Can a product be interpretive?

These questions were developed as food-for-thought for those who work in nature centers, parks or interpretive organizations.

Questions are mapped to Tilden’s six interpretive principles as re-stated in Beck and Cables’, ‘Interpretation for the 21st Century’.

To spark an interest, interpreters must relate the subject to the lives of the people in their audience.

• Does the product support personal discovery, or a discovery situation?
• Does the product allow the visitor to gain new insights / or see previously known information in new ways?
• Is the product practical and does it relate to the experiences of the park visitor?

The purpose of interpretation goes beyond providing information to reveal deeper meaning and truth.

• Does the product provide a quality opportunity for the visitor to support your park’s programs?
• Does the product support a connection between the tangible and intangible elements of an interpretive site?
• Does the product reinforce information about the site in meaningful ways?

The interpretive presentation–as a work of art– should be designed as a story that informs, entertains and enlightens.

• Can the product be localized with interpretive text, or customized to creatively support a park theme?
• Is the product compelling as well as providing a vehicle for park themes?
• Is the product in context with the site or program themes?

The purpose of the interpretive story is to inspire and to provoke people to broaden their horizons.

• Does the product support awareness, understanding, or enthusiasm for the resource?
• Can the product be used to make information meaningful?
• Can the product support a behavioral change or reinforce existing behavior?
• Does the product allow for experiential learning?

Interpretation should present a complete theme or thesis and address the whole person.

• Is the product an extension of the unifying park or program theme?
• Was the product produced with materials, or methods that support park themes?
• Does the product activate the senses?
• Does the product relate the visitor to current or future park activities?
• Does the product meet tangible needs, emotional needs or transformational needs of visitors?

Interpretation for children, teenagers, and seniors-when these comprise uniform groups-should follow fundamentally different approaches.

• If needed, can the product be tailored to support a specific age group or a range of age groups?