Attch2_InterpretiveMediaGuidance.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge, Golden, CO

Interpretive Panels

GUIDANCE

A. DESIGN OF INTERPRETIVE MEDIA

General Design Guidance

1. Because the majority of visitors will spend only a short amount of time with each product, interpretive media must communicate easily and clearly with a minimum amount of text. Headlines, descriptive subheads, and captions should be used to help visitors skim for items of interest. Furthermore, the interpretive media must have maximum visual impact. Visuals should be attractive and easily understood.

2. The overall look of the interpretive media should not be trendy so as to be quickly outdated in style.

3. All graphics used within the interpretive media must have an attributed source and credit information that follows the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Graphic Standards.

4. All interpretive media and framing/mounting systems shall be coordinated and designed to complement each other, existing media (where appropriate), and the landscape of the installation site.

5. The Contractor shall consult the Government, as necessary, regarding interpretive media and materials, draft reviews, and methods for installation.

6. The Government will approve the design look of the interpretive media and framing/mounting system, the fabrications material, the framing/mounting system design and materials, and the installation methods.

7. All interpretive media and framing/mounting systems will be designed to withstand constant weathering and visitor interaction and be in good condition for a minimum of 10 years.

8. All interpretive media material must have ultra-violet radiation and graffiti resistance, be resistant to water condensation, and be vandal resistant.

9. All interpretive media that will be located outside must be exterior-grade material.

10. Both the fabrication materials and framing/mounting systems must be easy to care for and clean.

11. Design drawings of interpretive panels at final design shall include:

a. Exact size of each panel

b. Framing/mounting system details

c. Location of final text, illustrations, and photographs

d. Sizes and styles of the typefaces clearly represented

e. Materials and colors to be used

12. Creating interpretive media that is accessible for people of all abilities is mandatory.

13. Consult with the USFWS regarding the use of other languages (including dialects) alongside English in the development of the panels. If other languages are to be incorporated into the panels, provide the appropriate dialect of the language, translation and incorporate the translated text into the panels, as appropriate.

https://www.fws.gov/media/usfws-graphic-standards

Accessibility and Universal Design

All interpretive media products planned, designed, and fabricated shall follow the latest published version of Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for National Park Service Interpretive Media. These Guidelines are a combination of best practices, USFWS and Department of the Interior directives, and federal laws. Federal laws include the Architectural Barriers Act, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as amended, and the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. If a conflict between any of the aforementioned rules, laws, or guidelines exists, the most stringent applies.

Universal design principles and accessibility requirements for visitors with specific disabilities shall be addressed within the designed media. If design decisions pose particular challenges to accessibility (such as artifacts or objects behind glass), additional attention shall be paid to a full description of the accessibility solutions. For large complex projects, accessibility consultation with experts shall be required in the Statement of Work. The accessibility experts must be approved by the Government and must be submitted as part of the proposal. Unless otherwise specified in the Statement of Work, the Contractor shall consult with accessibility experts throughout the entire exhibit planning and design process and incorporate their advice for making the exhibits universally accessible. The consultant’s advice shall comply with the references listed below. Typical areas of consultation include, but are not limited to:

1. Typography

2. Reach ranges (heights and reach distances for artifacts, interactive exhibits, panels, and other elements)

3. Protruding objects, including roofs, aerial exhibits, and overhead objects

4. Use of color, contrast, and font sizes

5. Use of tactile elements such as models, maps, raised images, and other tactile elements

6. Use of sounds and smells

7. Use of Braille and raised lettering

8. Considerations related to exhibit flow, circulation path, and accessible floor plans

9. Changes in level

10. Quality of travel surfaces

11. Use of audio description systems

12. Use of exhibits by children

Design and Production of Exhibits

1. Conceptual and schematic designs and plans (including computer generated)

2. Typically, USFWS would require reviews, at minimum, for the concept design

(10%), design development (35% & 65% phases), and final 95% phase of the design

- unless otherwise specified in Statement of Work. Upon receipt of 100% documents, USFWS reserves the right to review shop drawings and production proofs for accuracy (spelling, typographical errors, digital artifacts, etc.). USFWS review does not relieve the contractor of responsibility to ensure accuracy in final products.

3. Interpretive writing, including natural history copywriting and editing. Writer must be qualified interpretive writer (example certified through National Association for Interpretation or demonstrated experience).

4. Original illustrations

5. Murals

6. Photos

7. Photomurals

8. Sculptures

9. Electronics including the latest technology

10. General Construction

11. Dioramas

12. Specimen mounting, molding, and casting (no freeze-dried specimens permitted) and models

13. Plant preservation, molding and casting

14. Groundwork sculpting

15. Other 3-dimensional exhibits

16. Exhibit and display cabinetry and casework

17. Computer generated graphics, including graphic motion-imagery and audio

18. Interpretive brochures

19. Aquarium/Terrarium exhibits (include filtration, electrical, lighting, etc.)

20. 3-Dimensional Topographic maps

21. Sound systems

22. Lighting systems

Design and Production of Indoor and Outdoor Signs/Panels and Structures

1. Interpretive writing, including natural and cultural history copywriting and editing

2. Silk screen imaging

3. Original illustrations and artwork

4. Digital imaging and printing

5. Photo imaging

6. Computer generated signs and graphics

7. Interpretive panels of various substrates and colors including, but not limited to:

a. Aluminum

b. Fiberglass embedment

c. Porcelain enamel metal

d. Plexiglas

e. Museum mount panels (wood frame, plastic laminate)

f. MDO plywood

g. Metal etched

h. Fiberglass reinforced plastic

i. High pressure laminate

j. Wood routed

k. Plastic routed

l. Wood sandblasted

m. Wall graphics (i.e., wall wraps)

8. Outdoor exhibit cases and shelters (i.e., kiosks and wayside exhibits, trailer wraps).

May include electrical components and must meet National Electrical Code (NEC) and any other applicable local codes.

Interpretive Writing

For the purpose of this contract interpretive writing is defined as writing (e.g., brochures, rack cards, orientation guides, etc.) that conveys meanings effectively through the use of interpretive techniques and organizational structure. Good interpretive writing provides memorable images and ideas that facilitate connections between the interests of the audiences and the meanings inherent in the resources. Interpretive writing draws from technical, informational, scientific, historical, and cultural sources and incorporates creative techniques intended to connect readers emotionally and intellectually to the meanings and significance of the resource(s) being interpreted. These connections can occur before, during, after, or instead of an actual visit. Development of clear interpretive writing is critical to public comprehension of agency and refuge issues, themes, and values.

To achieve quality interpretive writing, the contractor must be able to write effectively for various audiences and media. The contractor should have knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures, methods, and techniques inherent in writing and editing for a professional interpretive program. This includes mastery of the English language; ability to write and edit clearly and convincingly for the lay audience, targeted audiences; ability to write to fit an established layout; a sound understanding of the full editorial process, from writing to proofreading; and critical thinking and diagnostic skills to evaluate, comprehend, and convey complex and potentially controversial interpretive material effectively. The contractor must understand the basic concepts of tangible and intangible and universals related to interpretation and interpretive writing.

The interpretive writer should also possess the ability to research, analyze, distill, explain, and present information in a variety of fields, with a broad and non-specialized approach. (This may require studying related literature, interviewing experts, or observing activities, processes, or demonstrations.) The interpretive writer shall be a qualified interpretive writer through certification (e.g., National Association of Interpretation (NAI) or Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands (Eppley)) or through demonstrated success.

In some instances, the contractor will be required to provide interpretive media in languages other than English. For those products, the contractor shall provide accurate translations as directed by the USFWS of the interpretive material in the language specified.

Interpretive writing products should have the following elements:

1. Develop and employ a thematic hierarchy.

2. Develop interpretive themes, including tangibles, intangibles, and universal concepts.

3. Demonstrate a cohesive development of ideas, not just a chronological narrative or list of facts.

4. Connect tangible resources to universal concepts to facilitate intellectual and emotional connections with the reader.

5. Writing products, themes, and content should be specific to the site when at all possible.

6. Integrate interpretive writing with visual elements.

7. May need to fit in a fixed space and established layout.

8. Utilize editorial and style standards of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Certified

National Association for Interpretation standards and U.S. Government Publishing Office Standards.

Interpretive writing products may include, but are not limited to:

1. Interpretive brochures, flyers, guides (design not included).

2. Interpretive panels, orientation signs (design not included).

3. Exhibit text.

4. Narratives (scripts) for audio-visual exhibits.

5. Content for webpages (no website work is included).

6. Storyboarding for video (no videography included).

B. FABRICATION OF INTERPRETIVE MEDIA

All fabricated interpretative media enclosed in any way must have access panels to provide for proper cleaning and maintenance.

Exhibits

1. All exhibits shall be shop fabricated and delivered to the site.

2. All exhibits shall be fabricated with leveling devices, if necessary, to account for discrepancies in the ceiling and floor.

3. The contractor shall use as few combustible materials as possible in the construction of the exhibits. All main partition walls of exhibits must be of noncombustible materials or fire-retardant materials. All fabricated work must meet applicable Federal, State, and local fire requirements.

4. Where equipment is installed which requires special protection, the contractor shall provide such protection. In exhibits which have a projection booth or house computer components and projection systems, or similar small potential hazards, CO2 or other approved fire extinguishers or system meeting fire code shall be furnished by the contractor.

5. Exhibits will incorporate "green" building materials, products, and design when possible. This includes the use of green materials in the design and fabrication of exhibits, using recycled and recyclable materials. Use of environmentally friendly paints, solvents and adhesives is strongly encouraged.

6. Exhibits may be inspected, reviewed, and approved by the USFWS project leads and subject matter experts, during an on-site visit to the contractor’s shop at the 35%, 65%, and 95% fabrication phases, unless otherwise directed by the Statement of Work.

7. Prior to the exhibits being transported for installation, the Service reserves the right to review and approve the exhibits at the 95% phase of completion. While awaiting transportation, the exhibits shall be stored at the contractor's facility in a well-ventilated space and where not exposed to extreme changes in temperature, humidity, and away from pests, vermin, mold, and dirt.

Wood and Wood-like products

1. Finished woodwork shall be free from machine and tool marks, abrasions, raised grain, or other surface defects on surfaces exposed to view in the finished work. Exposed wood surfaces shall be uniform in color and grain.

2. Finished wall work and panels shall be properly framed and installed, closely fitted, and accurately set to the required lines and levels as shown in any working plans or drawings, and rigidly secured in place. Miters or other joints shall be planed and sanded. All work shall be left free from warps, twists, open joints, or other defects.

3. All wood shall be fire retardant and treated at a minimum to a U.L. flame spread and Fire Rating Classification of 25.

4. Wood supporting or contacting all exhibits, mill work, finished carpentry, and custom woodwork shall be a type and dryness that will not alter the finish of the exhibits.

5. All visible edges of any particle board used shall be filled, sanded, and finished.

Metals

1. All metal surfaces shall be free from defects such as oxidation, flake burns, pitting, etc.

2. All metal parts and sections used shall be free from defects impairing strength, durability, or appearance and shall be fit for their intended purpose.

3. All steel surfaces shall be clean and free from mill scale, flake rust, burrs, oxidation, pitting, etc. and shall be formed to size and shaped, with sharp profiles, lines, and angles.

4. All matching and milling operations shall leave clean, true lines and surfaces.

5. When applying coatings to metal, manufacturer recommendations shall be followed (number of coats, preparation, etc.)

6. Plastics

• All plastic laminate surfaces shall be free of scratches, cracks, chips, stains, and other surface or edge imperfections.

• Joints on vertical surfaces shall be tight, straight, and flush.

Hardware

1. All fastening devices for all work shall be provided and installed as required for complete, secure, and rigid case work construction. Hardware/fastening devices shall be hidden from viewer whenever possible.

2. Hardware for all casework shall be designed and finished to conform to any hardware existing in the building.

3. In exterior and designated interior spaces upon request, hardware shall be tamper and theft resistant.

4. Occasionally secure displays for original objects will need to be created.

Painting

1. All exhibits shall be painted, lacquered, finished, etc. in the contractor's shop and shall be free from defects in appearance. Paint and other finishing materials shall be of good quality and fit for its intended purpose.

2. Fire classification of all paints shall be in conformance with all applicable local fire codes and requirements.

3. When applying paint to surfaces, manufacturer recommendations shall be followed (number of coats, preparation, etc.)

B. FABRICATION OF INTERPRETIVE MEDIA