Environmental graphics are a design discipline that uses visual elements to enhance the overall experience of an interior or exterior space. These elements include signs, wayfinding systems, murals, and other graphics that are integrated into the architecture of a building or public space. The goal of environmental graphics is to create a cohesive and memorable experience for users, while also helping to communicate information and guide navigation.
What are some examples of environmental graphics?
- Wayfinding systems: Signs or maps that help visitors navigate a facility, such as in a business park, apartment complex, mall, or hospital.
- Murals and graphics on walls, windows or doors: Large-scale graphics that can be used to communicate a brand identity, create a sense of place, tell a story or add visual interest to a space.
- Floor graphics: Graphics applied to floors, such as in a mall or a showroom, to guide visitors or to showcase a product.
- Ceiling graphics: Graphics applied to ceilings, such as in a museum or a retail store, to add visual interest or to create a sense of immersion.
- Dimensional letters and logos: Three-dimensional letters and logos, such as those in a lobby or building entrance. These can also be found on interior walls of a restaurant or exterior of buildings in a multifamily housing development.
What are the benefits to using environmental graphics?
There are several benefits to a businesses for using environmental graphics:
- Branding: Environmental graphics can be used to reinforce a company’s brand identity and values, creating a strong and consistent visual presence.
- Wayfinding: Environmental graphics can help visitors navigate a facility, making it easier for them to find their way around and reducing the potential for confusion or frustration.
- Marketing: Environmental graphics can be used to promote products, services or events, providing an additional platform for marketing and advertising.
- Experience: Environmental graphics can help to create a sense of place, enhance the overall aesthetic of a space and make the experience of being there more enjoyable for visitors.
- Increased foot traffic: Environmental graphics can be used to highlight key areas or features of a facility and increase foot traffic, which can result in increased sales or usage of these areas.
- Cost-effective: Environmental graphics are often more cost-effective than traditional forms of advertising, as they can be integrated into existing spaces and can last for many years with proper maintenance.
Environmental graphics at Element Analytics in Oakland
Our client, Element Analytics, leveraged environmental graphics throughout their facility in Oakland for wayfinding, branding and privacy. The exterior dimensional letter sign matched the conference room sign for a consistent brand presence.
The use of floor graphics defined the entryway to the lab; while room identification signs provided information as well as reinforced the branding.
Etched window graphics provided privacy for conference room doors and exterior facing windows. Wayfinding and branding were extended in the parking lot for the benefit of employees and visitors.
