2026 SEGD Voices | The Power of Lived Experience

User/Experts Informing Exhibition Design

Exhibitions communicate a museum’s content to its audience. A significant portion of that audience uses varied means of communication, has a range of comprehension abilities and approaches to information, and has physical considerations for where and how content is presented. For an exhibition to inclusively convey information and engage all visitors in learning and enjoyment, it is essential that designers involve stakeholders with disabilities in the creation process, from exhibition concept phase to installation and beyond.

Session presenters will discuss the critical need and benefits of talking deeply with real people within real environments and determining how they gather information in museums as well as where the barriers exist to doing so. The discussion will focus on User/Expert testing and co-design in accessible one-on-one sessions with design teams and testing facilitators. Discussants will recommend ways designers can tap the expertise of User/Experts in innovating solutions that can work for them and many other visitors.

Session Learning Objectives

• Participants can explain the importance and value of accessible, inclusive design to the field of design generally and to exhibition design specifically.
• Participants can define who User/Experts are, their critical role in the inclusive design of exhibitions, and when and how they are involved in the design process for optimal effectiveness.
• Participants can begin to apply session information to formulate ways for involving User/Experts within their own exhibition design and fabrication processes.

About 2026 SEGD Voices

Curated by the chairs of SEGD’s Professional Practice Groups, the 2026 SEGD Voices webinar series reflects SEGD’s commitment to advancing professional excellence and knowledge-sharing across the discipline. With a focus on Digital and Interactive Media, Museum Exhibition and Experience Design, and Wayfinding and Experiential Graphics, the series offers accessible, practice-oriented tools and perspectives. Each session provides peer-driven insights, creating a shared foundation for exploring emerging methods, technologies, and approaches shaping contemporary experiential design. The 2026 SEGD Voices series is free and open to all as part of SEGD’s ongoing commitment to professional learning, knowledge sharing, and community connection.

SEGD Professional Practice Group Chairs:

• Digital and Media: Nathan Lachenmyer (Sitara Systems), Sara Smith (RLMG), and Judith Zissman (Blue Telescope).
• Museum Exhibition: Vivian Combariza, Megan Dickerson (Birch Aquarium at Scripps), George Mayer (Consultant), and Steven Rosen (Available Light)
• Wayfinding and Experiential Graphics: Daniela Pilossof (DePerla Design) and Amy Rees (Exit Design)

SEGD is uniquely positioned to lead these conversations, with more than 2,200 members across multiple areas of practice around the globe, contributing diverse expertise and real-world experience. This series brings together voices from across the community to highlight innovative practices, practical strategies, and evolving standards within these three practice areas. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your digital and interactive work, deepen your approach to exhibition and experience design, or expand your understanding of wayfinding and experiential graphics, these sessions are designed to inform, inspire, and support your professional growth.

This session is hosted by the SEGD Museum Exhibition Professional Practice Group (ME-PPG) as part of SEGD’s ongoing commitment to professional learning, knowledge sharing, and community connection.