Skip to content
Examples of different inclusive design initiatives focussed on invisible disabilities

Inclusive Wayfinding Design

  • by

Historically inclusive design has tended to focus on visual or mobility impairments, with minimal consideration for neurodiversity or hidden disabilities. Thanks to a series of high-profile campaigns by a number of charities and support organisations, things are changing. In the wayfinding world, the successful accessible toilets campaign by Crohn’s & Colitis UK is one that comes to mind. However we need to move beyond the mindset that inclusive design is about catering for 20% of the population with a diagnosed disability. The reality is that most of us are likely to be affected by physical, sensory or cognitive impairments during our lifetime

Examples of biophilic principles applied to environmental graphics

Biophilic Wayfinding Design

  • by

What are the benefits of biophilic design and how can wayfinding and environmental graphic design contribute. In this post we explore the evidence and discuss the different components that make up biophilic design

How to assess your wayfinding

Assessing Wayfinding Schemes

  • by

When designing a new wayfinding scheme a range of methodologies can be used to test and shape the outcome. But how can we assess the contribution to the performance of the business or destination as a whole? Here we explore different ways for evaluating the performance of wayfinding schemes.

Amenity signs made from recycled paper

Lifecycle Approach to Wayfinding Design

  • by

A key sustainability challenge for anyone involved in commissioning, designing or manufacturing wayfinding signs, is to think well beyond day one. To future -proof and lengthen the operational life of the information, by really exploring what the likely requirements will be in 2, 5 or 10 years’ time and factoring these into the design. All the while recognising that at some point, the scheme will have outlived its useful life and designing sign forms so that component materials can be easily recovered to be recycled or repurposed.

Composite image of different signs

Wayfinding Scheme Maintenance

  • by

When specifying a new wayfinding system, it’s important to factor in the ongoing maintenance costs. Beyond ensuring the physical infrastructure is safe and kept in good order, you need to think about how frequently the information may need updating; the extent of likely changes; how critical the response time will be and budget. Feeding these into the design process will help ensure that the scheme is affordable over the long-term.

One New Change Reception graphics

Strategies for Sustainable Wayfinding Design

  • by

When it comes to sustainable wayfinding design – material selection and dematerialisation strategies are an obvious focus. However, to ensure that the end result is fit for purpose, future proofed and contributes positively to the overall aesthetic and enjoyment of a place, the most important factors are the underpinning strategy and design.

Large figure 10 in white letters against a purple velvet background

Celebrating 10 Years

  • by

Share on email Share on linkedin Share on twitter Share on pinterest June 2020 marked The Velvet Principle’s 10th anniversary. When we started developing plans for celebrating this milestone late last year, little did we imagine that our birthday would… Read More »Celebrating 10 Years

Department of Transport pictograms showing various symbols as black outlines

Icons, Pictograms And Symbols

  • by

Anyone involved in the world of wayfinding and sign design is likely to come across the terms pictogram, icon and symbol sooner rather than later. As jargon goes these terms, are pretty innocuous. But what’s the difference between an icon, pictogram and symbol? We give our view on their different uses in wayfinding design.

Composite image of different sign types

Wayfinding Language

  • by

Every sector, discipline and business establishes its own language. Using single words or acronyms to represent more complex constructs that act as communication shortcuts. It’s all very well if you’re in the know, but it can be a huge barrier to understanding if you’re not. So for anyone experiencing his or her first encounter with the world of wayfinding we thought it would be helpful to put together a bit of a checklist.

Creative design for an entrance identification sign to a car park

The Art Of Vertical Banner Design

  • by

Vertical banner signs are frequently seen on the sides of buildings and shops or fixed to lampposts. For multi-storey buildings, applying high level, banner signs can help cut through the visual noise and increase visibility of the brand, destination or promotional message. When it comes to the layout should the letters read from the bottom to top or vice versa?