Every Exhibition Needs … a Weenie (Again)

(Reprinted by request.) Every Imagineer (designer, in Disney-speak) knows that attractions need an iconic skyline. Space Mountain, for example, looks like a giant ... space mountain. There are two strategies here:

1. It looks like what it is, a non-verbal sign for itself.

2. It's hard to miss, and hard to resist.

Seems obvious. But it wasn't at first. Walt Disney had a novel vision for the first theme park. He needed new experiences that would market themselves to visitors. Touring his future property, his beloved dog was a reluctant companion. Walt lured him along with cocktail sausages the dog could smell from afar. Where a “weenie” was, his dog was sure to go.

Inspiration struck. On his orders, Walt's Imagineers designed every attraction with irresistible, awe-inspiring visual elements. (More on awe later.) Disney insiders still call those visual elements “weenies”.

Here’s the thing:
Your next exhibition could be your best. But if it doesn't act as a non-verbal sign for itself, if it doesn't create an irresistible lure, who will know? Every exhibition needs … a weenie.

Warmly,
Jonathan