signpost signage in situ in the courtyard
facilities signage - two external (top), two internal (bottom)
numbered signage on the outside of each block
Level signage in vinyl in situ inside block 1
large floor to ceiling vinyl application outside of a lift in block 4
small vinyl application showing the direction of the stairs
small vinyl application in the footwell of the stairs to indicate the location
additional coloured vinyl markings at the top of each staircase to
indicate the arrival at a new level, in blocks 3 and 4 respectively
The final critique for this wayfinding system revealed many successful aspects of the design. It was agreed that the wayfinding overall had been significantly improved, both in terms of quantity and consistency, compared to the original system, and all of the targets that had been set out during the initial research phase had been met: the strong, legible typeface and refreshed colour scheme remained coherent with the current partial rebrand of the Liberty Living company. The colours were appropriately applied, creating clear distinction between different areas of the accommodation complex (shared facilities, blocks), and the symbols, although not universally used, would be recognised by a large majority of the people using the accommodation. The placing of the symbols next to the facility, such as the stairs symbol in the footwell of the stairs, was deemed to be successful in creating a connection between the symbol and the facility, which would prove particularly useful for international students and/or students who's first language is not English.
When the designs were shown to a group of students, and asked if they would consider the designs to be student-friendly, the results were positive, with many feeling as though the renewed aesthetic was more stylish and appealing to a younger audience without being too primary and childlike. Some felt they gave the company a more trustworthy and friendly tone. It was suggested that the designs may come across as too simple, but for a company such as Liberty Living, who aim to provide 'simple and secure' students accommodation, it was the most appropriate to reflect these morals within the aesthetic of the company, and such a key element of the accommodation sites.
Another concern was raised with the material of the signage, with some thinking that vinyl might be easily damaged in a student accommodation complex. However, I allowed for this problem when creating my concept as vinyl is the easiest material to remove and re-apply, and has a relatively low cost compared to other materials, and so is the most appropriate for this environment.
I used Adobe Illustrator to create the entirety of my leaflet as the vector graphics allow any and all images to be rescaled to any size within the programme without pixelation, meaning any editing or transferring of the designs can be done without the loss of quality.