Descriptor
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The descriptor is part of the information system devised to aid communication. It is primarily used in marketing and external communication but can also be useful for internal and corporate communication.
The descriptor is a short label that directly and succinctly communicates the specifics. At a glance, the viewer should know if they were looking at an exhibition, night talk or workshop. This also allows for our brand voice in the heading or copy.
Guidelines
A descriptor should:
- Always located on the top left.
- Be correctly styled, see Typography.
- Ideally from the list of descriptors below (some exceptions allowed).
- Clear and easily understood by an external audience. Avoid internal language or jargon.
- Succinct, limit length within 4 words.
- Useful and functional. Avoid being too vague or too specific.
- Not be a call to action or web address e.g. "Opening Soon", "Book Now", "australianmeseum.net.au"
There are instances when the Descriptor is not used. These could include:
- Space limitations e.g. digital banner ads
- Irrelevant e.g. internal reports, FOH signage
List of Descriptors
Below is the current list of Descriptors. This is an evolving list that will constantly adapt to the AM's needs.
Descriptor | What is it? | What does it cover? |
---|---|---|
Access | Any material concerning accessibility | Accessibility & Sustainability Action plan |
Australian Museum Foundation | Fundraising arm of the Museum | All fundraising activities |
Australian Museum Research Institute | Science and research institute of the Museum | All science and research communications and publications |
Citizen Science | Volunteer sciences and activities | FrogID, DigiVol, Streamwatch, Cockatoo Wingtags, Australasian fishes, Wildlife spotter, ACSA |
Collection Care & Conservation | Conservation of the collection | |
Education | Programs and content related to schools | Primary, High-school, online content |
Kids | All museum kids programs | Playgroups, school holidays, programs and events |
Library | The museum on-site Library | Anything related to the library |
Members | Join the Museum | All things exclusive to members, or promotion of members |
Research | All scientific research divisions | AMRI, Life sciences, ACWG, Lizard Island, all research |
Seniors | Anything directly aimed at seniors | Seniors day |
Store | The museum on-site store | Promotion of store, sales, exclusives |
Volunteers | Everything volunteers related | Anything directly related to volunteering, or promotion of volunteering opportunities |
Descriptor | What is it? | What does it cover? |
---|---|---|
Annual Report | The year in review | The Annual Report |
Climate Change | All impacts of Climate change | Articles, initiatives, education around global warming |
Cultural Connections | Culturally related content | |
Exhibitions | Exhibitions on-site at the AM | |
First Nations | All Australian First Nations content | All First Nations programs and events |
Journals & Publications | All science papers or publications the AM has contributed to | Exhibition books, journals, articles (print and online) |
News | All breaking AM news | |
Pacific | Material from across Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia | All Pacific programs and events |
Species Sheets | Website pages, fact sheets | Fact sheets |
Touring Exhibitions | Touring exhibitions created by the AM | Spiders - Alive and Deadly, Capturing Nature etc. |
Visitor Information | Information visitors would seek | Maps, toilets, accessibility, opening hours, address etc. |
Descriptor | What is it? | What does it cover? |
---|---|---|
After-hours | Program’s aimed at adults after work hours | Murder at the Museum, Jurassic Lounge etc. |
Dinosaur Festival | Yearly dinosaur festival for kids | All promotion, guides, workshops etc. |
Events | Grouping of any series of events, workshops | Weave, Series of talks etc. |
Expeditions | Expeditions undertaken by the AM | Ball’s Pyramid expedition |
Functions & Venues | Function and venue spaces for hire | Hiring details, excludes information on actual functions |
Museum in a box | Themed education boxes | All promotion and information regarding MIAB |
School Holidays | Programs run for kids over school holidays | All promotion, guides, maps, etc. |
Science Awards | The AM Eureka Prizes event | Promotion, announcements, information etc. |
Special event | Something needing special attention | One-off events, special programming within the AM |
Sydney Science Festival | Yearly School science festival | All promotion material, guides |
Talks & screenings | Talks series and screenings | HumanNature, film screenings etc. |
Tours | Guided tours of the AM, recorded tours | Any kind of tour within the AM |
Workshops | Craft workshops, upskilling, education | Workshops hosted at the AM, or by the AM |