Attention, all you armchair Imagineers out there! Do you want some practical information on how to design a Disney theme park? Then I suggest that you make plans now to be in Austin, TX next Wednesday.
To be specific, you want to make your way to the Airport Hilton. Where the American Creativity Association will be holding its annual conference from March 21 – 23.
And why should you make your way to the Hilton next Wednesday? Because Disney Legend Marty Sklar will be the guest speaker at that day’s luncheon. And as part of his ACA program, Marty will reveal the basic precepts that the Imagineers use whenever they design a new Disney theme park.
Photo courtesy of Google Images
In-house, these WDI-specific tenets are known as “Mickey’s 10 Commandments.” And here are a few highlights of Sklar’s list.
When designing a Disney theme park, you should …
1. Know your audience – Don’t bore people, talk down to them or lose them by
assuming that they know what you know.
2. Wear your guest’s shoes – Insist that designers, staff and your board members
experience your facility as visitors as often as possible.
3. Organize the flow of people and ideas – Use good story telling techniques, tell good
stories not lectures, lay out your exhibit with a clear logic.
4. Create a weenie – Lead visitors from one area to another by creating visual magnets
and giving visitors rewards for making the journey
5. Communicate with visual literacy – Make good use of all the non-verbal ways of
communication – color, shape, form, texture.
As for the other five commandments (As well as all of the great stories that Marty uses to illustrate these examples), you’re going to have to buy a ticket to next Wednesday’s luncheon.
Photo Courtesy of Google Images
FYI: If you’d like a chance to actually chat with this Disney Legend, please note that Sklar will be taking part in an on-site book signing immediately after his talk. So if you’ve always wanted to score your very own autographed copy of “The Imagineering Workout: Exercises to Shape your Creative Muscles” and/or “Designing Disney: Imagineering the Art of the Show” … Well, there’s another great reason to attend next week’s ACA event in Austin, TX.
For further information on Marty’s appearance at next Wednesday’s luncheon or if you’d like an overview of the entire American Creative Association conference, I suggest that you follow this link.
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