Display - understanding what factors affect the impact of a display

I have been looking into the important elements of display to give me some ideas on how to set out and design my two projects. Both lend themselves to the area of display or exhibition.

I have found a book, "how to understand and use display" from which I have found a number of big factors that effect the impact of a display on the viewer.

1. Humans - it seems that us humans find nothing more interesting than each other. Therefor having a human figure or part of one in the exhibit can create greater interest.

2. Movement - anything that gives the exhibit a feeling of energy. This doesnt necessarily mean something that actually moves but maybe just something which looks like it is in motion.

3. Concealment - choosing what to conceal and reveal in  display is very important. This fits in with another important factor - Mystery.

Partially hiding sections of the display can inspire interest through curiosity. A lot of people take interest in something hidden.

4. Colour - this can have a great impact on the mood and atmosphere of the display. Also certain colours can communicate particular emotions or messages. e.g. red/pink for love

5. Masks - this is also connected to the idea of hiding things to create secrecy and curiosity about what is being hidden.

However masks also have the great power of transforming whoever is wearing it. They can exaggerate characteristics and express symbolism.

6. Lighting - the correct placement and colour of lighting can really bring a display alive

7. Shapes - shapes as well as colours affect peoples moods and emotions. Most people find smooth curved forms make them feel relaxed whilst sharp edged shapes create feelings of tension.

8. Tension - This has the function of tightening the given space and making things seem more lively. We naturally respond with the most focus and concentration towards those things that may pose a threat. There is an example in my research of a manequin shattering the glass of the exhibit. Not only is the pattern of shattered glass attractive but the violence of the act really attracts peoples attention.

9. Fantasy - This gives people the pleasant feeling of being led away from real life and allows them to see new and unexpected things.

10. Mystery - This can be created through the clever use of mirrors and hidden pictures

11. Exoticism

12. Nostalgia