A theme park ride, museum exhibit, or family attraction, can seem a simple proposition to a visitor, but behind the scenes there’s a vast array of considerations for designers to take into account to create the experience to which they aspire. It is the specialized field of themed entertainment design companies to transform an idea into an immersive environment which is a blend of narrative and functionality.
Such firms offer a variety of services relating to the creation of an attraction, ranging from concept art to scenic and technical design and construction specifications. Understanding the inner workings of such an organization can be extremely beneficial to a project owner looking to optimize their initial investment prior to the development of a themed entertainment experience.
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Where Professional Design Adds Value
While an attraction with eye-catching theming can draw in visitors, a project that thinks through each element of the guest experience to serve the experience and the functionality of the space can maximize satisfaction for all stakeholders
Some advantages that a professional design can provide over a self-developed project include:
- Improved planning: By analyzing the flow of people through the space, designers can optimize the placement and organization of elements within the attraction to prevent overcrowding and confusion
- Enhanced storytelling opportunities: From colors and objects to lighting and sound, the attraction’s environment can be utilized to reinforce a narrative presented by the attraction
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased initial expenditures: The inclusion of design and specialized theming can increase the starting costs of a project
- Lengthened project timelines: The complexity of an attraction requiring multiple rounds of design alterations before beginning construction can push back opening dates
- Increased collaboration requirements: Designers, constructors, and operators must work together to establish and realize a unified vision for the project
- Greater potential for costly design alterations: Significant modifications to an attraction can prove extremely expensive and wasteful once construction has begun
Many of these disadvantages are mitigated by effective planning, where concrete decisions about the parameters of a project allow for fewer alterations down the road.
Smart Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Design Team
When considering the services of a design company, it is important to understand what kind of experience the potential partner has, as a firm which has previously worked on museums may not have the same expertise on a large-scale theme park or a family entertainment center. Requesting to view past projects which have been completed by a prospective partner in a similar size and scope to your own can be a valuable tool in selecting a competent designer.
Beyond viewing concept art, asking to tour completed projects which have been realized by the company is vital to considering the selection of a firm, as it showcases their ability to realize a vision in the physical world.
It is important to determine who will handle what part of a project, as asking to see the process by which a company will move from concept and technical design, through scenic realization, to collaboration with constructors can highlight potential gaps in a company’s procedures. By clarifying what each party involved in a project will be responsible for in advance, proper expectations can be established for all stakeholders.
When exploring the options of themed entertainment design companies which can serve your project’s needs, owners can utilize resources such as www.esacart.com to review the portfolios of design companies while familiarizing themselves with the way themed entertainment design can intersect with the requirements of an attraction.
Discussing Budget Considerations
In order to optimize the benefits of a professional design, project owners should communicate their design-related financial expectations to the potential design partners. A competent design company will be able to advise the owner on what alterations to the project plan will yield the most benefit to the visitor and the operator, as well as what additions can be postponed for future enhancement projects or removed due to financial constraints.
Discussing maintenance requirements is also vital when considering an attraction design, as a spectacular centerpiece can quickly become a financial liability when it requires frequent repairs or special treatment to remain in working condition. Asking a potential design partner about the servicing requirements for animatronic figures or other mechanical devices, as well as considering the ease of access to surfaces which need to be cleaned or repaired, can prevent frustration down the road.
Attention to Detail Can Improve the Project Vastly
While the focal point of many attractions is the centerpiece experience which defines the space, designers who understand the importance of the smaller aspects of an attraction can increase the appeal of a project. Visitors will spend a large amount of time at ancillary elements such as waiting areas and signage, and having these designed with the same care as the centerpiece can vastly improve the impression of a venue.
Designers should also consider accessibility and the impact of an attraction on guests with a variety of additional needs, such as those related to mobility and vision. Many elements which factor into the experience of an attraction are similarly relevant to children and their parents, who may find certain details such as sharp angles or inaccessible surfaces to be unwelcoming or inaccessible. A competent designer will be aware of these considerations when developing a project.
Warning Signs During the Design Phase
While some pitfalls manifest at the construction phase, many issues which delay or hurt a project take place during the design stage.
Some red flags to look out for when selecting a design partner include designers who cannot effectively communicate their process, as a competent firm should be able to explain the limitations which apply to their work and what processes they follow to complete a project.
Another warning sign is designers who fail to take into account the practical requirements of an attraction, such as the reinforcement required to hold large scenic elements or the provision of electricity and maintenance access for interactive elements. The requirements of the visitors should also be considered when designing attractions, by providing unimpeded access and egress, intuitive wayfinding signage, and other accessible design touches. Themed entertainment design companies which have a good understanding of the practical requirements of an attraction, as well as the limitations which they will face when constructing and servicing it, can optimize the realization of a project’s vision.
Key Takeaways
- Strong attraction design considers many elements beyond just theming, such as the experience and functionality of a space.
- Reviewing completed projects can give greater insight than a review of concept art.
- Discussing budgets can prevent future design-related expenses.
- Many details which impact the experience of an attraction can be modified to improve the experience.
- Effective themed entertainment design can create an immersive environment which can engage visitors while maximizing convenience for operators.
Creating an Experience People Want to Remember
Successful themed spaces make visitors feel that every detail belongs together. The scenery, layout, sound, lighting, and activities should support the same idea without making the space hard to use.
Choosing the right design team starts with clear goals, a realistic budget, and careful questions. Look beyond attractive sketches and consider how the attraction will work after opening. The best projects balance imagination with practical planning, giving guests an enjoyable experience while making the space easier for owners and staff to manage.