Walt Disney once said, “When we consider a new project, we really study it; not just the surface idea, but everything about it. And when we go into that new project, we believe in it all the way. We have confidence in our ability to do it right. And we work hard to do the best possible job.”
For the designer, story telling for the guest experience means interpreting the story with the visual representation that best tells the story. This is an environmental art form. It is the process of putting together visual environments based on a story (theme) to whisk people away to “suspend the disbelief” and to satisfy the need to be entertained and distracted from their daily cares. All thematic designs originate with a story. The story is the glue that holds the design together. It is the key to continuity and maintaining a crystal clear focus for the project and everyone involved.
With in the story, the attraction or experience is planned out in a series of thoughts; How do does the guest enter? Is there a pre-show? What is the first thing they see? What do they hear, smell, and feel? What emotions will be evoked? What comes next? How does the experience end? The story can be based on fact or fiction, on the real world, or on fantasy worlds created or as of yet to be created. The environments could be the interiors or exteriors of theme parks, science centers, museums, casinos, shows, retail stores, malls, theatre, movie theaters and more. It is the combination of creativity and the use of imagination that tells the story through the themed design, from the oversized to the miniscule, which amazes and entertains us.
Creativity in design is how cleverly the resources are applied with new concepts. Curiosity and brainstorming Thus, enabling enables the designer to dream up whole entirely new approaches to tell the history, or a "back-story", a new story or a style of design based on a time period. One of my most favorite designs was a time period coffee house named "@JAVA" that was based on "Googie" (a fifties style of architecture used in public spaces).
These “blue sky” concepts are really based upon experiences and a vast collection of knowledge derived from research and development. Research and development means collecting references and resources and creating renderings and story boards that set the stage and assist the process of designing to insure accuracy, quality, and flow of the story or theme of the project..
Thematic designers are in essence the designers of the experience. And They are considered “The man behind the curtain”, the hidden magicians behind the scenes, the creators of the “big ideas”, engineering dreams and imaginings that come out of the blue sky into reality. These “blue sky” concepts are really based upon experiences and a vast collection of knowledge derived from research and development. Research and development means collecting references and resources and creating renderings and story boards that set the stage and assist the process of designing to insure accuracy, quality, and flow of the story or theme of the project.
Experiential designing involves the placement of all the elements into a pre-existing space or in a new space created functionality and flow in which to place the elements of the story to be told. When all of the planning and design is completed, all of the thread elements are woven into the environment that maintains the integrity and functionality the overall story design like patterns sewn into a quilt. Entertainment design also embodies the cooperative process of concept, story or script approval, and technical expertise, show elements and the simple belief shared by all participants of the overall project or show. Larger scale themed developments require the cooperation of a vast number of expert contributors to translate imaginative concepts to turnstile reality.
In the world of designing theme parks, event venues and exhibitions whether modular or permanent, all start with the concept and story Without a clear understanding, laid out on paper, the process and chorography from concept to the opening festivities can be an agonizing defeat. At that point, it would be playing catch up from there with many extra costs included.
Once the story is solidified, the actual process of design begins. Each design is developed with several essential elements considered; such as the quality of the finished look, fabrication friendliness, end-user maintenance, and overall cost. The applied arts, such as set and prop fabrication, scenic arts, lighting, sound, and special effects that enhance the atmosphere and set the mood are other elements that a designer uses to create a world in which the story takes place.
As the project is under way, the designer dons the hard hat and lives it! As the construction enters the final run, the designer is there for the finishing touches from graphics, and placement of props to adjusting the lighting. This can be right up to the opening hours and minutes. This is a reality in experiential designing, due to changes that can and will occur in the developmental stages of the project. Designers sometimes have to make “on the fly” decisions that can be brilliant solutions that speed the process along because they are already so entrenched in the storyline of the project.
Over the years with in Theme parks I have worked as a "hybrid" Designer on exterior architecture, retail store interiors, tradeshows, superhero stunt-shows, events and newly developed properties. Some were major park wide expansion projects nation wide and in Europe.
I have worked as a "hired gun" Creative Director, Project Coordinator with in my own theme fabrication facilities developing for Disney-trade show interactive, Six Flags Theme Parks, and Braves Turner Field, Atlanta Motor Speed Way and Coca Cola events and work with other major brand entities.
MISSION STATEMENT
As a (story interpreting) designer, my goals goal and mission is to produce the most creative and impacting imagery solutions that can be dreamed up for the guest experience, while holding true to the historic accuracy of the story line. This is accomplished through the process of conceptual designing, developmental designing, and master planning into production readiness, and keeping the project on target through project creative direction. While employing diverse resources throughout the production phase of the project, I work hand in hand with fabrication facilities to meet goals, keeping in mind budgets and deadlines as major factors, without losing the integrity and quality of the original concept. I strive to achieve exceptional output for all of the projects that I am a part of as well as being a part of the team.
It was best said by Walt Disney “All I want you to think about is when people walk through or have access to any thing you design, I want them when they leave, to have smiles on their faces. Just remember that. It’s all I ask of you as a designer.”
Very best,
Matt
"A designer of the thematic guests experience"
404 597 7372
expdesigner.com
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