What We Asked and Why
We aimed to understand how signage influences parents’ perception of play as a valuable form of learning. Our goal was to identify which messages encourage parents to pause, reflect, talk with their children, and see play as meaningful.
Short, Clear Messages Have the Greatest Impact
Parents told us signs are most effective when they are easy to see, brief, and conversational. Warm, affirming language and familiar visuals promote reflection and conversation. When signs were harder to notice or too abstract, parents often overlooked them or assumed they were only rules.
Building a Better Museum
These insights are guiding our design of signage and family communications moving forward. We are focusing on clear, supportive messages, inclusive visuals, and strategic placement—so families feel welcomed, informed, and inspired to see play as a powerful form of learning.
