Program on the Environment

Nature Parks located proximate to urban areas serve as optimal locations to educate environmental facts, but ineffective signages are not capable of encouraging connections with nature and hence engagement of conservation efforts. Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) is an effective concept used to guide the effort to re-evaluate and update park signage. However, inconsistent signage characteristics across nature parks create difficulties in further understanding factors that affect visitor satisfaction studies. Therefore, this case study focuses on the kiosk design of Discovery Park and it affects key factors facilitating visitor experience.

Nature parks are potentially promising sites to offer community education about the environment. It helps change attitudes towards conservation and hence behaviors. There is raised awareness and concerns regarding the interpretive signage system at the Discovery Park in terms of its informative and navigational uses. Clear park navigation makes visits efficient as well as offers a sense of security without getting lost. Furthermore, it is reported that the marketing of environmental facts makes an effective way to stimulate environmental awareness, interests, and motives for conservation. In a 600-acres open space for the public, this case study is a pilot study to understand key factors contributing to effective design for nature parks. The findings, which delivered to both Discovery Park Advisory Council and Seattle Parks & Recreation, would serve as a stepping stone to guide future programs and conservation efforts in natural settings. 

I did field examinations to evaluate locations and effectiveness of 5 existing major kiosks. Then co-worker with Seattle Parks & Recreation staffs and park manager to identify key the educational spots at the Discovery Park through fields as well as to conduct informal interviews with staffs working at visitor center front desk to inquire general complaints. I attended weekly meetings with park staffs to update and mediate progress. I also reached out to Kroll Map company to update the old-fashioned park map. A public survey was conducted at park site to gauge constructional ideas regarding kiosk update and major components contributing to effective environmental education. The survey was conducted using Survey123 to record responses (286 in total) and the data were synthesized using Excel spreadsheet and Pivot tables. 

The key take-home message from my survey results was that visitors believe an interpretive signage system is essential in solidifying their experience with park touring and nature interaction. In terms of recommendations for kiosk designs, a creative park kiosk should incorporate park rules, graphics of wildlife, vegetations, diversity of topography, and landscapes to make designs more visually appealing. The nature and cultural heritage of the park should be presented with historical facts in terms of the land use to enhance the sense of place and belonging. To use and maintain the kiosk effectively, a bare strip at each kiosk panel should be reserved for managers to advocate for educational classes/programs offered and park events seasonally.  Additionally, nature parks should have the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) embedded at the Visitor Center to provide complementary handouts and materials to facilitate navigation and learning.

Environmental education serves as the base for conservation efforts engagements as well as to significantly enhance human interactions with nature. Using effective visual designs on kiosks in open public parks that are greatly associated with nature would facilitate environmental learnings effectively. If the environmental facts are designed properly, it changes attitudes towards conservation and hence behaviors. The outcomes in terms of environmental graphic design serve to guide future efforts to cope with contemporary environmental issues.