Exhibit Design
Exhibit Design in aquariums refers to the planning and creation of displays that house marine life while providing educational and engaging experiences for visitors. It involves carefully planning spaces that meet both the needs of aquatic animals and create meaningful visitor experiences. This role combines elements of interior design, marine biology knowledge, and visitor experience planning. Similar terms you might see include "habitat design" or "aquarium display development." Think of it as creating underwater worlds that are both functional for the animals and interesting for people to view.
Examples in Resumes
Led Exhibit Design team for new penguin habitat, increasing visitor engagement by 40%
Collaborated with biologists to create innovative Exhibit Designs for sensitive coral species
Managed $2M Exhibit Design project for new shark tank, including lighting and viewing areas
Typical job title: "Exhibit Designers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Exhibit Designers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach designing a new exhibit that needs to house multiple species with different environmental needs?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate experience in managing complex projects, understanding of different species' requirements, and ability to create solutions that work for both animals and visitors while staying within budget.
Q: Tell me about a time when you had to redesign an exhibit due to animal welfare concerns.
Expected Answer: The candidate should show problem-solving skills, knowledge of animal care requirements, and ability to balance aesthetic design with practical needs.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when designing visitor viewing areas?
Expected Answer: Should discuss accessibility, traffic flow, viewing angles, educational opportunities, and how to create engaging experiences while maintaining animal welfare.
Q: How do you incorporate educational elements into your exhibit designs?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of interpretive design, interactive elements, and how to effectively communicate information to different age groups.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic elements do you consider when starting an exhibit design?
Expected Answer: Should mention space requirements, water quality needs, lighting, temperature control, and basic visitor considerations.
Q: How do you research the needs of species you're designing for?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to work with biologists, research natural habitats, and understand basic requirements for animal care.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of aquatic life needs
- Knowledge of design software
- Understanding of visitor flow patterns
- Ability to read and create basic design plans
Mid (2-5 years)
- Project management experience
- Knowledge of life support systems
- Experience with budget planning
- Understanding of AZA guidelines
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex exhibit planning
- Team leadership
- Large-scale project management
- Advanced knowledge of multiple species' needs
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic animal care requirements
- Lack of understanding about visitor safety considerations
- No experience with regulatory compliance
- Poor understanding of water quality management
Related Terms
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