Bill Reynolds

Just as Steve Van Matre’s book Earth Education: a new beginning instigated nature educators in the 20th century to review their work and actions, his book Interpretive Design : and the Dance of Experience again reimagines our roles. The author challenges us, on behalf of the visitor, to improve our catalyst and matchmaking skills, convey purposeful anticipation, choreograph a dance of discovery, and disappear. Based on decades of observations and contemplations visiting our public jewels (referred to in the book as preservation, collection and recognition sites), the author lays out an intentful, immersive, and inspiring form of interpretive structure that aims to illuminate the vision behind our public treasures. This proposed organizational framework is not just for imparting intended messages but also for hosting, inviting, and motivating people to explore their special places and uncover natural and cultural universal processes. In the spirit of continuous improvement, this book builds and greatly expands on the foundation that Freeman Tilden supplied in his book Interpreting our Heritage. IDADE is about leveraging design to drive enrichment and to dance at the point of experience. The book presents implementation outcomes beyond information transfer that involve a coaching of process, invitation and practice.