, Discovery Channel, and History Channel television shows). And, while blogs and online news sources are useful for incrementally expanding people’s knowledge, many topics in science and humanities are complex, and benefit from a cohesive and engaging presentation that appeals to many audiences.

What’s unique about an exhibit?

So, what differentiates a web exhibit from other valuable information offered across the web? The difference lies in the approach to the subject matter, as well as the presentation of the information. Like a museum exhibition in the physical world, a web exhibit not only promotes discovery through the learning process, but also demonstrates a breadth and depth of knowledge, presents quality information in a way that invites exploration, employs a variety of tools that support multiple learning styles, and supports structured educational efforts.

Promoting discovery: Web exhibits are multidisciplinary, designed to engage learners from their points of view while introducing them to new fields of study and perspectives. Moreover, web exhibits are open-ended, allowing the visitor to wander, and rounding out knowledge while encouraging further exploration.

Presenting quality information: The various aspects of a web exhibit fit together seamlessly so that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. A combination of deep research, attention to nuance and detail, respect for visitors, and thoughtful and thorough presentation methods ensure that those who experience the exhibit gain both knowledge and intangible benefits.

Demonstrating breadth and depth: Web exhibits suit multiple knowledge levels. Visitors with little knowledge can gain a quick overview, while those with advanced knowledge can quickly dig deeper to expand their understanding of a topic.

Employing tools that appeal to multiple audiences: Web exhibits engage visitors from various walks of life and with multiple learning styles. They are highly engaging, with a mix of thought-provoking writing and multimedia. They incorporate interactivity in the form of challenging questions, virtual experiments, hands-on activities, and focused discourse. They encourage browsing, while always ensuring that visitors know where they are and their options for further exploration.

Supporting structured educational efforts: Web exhibits support structured learning via auxiliary teacher’s guides that enable educators at middle schools, high schools, and universities to incorporate the exhibits into their curricula.

Want to expand the appeal of your exhibit to multiple audiences, or create your own web exhibit? Find out how.