Producing information and interpretation materials

The Purpose of Interpretation Materials

Interpretation materials are designed to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural environment.
They help connect the audience with the environment, stimulating interest and encouraging responsible behaviour.
Materials also play a key role in disseminating key information about biodiversity, ecosystems and the importance of conservation.

Types of Interpretation Materials

Interpretation materials can be tangible like signboards, leaflets, brochures, maps, monographs and trail guides.
They can also be digital, such as websites, apps, digital screens, virtual tours, podcasts, and social media posts.
Other tools may include interactive exhibits, models, live demonstrations, interpretive panels, and guided tours.

Creating Effective Interpretation Materials

All materials should be tailored to the target audience, considering their age, language proficiency, cultural background and physical ability.
Information should be presented in a clear, interesting and engaging way, using a mix of text, graphics, images and multimedia.
The content should be relevant and factual, and ideally tested for effectiveness with a sample of the target audience before full deployment.
The design of the material should be aesthetically pleasing and easy to use or navigate.
Interpretation materials should ultimately enhance the visitor’s experience, provoke curiosity and promote a care for the environment.

Sustainability Considerations

The production of interpretation materials should consider sustainability in terms of local sourcing, materials used, energy efficiency and end-of-life disposal.
Digital interpretation materials should be favoured where possible, to reduce the use of paper and other tangible resources.
Tangible materials ideally need to be durable to reduce the frequency of replacement, but must also consider possible environmental impact caused.

Accessibility & Inclusivity

Interpretation materials should be designed to cater for a diverse set of users, considering disabilities, language barriers and cultural sensitivities.
Accessibility features could include tactile maps or exhibits, audio descriptions, multilingual translations, and easy-to-read formats.
Outdoor signs and exhibits should be placed at suitable heights, with clear, legible fonts and colours that are easy to read from a distance.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Privacy laws should be considered when sharing images or stories of visitors or local communities in interpretation materials.
The accurate representation of indigenous cultures, protected species and sensitive ecosystems is ethically important.
Copyright laws must be adhered to when using images, text or other content not originally created by the organisation producing the material.
The interpretation materials must respect the natural and cultural resources of the countryside and environment, ensuring no harm or misrepresentation is caused by their use.