The GNUsFeed

Effective Interpretive Displays: A Designer’s View

GNU Group’s Design Process for Meaningful Storytelling.

Interpretive displays are far more than signs on walls or panels with facts. At their best, they are immersive storytelling tools that connect people to place, history, and mission. At GNU Group, our creative talent lies in shaping these experiences so they inform, inspire, and leave a lasting impression. Behind every successful interpretive display is a deliberate design process that blends strategy, creativity, and craft. In this post we hear directly from the designer responsible for bringing our client’s visions to life!

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1. Unearthing The Story

Alameda Marina

Every project begins with research and discovery. We collaborate with stakeholders—educators, curators, community leaders, and donors—to identify the narratives worth telling. These stories are not just factual but emotional, tying back to values, culture, and mission.

(For more info on this project click here!)

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2. Defining the Audience

200 Twin Dolphin

Great storytelling depends on knowing who you are speaking to. Are visitors seeking inspiration, families seeking connection, or donors seeking legacy? By mapping audience needs and journeys, we shape displays that are not only informative but also accessible and inclusive—meeting people where they are.

(For more info on this project click here!)

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3. Weaving Story into Design

Atlassian Timeline

Storytelling becomes powerful when it is integrated into the physical environment. Our designers explore how text, imagery, materiality, and form can embody narrative. Interpretive displays often become layered experiences: a headline sparks curiosity, visuals provide depth, and tactile or interactive elements invite participation. Design decisions—color, typography, scale, placement—are always guided by the story.

(For more info on this project click here!)

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4. Balancing Art and Practicality

UCSF Mount Zion

Interpretive displays must be both beautiful and functional. Durability, accessibility, and economics of implementation are part of the design process from the start. Future-proofing—planning for updates and scalability—ensures that the story can evolve over time without losing impact.

(For more info on this project click here!)

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Closing Thought

At GNU Group, our role is to translate complex histories, missions, environments and visions into interpretive experiences that feel engaging, relevant, and memorable. When design is treated as storytelling, interpretive displays become more than information—they become inspiring connections that linger long after the visit.