Wayfinding: Visual Research

Based on our initial meeting as a group, choosing to focus on supergraphic's within wayfinding systems I decided to look at successful systems that use supergraphics as a key element.

Ravensbourne:
Ravensbourne's wayfinding draws on key elements of its visual identity which was created to represent the key elements of the college by making the identify bold to represent the international impact the college has. Furthermore the identity created needed to be easy to read and develop across all media, which has been achieved in relation to the wayfinding system (see figures 1-2). The wayfinding system itself alters and uses visual elements from the brand identity to create a consistant theme across the college. This allows the system to stand out due to the bold nature of the identity and colours used, as well as showcasing the creative nature of the college. Furthermore this is heightened through the incorporation of variations on the identity such as the use of a pencil and hand drawn elements (see figure 2). The main elements of the previous visual identity where inspired by the titles covering the building the houses the college which is still visible within the geometric features of the new wayfinding system.

Kalmar Konstmuseum:
I chose to look at the wayfinding system for Kalmar Konstmuseum as the system involves painting directly onto the walls which was something we discussed within our initial meeting as a group. The designers wanted something to bounce off the concrete walls and emphasise the materials within the building as the system was designed at the same time the building was built (see figures 3-5). The use of large square signage plastered on the walls creates a systems that helps the audience find there way around the museum, with vinyl being used for easy application/modification. The use of a solid bold contrasting colour (yellow) allows the system to stand out and be visible to users across all levels as well as linking with the overall identity of the museum which is connected through the use of yellow and the custom typefaces used. The contrast between the bright yellow and dark concrete allows the type to be clear visible/legible as the information is cut out of the vinyl further allowing the for the link to stencils to be shown.  Furthermore in relation to the custom typefaces created, two where designed Kalmar Sans Stencil for display type and Kalmar Sans for body text as using only a sentcil typeface would become difficult to read at smaller type sizes meaning a more solid typeface needed to be created for larger bodies of text. This allows the link to stencils to remain across the branding without damaging legibility, allowing for a clear and effective system to be created.

Both of these systems are visually effective as well as working successfully as navigational tools. I plan to explore elements from each within my own designs looking at supergraphics and the colours used within the LAU branding.