Toni Roberts
I am a designer, educator and design researcher specialising in interpretation design and creating visitor experiences.
My PhD examines the practice of interpretation design in zoos and museums and presents a typology of design outcomes. My research explores influences on the role of designers within multidisciplinary projects and the resulting effect on design outcomes. The thesis provides a model of modes of engagement that can be used as a tool in project planning and analysis.
In 2010 I started Hatchling Studio, a collaborative design and public art consultancy based in Melbourne. Passionate about telling stories through art and design, we create experiences that engage, excite and inspire.
My PhD examines the practice of interpretation design in zoos and museums and presents a typology of design outcomes. My research explores influences on the role of designers within multidisciplinary projects and the resulting effect on design outcomes. The thesis provides a model of modes of engagement that can be used as a tool in project planning and analysis.
In 2010 I started Hatchling Studio, a collaborative design and public art consultancy based in Melbourne. Passionate about telling stories through art and design, we create experiences that engage, excite and inspire.
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Papers by Toni Roberts
Key points of focus include:
- accessibility
- noise
- interpretive messaging
- visitor flow
Authored by Dr Toni Roberts for Studio Mether and the National Capital Authority. Graphic Design by Studio Tweed.
Authored by Dr Toni Roberts for Studio Mether and the National Capital Authority. Graphic Design by Studio Tweed.
- accessibility
- Federation as the foundation for Canberra
- recognition and stories of Indigenous people in the Canberra area
Authored by Toni Roberts for Studio Mether and the National Capital Authority.
Graphic design by Studio Tweed
management and outputs. Institutional practices outside the mainstream museum sector have often not kept pace with interpretation design’s role, and museum professionals often lack understanding of design and experience in its management.
Research into practice and articulation of the designer’s knowledge supports the optimal contribution of design expertise. Based on interviews with practitioners, the
paper examines the factors that influence the role of consultant interpretation designers. Timing of engagement, sequencing of contracts and client understanding of interpretation design emerge as the key factors that affect the scope and clarity of the designer’s role and effective application of their expertise. The paper argues that
interpretation design by external consultants can be more strategic and effective when supported by appropriate project structures.
Keywords: interpretation; exhibition; design; practice; designer role
Although widely practised, interpretation design is poorly represented within the literatures of design and interpretation and its practice is ill-defined. Interpretation designers can experience significant obstacles in practice due to a lack of client understanding and the late engagement of designers. The thesis addresses these limitations, arguing that design has the potential to play a strategic, integrative role in the development of interpretation projects. Using qualitative methods including practitioner interview and case study, the research examines the role of contracted interpretation designers and how project factors support or constrain their contribution. The research focuses on projects that interpret nature in museums and zoos, these bringing a specific set of concerns to the design process. Concepts of nature sit at the heart of such projects, nature being confined, refined and designed, yet clients rarely articulate their intended portrayal of nature to designers.
The thesis articulates practitioner knowledge and presents an original typology of interpretation design outcomes. Two case studies examine the role of designers in interpretation projects. As one of the first studies in the field, this original research substantiates interpretation design as a field of practice that comprises specific knowledge and expertise, establishing a basis for further academic and practical understanding of interpretation design.
Key points of focus include:
- accessibility
- noise
- interpretive messaging
- visitor flow
Authored by Dr Toni Roberts for Studio Mether and the National Capital Authority. Graphic Design by Studio Tweed.
Authored by Dr Toni Roberts for Studio Mether and the National Capital Authority. Graphic Design by Studio Tweed.
- accessibility
- Federation as the foundation for Canberra
- recognition and stories of Indigenous people in the Canberra area
Authored by Toni Roberts for Studio Mether and the National Capital Authority.
Graphic design by Studio Tweed
management and outputs. Institutional practices outside the mainstream museum sector have often not kept pace with interpretation design’s role, and museum professionals often lack understanding of design and experience in its management.
Research into practice and articulation of the designer’s knowledge supports the optimal contribution of design expertise. Based on interviews with practitioners, the
paper examines the factors that influence the role of consultant interpretation designers. Timing of engagement, sequencing of contracts and client understanding of interpretation design emerge as the key factors that affect the scope and clarity of the designer’s role and effective application of their expertise. The paper argues that
interpretation design by external consultants can be more strategic and effective when supported by appropriate project structures.
Keywords: interpretation; exhibition; design; practice; designer role
Although widely practised, interpretation design is poorly represented within the literatures of design and interpretation and its practice is ill-defined. Interpretation designers can experience significant obstacles in practice due to a lack of client understanding and the late engagement of designers. The thesis addresses these limitations, arguing that design has the potential to play a strategic, integrative role in the development of interpretation projects. Using qualitative methods including practitioner interview and case study, the research examines the role of contracted interpretation designers and how project factors support or constrain their contribution. The research focuses on projects that interpret nature in museums and zoos, these bringing a specific set of concerns to the design process. Concepts of nature sit at the heart of such projects, nature being confined, refined and designed, yet clients rarely articulate their intended portrayal of nature to designers.
The thesis articulates practitioner knowledge and presents an original typology of interpretation design outcomes. Two case studies examine the role of designers in interpretation projects. As one of the first studies in the field, this original research substantiates interpretation design as a field of practice that comprises specific knowledge and expertise, establishing a basis for further academic and practical understanding of interpretation design.