I wouldn't worry about it either.  Although there is more convention in the Western left to right approach, both directions can be valid depending on visitor flow, exhibit content, context, and other factors.  Other cultures read in different directions, to further complicate the matter.  And if you are a physicist or a philospher, consider "time's arrow" and really confuse the issue.  Or, go with your gut feeling.
 
Jeff Tenuth
Indiana State Museum


From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ann Craig
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 1:10 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Visitors reading timelines?

We are constructing an exhibit on the co-evolution of horses and grasslands and are having some disagreement about which direction our timelines and evolutionary "bushes" should move.

Should a single panel or case have time move from the left to the right - from millions of years ago to the present - regardless of the direction which visitors approach the panel or case?

OR

If visitors approach the panel or case from the right, should time start from the right and move to the left?

I think visitors will always look at the case as a whole and then start observing from the left to the right, just how they read.

What do you think?


Ann Craig

Assistant Director, Education

Museum of Natural and Cultural History

University of Oregon

Mailing:  1224 University of Oregon

Street Address:  1680 East 15th Street

Eugene, OR 97403

(541) 346-3116

http://natural-history.uoregon.edu

















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