Edtec 671

Project Two:
Informal Learning
Exhibit Display Design

claudia@websterdesign.net
4.20.11 : EdTec671 : Wednesday Nights

HOME : : Museum Visit : : Proposal : : Outcomes Model : : Design : : Objects : : Technology : : Treatment : : Assignments

Aztec Logo The Topic : Aztec Brewing Company

Informal Learning Exhibit Display Design Part 1

What will attract visitors?

Initially it will be word of mouth, advertising, magazine articles (online or printed), or Social Media such as Twitter, the Aztec website, or the FaceBook fan page that will let visitors know we are open and ready for their visit.

Once visitors are close by, the aroma of the freshly brewed beer, plus the sounds of happy people, will work its magic and draw them in.

Once there, what will engage them in the exhibit or display?

The desire to taste the beer is what will engage them. People most frequently come to a craft brewery with that reason in mind. They will have the option of either purchasing a sampler set (a set of 2 ounce glasses of 4-6 beers), or a mini taster (4 ounce glass), or for those who have previously determined what they like, there is the pint glass of a specific beer.

Others come to hang out with friends. They bring their families, their dogs, and enjoy the comfortable atmosphere.

What will enliven prior knowledge or experiences relevant to the exhibit or display?

Every brewery has their own style they are known for. Some craft breweries have a standard lineup of beers always available, with seasonals offered as they are brewed. And for some breweries, you never know what beers will be on tap. We will have our lineup of six beers always on tap. However, since we are a new brewery, what those exact beers are could change, depending on tasting response. The public is who decides what your top beer is. You just try to give them the flavor angle you are interested in.

How will you present new information? (objects? text? media?)

Social media works best to inform people that we will have new beers on tap, or a special event happening. Once they are in the brewery, we will have large scrolling display screens with the descriptions of the current line-up clearly defined at each end of the bar. In between them will be a white board with the most basic details of the beers, including their name, alcohol content level and the type of beer they are. QR's will be placed around the room for brewery newbies to help determine their flavor palate for beer, if they don't want to purchase a whole sampler.

Will visitors have an opportunity to apply their new feelings or understanding?

For those who have never been to the brewery before, choosing a sampler tray (a flight) that gives them a small (2 oz) glass of 4-6 beers. This way they can figure out what they like. Or have a new taste experience. Most people have a beer preference. Hoppy (IPA), smooth (Red Ale) or dark and rich (Porter or Stout). As tehy drink, they tend to share their comments, this is good. I like this one better. I don't care for this one. Give me a pint of this one, or if they really like it, they might take a growler (1/2 gallon) home.

What will prompt visitors to think or feel and/or discuss?

Alcohol tends to loosen the tongue. Craft breweries during tasting hours are very noisy. People are there to have fun and hang out with friend, but they talk about the beer. Loudly. With great enthusiasm.

What physical interation might stimulate thought and/or discussion?

We will have glasses that can be bought and brought back to be filled. Or just used in the brewery. Something about holding that glass, smelling the beer, talking to your friends. It all works together. Again, a craft brewery during tasting hours is a noisy place to be.

How will you facilitate further exploration?

Having good beer. We plan on using quality ingredients. We will adjust recipes according to our clienteles preference. Once they see that we value their opinion, they will become even more vocal about it. The crowd fluctuates. Some have a brewery they are at home with. Others go from brewery to brewery -- there are even bus loads of people on tours that go to several breweries in one trip. We will be on the tours. And we will constantly be on Facebook to interact with our fans. They are loyal group. Once a craft beer drinker, you don't go back.

Plus, the local (and regional) craft brewer associations are very strong. They stand together to help each other become a stronger piece of the market. Its a case of David and Goliath. The craft brewers vs the Big Breweries. Together we are making a bite into their market. Small but steady growth. We encourage people to go to the other local breweries. The associations advertise and hold special events to promote craft breweries on a whole. It is working.