The 5 Steps of Exhibition Design: From Concept to Experience

Behind every great exhibition, there is a planning process, but how do you plan to create a great exhibition? Exhibition design transforms ideas into experiences, turning concepts into something engaging for the audience, and as Steve Jobs once said, "Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works." Exhibition design follows the same principle. Every great exhibition needs a plan to make ideas come alive and create a meaningful experience for the audience.

Why having an exhibition design process matter?

Great exhibition design doesn't only go beyond planning the space, but also it’s about crafting an engaging experience. There are many kinds of exhibitions—museums, trade shows, art displays—but they have one common thing: creating a memorable experience. To do this, you need a plan to achieve the purpose.

I talked about how stories connect exhibitions and visitors in my previous article, "How Storytelling Transforms Exhibition Design," Now, let’s take a look how those ideas turn to an experience through the design process and storytelling.

The 5 Steps of Exhibition Design

1. Define the Concept & Goal

Every exhibition starts with a clear idea, which becomes the foundation for the entire project. Think about your purpose. What is the main message? Who do you want to deliver that message to? This step is an important start as it sets the direction for all subsequent decisions, from design to execution.

2. Plan the Experience

Create a story that aligns with the concept and guides visitors through the experience. Think about how the story flows and how the exhibition will unfold for the visitors. This story will help connect them to the exhibition’s message and make it memorable.

3. Design the Experience

In this step, focus on how to express your story to the exhibition. Organize your team to work on each element, and design everything related the exhibition to make the story happen. Consider every detail, from the layout and visuals to the advertisements, ensuring that every aspect of the exhibition enhances the overall experience.

4. Build the Exhibition

Finally, it’s time to activate your plan. Follow your plan, set up the exhibits, prepare the venue, and carry out your marketing strategy. Ensure that everything aligns with the original concept and delivers the experience you planned.

5. Reflect & Improve

Collect data, analyze feedback, and evaluate what worked and what could be improved. The story and experience will have a strong impact on what follows, and the data will become a valuable asset for future projects.

Summary & Actionable Takeaways

Every exhibition, including the one I worked on, is unique, and there’s no single correct way to approach it. Budget and schedule are important as well. However, these steps are a flexible process that can help any type of exhibition to make valuable experiences. By following the steps—define the concept & goal, plan the experience, design the experience, build the exhibition, and reflect & improve—you can create the exhibition you want. I hope this guide helps you create meaningful and engaging exhibitions!