HomePart 5 of Inclusive Exhibition Design Toolkit

Audiovisual work

Image of a visitor watching a film on a small table mounted screen in the Living with Buildings exhibition. The angle of the screen can be adjusted to suit the visitor. There is a single seat but also space for a wheelchair to approach.
Living with Buildings, Thomas S.G. Farnetti. Source: Wellcome Collection. Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).

Principles for positioning audiovisual work in an exhibition space

When deciding the position and installation of AV work, consider the following for each installation:

  • Whether the work is intended to be viewed by individuals or by groups
  • AV display size in relation to viewing range. The larger the display, the further back the viewing point and optimum area for sound
  • Clearly indicate the duration of the piece on the object label
  • The position of an AV piece in relation to exhibition flow and visitor dwell times. Will it cause bottlenecks? Can it be set aside from the main flow of the exhibition? Does it require an acoustic barrier? Does it require blackout viewing conditions?
  • If the work is open-ended and looped, how long do you anticipate visitors will want to spend interacting with it?
  • Can visitors clearly hear sound connected to AV objects and interactives? Indicate on the interpretation label if there is no sound
  • Can sound clashes be prevented by the spacing and positioning of AV objects? If not, consider whether acoustic barriers can be created with surrounding ceilings, walls or floors
  • If AV content requires a separate viewing room, ensure that space for wheelchairs is easy to access and that seating is highlighted and easy to locate. T-loop signage should be displayed on the outside of the booth and the optimum area for T-loop reception should also be clearly highlighted inside the space (for example, on a seat surface)
  • Entrances to screening spaces should be 1500 mm wide and easy to navigate. Consider how to achieve this while maintaining sufficient blackout and preventing glare on screens or projections
Image showing two visitors watching a film on a screen in the Being Human gallery. One visitor sits on the bench and one sits in a wheelchair alongside. The bench seat is positioned offset to the centre of the screen so that both viewers have a centred viewpoint.
Being Human, Steven Pocock. Source: Wellcome Collection. Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).

Visitors watching a film installation in the ‘Being Human’ gallery. Bench seating is positioned offset to the centre of the screen to allow a wheelchair alongside.

Guidelines and measurements for exhibiting audiovisual work

When deciding the method of display for audiovisual content, it is the collective responsibility of the project team to consider the following:

  • Seating is required for any time-based work (film, video or sound piece) lasting more than ten minutes. This should include a minimum of two seats, with space for one wheelchair alongside. The position of the seat and the space provided for a wheelchair should have equal vantage point.
  • A centre line of 1200–1500 mm above the floor is a comfortable height for most visitors to view wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted or freestanding screens and projections
  • Table-mounted screens and interactives mounted on a tabletop surface of 800 mm above the floor will allow most visitors to interact with the screen from a comfortable position
  • Table-mounted screens should be angled towards the visitor, ideally on a flexible mount so that angles can be adjusted to different viewpoints
  • Knee space (approx. H 700 mm x D 400 mm x W 700 mm) under tabletops will allow most wheelchair users to get close to the screen face-on
  • Controls should be accessible to those with limited dexterity. Consider using simple push buttons or sliders which are well spaced apart. Provide clear instructions with images if appropriate
  • Induction loops will be provided for work with an audio element. These should be clearly indicated with a T-loop label alongside the object’s label. We use the standard white on blue colourway for T-loop labels
  • The loop will need to be located near or in the viewing area or bench. Where appropriate, the optimum area for sound (for example, under a directional speaker or T-loop) can be indicated using a floor vinyl
  • Any AV designed to support or enhance interpretation (such as British Sign Language, enlargements or transcripts on screens) should be co-located with the object that it relates to and clearly signposted.

See the Accessible and multisensory interpretation section for our guidelines on subtitling, British Sign Language interpretation and transcription.

 

More from Inclusive Exhibition Design Toolkit

Part1

Our design vision

Introducing our toolkit for creating inclusive and accessible exhibitions.

Part2

Threshold and signage

Create thresholds and signage to help our visitors feel welcomed and confident.

Part3

Circulation and rest

Everything you need to consider to create well-paced exhibitions with easy visitor flow.

Part4

Object display

Detailed points to contemplate when designing beautiful, accessible displays.

Part6

Lighting

All about designing lighting that will help visitors navigate an exhibition with confidence.

Part7

Exhibition texts

The elements to consider when producing exhibition texts, including labels and panels.

Part8

Gallery guides and large-print guides

Making key elements in gallery guides consistent in style.

Part9

Accessible and multisensory interpretation

About providing layered interpretation of exhibitions in a range of formats.

Part10

Thanks

Thank you to our contributors, consultants and critical friends who have been essential in informing and shaping this research.