What is Interpretive design?

Interpretive design helps to create visitor experiences. It helps businesses plan how a site is presented and understood. It helps manage and direct visitors on-site and deliver visitor experiences through various interpretive approaches.

Brilliant Trails recently carried out some interpretive design and content for three Industrial Heritage Trails in Broughshane, Appalachian Way and Drumwood in Cargan. 

Studies identified two initiatives in the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Area that could be developed into attractions that could conserve and animate the local industrial heritage for visitors and the local community. 

The Broughshane Mills Heritage Trail 

To goal was to enhance and improve existing trails and walkways along the eastern bank of the River Braid in Broughshane, running from Houston Mill at the northern end of the town to Raceview Mill at the southern end of the town. The project involved:

  • Providing additional street furniture.
  • Directional signage and way-markers.
  • Installing interpretive signage and boards that bring to life the rich history and heritage of the mill industry in the area.

The Glenravel Iron Ore Mining Industrial Heritage Trail- Interpretive Signage

Brilliant Trails aimed to enhance and improve the existing network of trails within the Drum Wood on the Skerry East Road, approximately half a mile north of the village of Cargan.

Interpretive signage helps to create a narrative in terms of the local heritage. We provided directional signage and way-markers and the installation of interpretive panels and boards that bring to life the rich history and heritage of the iron ore mining industry in the area.

International Appalachian Trail.

The International Appalachian Trail is a network of walking trails that extends beyond borders. In addition to connecting places and people, the IAT promotes natural and cultural heritage, health and fitness, environmental stewardship, cross-border cooperation and rural economic development through eco and geo-tourism.

The Ulster-Ireland ‘chapter’ of the International Appalachian Trial runs from West Donegal to Larne in NI. It traverses six Council areas of Derry & Strabane, Causeway Coast & Glens, Fermanagh & Omagh, Mid Ulster, Mid and East Antrim and Donegal, and four counties – Donegal, Tyrone, L/Derry and Antrim. 

Brilliant Trails created interpretive content for seven panels on the International Appalachian Trail that traverses parts of the Borough, guided by the councils existing design toolkit for the International Appalachian Trail.

Here at Brilliant Trails, we specialise in the design, static and interactive installations, trails, signage and print, with our talented team encompassing research, copywriting, planning and community engagement throughout our projects.