Tuesday, November 16, 2010

"I Hate Signs"

In the 40 years we’ve been in business, we often hear that when we first meet customers.  And there’s a reason for it: they’ve never worked with an effective signage 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.
We’ve had the privilege of working with over 1000 hospitals in the US and abroad.  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, users have limited abilities to understand their environment and retain information.  Also, differences in language and culture add a layer of complexity to their needs. Signage must be clear and effective, and has to continually adapt to dynamic care environments.  If it isn’t, the users suffer, and the managers hear about it.
We work to resolve all of these challenges as we develop healthcare signage systems for clients.  The solutions we provide are designed to last and to be cost-effective not only when they’re installed, but 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.