In the more than 45 years we’ve been in business, we often hear the phrase “I hate signs” when we first meet customers. And there’s a reason for it: they’ve never worked with an effective wayfinding and identification system. Signage in a complex public space is a system just like any other, and just like any other system, it’s only as good as the sum of its parts. When the parts don’t work, the system breaks down and the signs become a problem.
INNERFACE has had the privilege of working with over 1000 hospitals in the US and abroad, and by far hospitals are the most complex public environments in any community. Users of hospitals are typically there for one of two reasons:
They need care, or someone they know does.
With high levels of stress, patients and visitors have limited abilities to understand their environment and retain information. Also, differences in language, terminology and culture add a layer of complexity to the needs of patients and visitors finding their way. The wayfinding and identification system must be clear and effective, and has to continually adapt to dynamic care environments. If it isn’t, patients and visitors suffer, and facility leadership hear about it.
We work to resolve all of these challenges as we develop comprehensive wayfinding and identification systems for clients. The experiential graphic solutions we provide are designed to last and to be cost-effective not only when they’re installed, but also for many years of use. We call it “cost intelligence”, and it means that every system we design and implement is flexible, simple, and changeable, without compromising aesthetics. Our graphic standards and online order system make it easy for clients to ensure that wayfinding stays up to date and an effective tool for patients, visitors and staff.
Our customers know that our commitment doesn’t stop once signs are installed. Implementation is just the beginning of a long-term wayfinding strategy. Through continuous support, our goal is to keep wayfinding systems working and looking as good as it did the day they are installed.
