exhibithow

Exhibithow is a conceptual framework used in museology, education, and digital storytelling that emphasizes explaining how things work through exhibits. Rather than simply presenting finished results or outcomes, exhibithow-focused design guides audiences through processes, mechanisms, and causality, enabling learners to observe steps, test ideas, and infer underlying principles.

Origin and scope: The term combines exhibit and how, signaling a shift toward process-oriented interpretation. It is not tied to a single institution but appears in design guides, interpretive planning documents, and curriculum discussions as a discipline-wide approach.

Design principles: Exhibithow projects typically feature clear goals, step-by-step demonstrations, interactive participation, and layered information that can be accessed at different depths. Visuals, models, live demonstrations, and digital simulations are used to illustrate cause-and-effect relationships. Accessibility, inclusivity, and safety considerations are integral.

Applications and formats: In museums and science centers, exhibithow informs gallery layouts and exhibit scripts. In classrooms and online platforms, it guides lesson design, virtual labs, and explainer videos. Projects may combine hands-on activities with explanatory text, audio guides, and data visualization to convey processes such as mechanical operation, natural phenomena, or scientific protocols.

Evaluation and challenges: Practitioners assess effectiveness through learner engagement, understanding of processes, and retention of concepts. Challenges include resource intensity, risk of oversimplification, and the need for ongoing maintenance of interactive components.