formula D_, a producer of internationally recognised and renowned visitor experiences, has explored how inclusive interpretation can help to democratise museums and heritage.
“History is not a monolithic narrative, but a tapestry woven from various threads of experiences, perspectives, and interpretations,” says the firm. “Museums and heritage sites, as custodians of this tapestry, stand as contested spaces where divergent viewpoints converge. They serve as repositories of collective memory, preserving artifacts and narratives that hold diverse meanings for different individuals and communities.”
In recognizing the complexity of history, thoughtful interpretation becomes paramount. Rather than presenting simplistic truths, museums and heritage sites should serve as catalysts for debate, critical inquiry, and explorative engagement. By inviting visitors to question, challenge, and reflect, these institutions foster a deeper understanding of the past and its implications for the present and future.
Creating spaces for dialogue
Central to this role is the creation of spaces for dialogue and reconciliation. Museums have a unique opportunity to facilitate conversations that are essential for the health of democratic societies, explains formula D_:
“By acknowledging and addressing historical injustices, they contribute to processes of understanding, healing, and social cohesion. Through curated exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs, museums become sites of encounter, empathy, and transformation.”
formula D_ embraces the complexity of history and the challenge of designing exhibits that reflect diverse perspectives. Drawing on team members’ rich backgrounds and expertise, it navigates the nuanced terrain of historical interpretation with sensitivity and insight. By carefully selecting language, objects, imagery, interactive features and media, they craft experiences that provoke thought, evoke emotion, and inspire dialogue.
In some of its most recent work, formula D_ worked alongside TalentS and the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language to stretch the boundaries of design and develop a series of educational exhibits educating children on the complexities of the Arabic language. Due to the target audience being relatively young, the team created stimulating learning experiences through interactive design and gamification.
Last month, formula D_ explored how vision can inform a design framework for successful experiences.
