Environmental Graphics & Signage
In my time at Newman Library I have created dozens of environmental graphics and signage ranging from a standardized set of 8.5” x 11” templates up to ‘super graphic’ wall vinyls. Despite their humble appearance these projects have nevertheless required a thoughtful approach to user-experience, visual communication, accessible design, branding, project management, manufacturing, and application.
The most intensive of these projects has been updating our regulatory signage and planning the installation of new directional signage throughout the building. This work was achieved in part by conducting a comprehensive review of the building’s existing regulatory signage, conducting student and staff surveys to assess directional needs, developing extensive planning documentation, and working with my student employees to create the sign inserts. Throughout the process I worked collaboratively with Patrick Tomlin, assistant dean & director of learning environments, and Bob Pillow, associate director of building management & user Services, along with guidance from the Office of University Planning, and consultation and support from my Library colleagues, most notably: Alice Rogers, Scott Fralin, Sara Sweeney Bear, and Max Ofsa. As of Spring 2022 nearly all of the several hundred signs have been successfully installed by our Building Services team.
Designed and installed: Column graphic, "Library Services" sign, floor decal, cabinet labels. Designed: Blue template on the plexiglass dividers .
Designed and installed the "Print Center" sign.
Designed laptop kiosk graphics to fit into the existing University Libraries brand and environment.
Column graphics designed, produced, and installed as a way to landmark the three building wings. Designed, produced, installed.
Floor vinyls like this unassuming directional located at the print center have dramatically reduced patron confusion and flow issues without cluttering the space or adding additional cognitive load through text. Designed, produced, installed.
Vinyl frame design, produced, and installed by me to provide an attractive way to secure the frequently updated hours information that I designed for Building Services.
Designed, produced, installed vinyl text.
Example of the directional signs mentioned above. Insert and frame designed by the Office of University Planning.
Example of the regulatory signs mentioned above. Insert and frame designed by the Office of University Planning.
Process
All of my environmental graphics start with mockups in Photoshop to test the design ideas and get stakeholder approval quickly. The "Library Services" sign was the first to be produced for the new Services Desk configuration.
With help from Scott Fralin we made a prototype sign.
My low-cost solution to use the existing desk frame to securely hold the sign was a success and received approval for purchase.
A photoshop mockup of the previous service desk configuration.
In-progress stage with vinyl produced and installed by Scott Fralin and myself.
Sample of the signage installation plan that I created for Newman Library.
Additional thanks to my student employees Chloe Molinos, Hayley Stout, and Juliette Good for their help on designing, producing, and installing many of the other environmental graphics found throughout Newman Library.