Step-by-step guide to designing a modular display

Designing a modular display, also called modular exhibit design or adaptable booth design, means planning a system that works across many shows, not just one. These steps take you from show calendar to test build.

This guide is part of the modular display designs series.

Step 1: List shows and booth sizes

List the shows and booth sizes you expect over the next one to three years, including open sides. This determines which configurations the system must support.

Step 2: Set goals

Decide what the stand must do: generate leads, take orders, launch products or host meetings. Goals decide how much space goes to display versus conversation.

Step 3: Choose a core configuration

Pick a base layout that scales up and down, such as a 10 ft back wall that can become a 20 ft wall or an L-shape. Check it works for each booth type on your list.

Step 4: Select materials

See modular display material comparisons.

Step 5: Design graphics

Use evergreen core graphics and swappable campaign panels. Keep the message high and simple.

Step 6: Plan lighting and AV

Specify LED spotlights for products and backlighting if needed; plan screen mounts and cable routes.

Step 7: Choose furniture

Choose durable, on-brand pieces you'll reuse: seating, a high table, a counter with storage and display pieces. Solid-wood benches, bar stools and console tables soften modular frames and can live in a showroom between shows.

Step 8: Budget

Use the modular display cost breakdown to estimate one-off and per-show costs.

Step 9: Order and test-build

Order components, then build the stand at your premises, photograph it and fix anything that doesn't work.

Step 10: Document

Create configuration drawings and packing lists for each layout so any team member can build it.

What mistakes should you avoid?

Designing only for the first show, graphics with dates, too many components to transport, lighting that depends on power you won't always have and furniture chosen last.

How do you choose a core configuration?

List your booth types and pick the smallest configuration that works for the most common one, then check that adding parts creates the larger layouts. For example, a 10 ft back wall can grow into a 20 ft wall or an L-shape for corner booths. Avoid configurations that need many unique parts only used once.

How do you design graphics for a modular system?

Design graphics to the system's panel sizes. Put your name and evergreen message on panels used in every configuration, and campaign messages on panels that can be swapped. Make sure graphics still read correctly when panels are rearranged.

How do you plan lighting and AV?

Choose fixtures that attach to your system and work in every configuration. Plan screen mounts where they're visible but don't block products, and route cables through the frame where possible.

How do you plan furniture alongside the system?

Draw furniture on every configuration plan using exact dimensions. Furniture shapes how visitors use the stand: a counter at the front changes the entrance, a meeting table sets the depth. Choose durable pieces you'll reuse, and consider pieces from your own range if you sell furniture.

How do you plan the timeline?

How do you document the system for the team?

Create a drawing and packing list for each configuration, photograph each finished layout and keep everything in the display kit and in a shared folder.

Related

Checklist for planning a modular display layout and customizable features.