National Museum of the American Indian

National Musuem American Indian Eval_Page_01
National Musuem American Indian Eval_Page_05
National Musuem American Indian Eval_Page_08
National Musuem American Indian Eval_Page_12
National Musuem American Indian Eval_Page_14
National Musuem American Indian Eval_Page_15
National Musuem American Indian Eval_Page_18

Study Purpose

Evaluate all signage and communication relating to the museum’s presence on the National Mall as well as internal circulation and wayfinding.

Study Conclusions

  • Museum nearly invisible from National Mall circulation paths
  • ‘Doesn’t look like a museum.’ Especially on the Mall
  • Entrance location is counterintuitive
  • Is not the first, second or even third choice on a Mall visit
  • Upon entering, no sense of content or purpose
  • Curving floor plans very difficult to navigate
  • Hand-out map ineffective
  • Major exhibit names too mysterious
  • Top floor not understandable – low visitor count
  • Directional signage too small and not well located

Recommendations

  • Open up landscaping to better see from Mall
  • Add museum icons and objects at exterior to signal content
  • Clarify content and purpose at entrance
  • Rename exhibits to be more descriptive
  • Create new illustrative map
  • ‘Market’ upper floors in elevator cabs
  • Deploy wayfinding signage from ceilings