Environment Graphic Design- Complement Your Surroundings 

Have you ever walked in a building that was completely white with no signs? You must have thought if you came to the right place? This is what an empty plain building impacts on your mind. On the second note, walking into a colorful, designed building makes you feel excited & welcome. So why does this create a difference? The answer is very simple, the designs on the wall creates a positive impact on the viewer’s mind. These designs are “Environment Graphic Design”.  

The concept of environment graphic design, sometimes called experiential graphic design draws on a variety of disciplines including interior, architectural, and industrial design to create a physical space where people are able to relate to. Most of the time, environment graphic designs represent what the company is about. Although keep in mind that it doesn’t always happen. Sometimes these designs are for to decorate the office, representing or conveying any message in the area. Walking in a colorful bright lobby definitely gives you positive vibes. There are various types of environmental graphics, which is surprising since it carries a great deal of importance. Having said that, let’s quickly review the importance of environment graphics and the differences between them.

Importance of Environmental Graphic Design

If you ask a graphic designer about the importance of environmental graphic design then probably he/she may write a book on the same. However, it may seem like the concept of graphic design is very simple but it is not what it looks like. A survey indicates that over 4,000 people in the U.S. believe the places they visited are well designed.  Nearly two times as many people said the space was poorly designed as those who said the space was good. Therefore, environment graphic designs carry a great importance which can create an impact on people’s mind.

Types of Environmental Graphic Design

In order to keep the discussion concise, the environment of graphic design are of various types. This type of design has significance on its own and plays a substantial role based on its quality.

1) Wayfinding & Signage

As the word suggests, these types of graphics usually seem almost everywhere. We normally see these types of designs in our daily life but we hardly notice them. Wayfinding term is directional guidance to people to reach somewhere. For example, in a big university, there are wayfinding signs in the lobby for libraries or way to different departments, etc. Moreover, on the other hand, a signage word is the sign that lets people know of something. For example, no smoking signs are in some restaurants, pedestrian walking signs on roads and there are millions of examples to give from daily life. 

2) Walls and Glass Graphics

Walls and glass are blank canvases ready to become an extension of your brand. They can create a positive experience for your users. In the same way signage and wayfinding work cohesively, everything should be designed to complement each other. A sense of belonging can fulfill by using inspiration-driven words or phrases on conference room glass walls. If you want to create a calming or creative mood within a space, large images and illustrations can do the trick. These walls and glass graphics create a lasting impact on the viewer with positivity. Moreover the trick works completely when you use the right choice of colors. 

3) Branded Environments

Branded environments create a deep impact on the viewer if you have placed this graphic at the right place. Branded environments mostly incorporate the idea of your brand. Use these graphics where your employees spend most of the time. In addition, you can always put some creativity in these types of designs to make it more significant. Branded environments can be used to define your company’s timeline, vision & mission, values or your logo. Besides, using 3D materials in branded environments makes it more efficient.

4) Exhibition Displays

The purpose of exhibit graphics, signage and displays is to tell stories and create unique experiences for visitors. Exhibition graphics provide entertainment and education to visitors at museums and public parks. Exhibit graphics are mostly incorporate by organizations to entice clients to conventions and trade shows or to tell their company story in their offices. Hang banners, create self-standing displays, create tents for outdoor exhibits, create wayfinding signs, and use LED-powered, high-resolution displays to promote your message. 

Environmental Graphic Design: The 3 Cs

The space you use for environmental graphic design plays a crucial factor in your design. However, apart from the space of design you choose, there are three Cs that are responsible for the success of your environment graphics.

1. Color: Our mood is significantly affects by the shades we surround ourselves with, according to the psychology of color. For example, blue is seen as a calming, relaxing color that can often give off a sense of peace. On the other hand, the color green denotes the positive vibes, natureful, and energetic.  So keeping in mind the environment of the space, colors of the design should be chosen wisely.

2. Creativity: After choosing the right place and the color of design, creativity comes in the picture. Creativity in your design will create a lasting impact on people’s mind and will inspire them every time they see it. 

3. Collaboration: The space for any environment design is big and wide. However it is important to use the space in a balanced way. Messing up the space or over designing will only make it worse. Additionally, collaborating on graphic design will help encourage creativity among employees. For instance, a wall is for the office employee, allowing them to interact with the design. A wall with large wings with a slightly little space. That wall can be place for employees to clicking pictures.