Bird Discovery
Cards.
As a docent of Bird Discovery at Fullerton Arboretum, I needed a quick, visual way to engage visitors in feeling curious about our local birds — plus cues and activities to help docents create educational, memorable experiences.
The Cards.
a set of five —
Card Features.
what's on each card —Each card was designed around three core visitor needs: quick visual identification, contextual information at a comfortable depth, and something fun to do to encourage embodied learning.
A custom icon set handles the denser data: seasonal presence across twelve months, dietary habits, and habitat preferences. Icons reduce reading friction for docents interacting with guests without stripping the card of substance. The monthly presence indicator in particular gives visitors an immediate answer to "why haven't I seen this bird before?" — which is one of the most common questions docents receive.
Typography and layout were calibrated for outdoor reading conditions — high contrast, generous spacing, and a clear visual hierarchy that lets someone absorb the key facts at a glance while also rewarding closer reading.
The cards needed to work equally well for a six-year-old or a seasoned birder! The icon system was the key to that — it lets you read the card in ten seconds or spend ten minutes with it, and both experiences feel complete.