Exploring the potential of design thinking as an approach for exhibit development: the case study of the “Motion and Stillness” science exhibition

Abstract

This paper investigates the opportunities offered to exhibit developers by implementing a design thinking approach in developing science exhibitions. It uses the development of the “Motion and Stillness” science exhibition as a case study. In drawing on reflections on the exhibition development process and a subsequent practical training program, the paper proposes an exhibit development model that embeds stages of design thinking into exhibit development. Design thinking can have a noticeable impact on the exhibit development process by fostering its iterative nature and helping museums and science centers to move towards a visitor-oriented approach. It also suggests embedding some design thinking methods, such as the divergent and convergent thinking, could foster the formative aspect of the exhibit development process.