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Trial Exhibits

Overview


Studies consistently show that memory increases 700% when the information is both explained and shown. The Visual Communications consultants at Exponent prepare professional-quality trial exhibits for hearings, trials, and other proceedings that display information in a compelling yet streamlined manner. Our multimedia artists work closely with our scientists and engineers to ensure that all graphics are accurate and clearly illustrate the relevant aspects of the case. We have more than 25 years of experience in developing consistent, concise visuals that build upon the messages that are to be communicated in a court of law.


From our state-of-the-art service locations around the country, our staff produces all forms of trial exhibits, including the following:

  • Courtboards 
  • Maps 
  • Charts 
  • Timelines 
  • Diagrams  
  • Static illustrations 
  • Photographic enlargements 
  • Photographic enhancement 
  • Other formats or media, such as Microsoft® PowerPoint presentations 

We take complex scientific findings, issues, and concepts and distill them into visuals that will captivate an audience not familiar with the matters at hand. 

  • Phase I: Planning the scope and nature of demonstratives
  • Phase II: Developing and designing demonstratives 
  • Phase III: Producing demonstratives 
  • Phase IV: Producing final exhibits 
  • Phase V: Presenting demonstratives and exhibits

Phase 1: Planning the Scope and Nature of Demonstratives

Visuals communicate a message that prompts a reaction; in defining this message, it is essential to categorize the types of information: 

  • Concept: abstract idea to describe a phenomenon 
  • Process: a series of stages necessary to get from A to B 
  • Data: quantitative information used for inference or reckoning 
  • Trend: indication of the direction of change in variables 
  • Event: something that happens once 
  • Relationship: association between two or more objects

The objective of presenting information is to convey, educate, illustrate, or convince the audience. It is important to define the categories of information display.

Phase II: Developing and Designing Demonstratives 

Our resources and disciplines in animation, computer graphics, videography, photography, digital imaging, and multimedia allow us to communicate, present, and display information as either static or dynamic displays. 

  • Static Display — Certain types of information are best illustrated as static displays, including tables, charts, graphs, photographs, timelines, and two-dimensional illustrations.
  • Dynamic Display — Certain types of information are best illustrated dynamically: video, animation, multimedia, virtual reality. The dynamic range of introducing and illustrating concepts and processes as animation can leave a lasting impression. Seeing is believing!

Phase III: Producing Demonstratives

This phase focuses on producing static and dynamic visuals. Draft exhibits are completed for review by expert witnesses and attorneys. Meetings are scheduled to discuss review comments or changes to exhibits. We can provide a private web site to key members of the litigation support team to facilitate their review and perusal of exhibits.

Phase IV: Producing Final Exhibits 

After draft exhibit reviews, changes are made for final exhibit review. The final production phase consists of the following subtasks: 

  • Reviewing final exhibits 
  • Producing page-size color prints of exhibits, or PDFs, for expert witnesses and attorneys 
  • Creating static courtboards for specific exhibits 
  • Compressing animations and video segments to digital form 
  • Creating PowerPoint presentations or interactive presentations  
  • Recording data onto CD-ROMs or DVDs 
  • Creating binders containing exhibits

Phase V: Presenting Demonstratives

Static and dynamic exhibits can be displayed as follows: 

  • 20×30-inch or 30×40-inch courtboards 
  • ELMO/television monitor 
  • Computer, LCD projector, multi-sync monitors

Fees 

2D Graphics, charts, and graphs 
    $250–$750 per exhibit (simple) 
    $1,000–$2,500 per exhibit (complex)

3D Modeling and animation 
    $100–$175/hour 
    $100–$500/finished second

Courtboards: printing and mounting 
    20×30 inches—$100 each 
    30×40 inches—$200 each

Development of CD-ROMs/DVDs, interactive presentations 
    Hourly rate: $125–$200