Progressive educators recognize that the learning process should not be limited to the classroom and the exchange between teachers and students. In fact, according to a 2013 Gallup State of America’s Schools Report, only 55% of K-12 students are engaged in the traditional learning process.

Introducing experiential graphics into built environments turns the building itself into an educator. Consider a simple example of  labeling a drinking fountain in multiple languages with engaging typography. Not only does this teach one how to say drinking fountain in other languages, it teaches a more subtle value of inclusiveness.

The value of ambient learning is not limited to the education industry. The truth is, every organization is in the business of educating. Businesses educate their employees and customers on their history, their processes, their products. Non-profit organizations educate their volunteers, donors and those they serve. Religious institutions educate their people as well. In fact, historically, churches have done a magnificent job through stained glass and art. Consider that Leonardo DaVinci’s famous “Last Supper” painting was commissioned for the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what pictures would make a difference in your building?  Schedule an appointment to explore what ambient learning could do for you.

See just a few of the examples of ambient learning we developed for Delta College below.

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Your building and office space is your chance to influence how people feel in your space and what they think about you and your company. Your name probably already exists on the outside of your building – and it should, to identify you. Do you really want to repeat the same thing inside your front doors? No. Let’s be honest, your guests already know your company name and so do your employees.

Your building should tell your story and your reception area is the first chapter.

Seize the opportunity to say something people don’t know about you, and don’t feel you must use words.  If your clients come in anxious or fearful, give them peace.  If it’s your staff that makes your company so special, show it. If you’re a non profit organization, show a picture that represents your mission. Please, just show or say something other than your company name.

Your goal is to create a conversation starter. No one is going to ask you about your name.

The picture above is a reception area we designed for an engineering firm. Not what you’d expect, right? Well neither is their innovative approach to what they do. We had the wall hand painted by a street artist. It’s a conversation starter with their guests…”Wow, tell me about that!”

Need help with this? Let’s talk.

The post What Not To Say In Your Reception Area appeared first on Ideation.

Our clients often call on us to help them re-imagine the exterior of their buildings. It could be a dentist that acquired an older practice. It could be a retailer or restaurant that is moving into a spot previously held by a similar business. It could be a manufacturer that wants to increase name and brand recognition. The reasons are nearly endless, but the goal is generally the same: to make people notice and express the brand.

While signage is part of the solution, something more is often needed. While the “more” could involve more expensive architectural changes or cladding, “more” can often be accomplished at a much lower cost with a well-designed exterior paint job. Usually, the client had budgeted to repaint the building anyway.

This is something we practice as we preach!  The above picture is of our new studio.  The incremental cost to paint the 3-color design shown was just 10% more than if we had painted it a single gray color!

Successful design doesn’t have to be expensive.  Schedule an appointment to re-imagine the exterior of your building or explore the Power of Paint.

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Outdoor Signs to Maximize Impact

In it’s simplest function, outdoor signs tell people where you are.  What’s the best form of outdoor sign?  Well that depends on sight lines, viewing distances, surrounding visual noise, and city sign ordinances.

Cacao Tree, a local cafe, was presented with a problem. Because of the way their building was situated, only a small amount of their storefront faced the street. This made it difficult for people to find them. They came to us for business signage ideas and one solution we recommended was the projecting blade sign. By placing the blade signs at the corner of the buildings, we were able to draw the eyes of hungry pedestrians. To further distinguish them from the surrounding buildings, we used façade lettering and window graphics.

Reception Signs

First impressions mean a lot. A reception sign sets the tone for your client’s visit and can influence their perception of your services.

The team at DeClaire LaMacchia Orthopaedic Institute was looking for custom signage to bring their brand to their space while respecting the interior design. Working with their branding agency, we integrated their logo as a reception sign using a variety of metal finishes that complemented their interior design while creating a stunning first impression.

Wayfinding Signs

Large public buildings, like hospitals, apartment buildings, and hotels need wayfinding signs to direct people to their destinations. If your company moves large groups of people around your facility, then you need to make sure that the appropriate signage is in place. Many of those signs have ADA compliance requirements.

Outfield Lofts, in Lansing MI, needed both a wayfinding sign system and ADA compliant signs for their loft-style apartment building. The solution we delivered also contributed to their overall design rather than just meeting the functional requirements.

“Beyond the traditional value of making sure people know where to go when visiting and being an ADA compliant solution, our design added value to the environment by serving as an artistic element. Our goal was that the custom signage and environment would make residents proud to live there and visitors want to live there.” Jon Moses, Ideation

Digital Displays and Other Specialty Signs

There are times when businesses are faced with unique situations that can be fixed with business signs. For instance, Logicalis used a large amount of glass for interior walls. They did not want to block the open feel of their space, but they did desire a bit of privacy for their meeting rooms. Special graphics helped break up the large glass walls without blocking the light. They also preserved the feeling of openness.

In addition, they had a need for signage that told the story of their business. Integrating interactive digital displays, Ideation was able to bring their story to their space using a combination of static and dynamic digital content.  Since Logicalis is a technology company, the use of the digital displays was a perfect fit.

More Business Signage Ideas

The business signs we showcased here are only a few of our designs. Each business is unique and so is your story. We like to create signage that tells that story in a unique way. Let’s collaborate and put together a portfolio of business signage ideas tailored specifically for your company. Call today for more information.

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