With the renovation of the BC Cancer Agency’s Surrey location, the organization had an opportunity to refresh their wayfinding to best serve its visitors. This was my first wholly original wayfinding design, in that it wasn’t based on an existing system.

The project began with a meeting to discuss the needs of the hospital, as well as common routes for hospital visitors. I created a map of recommended sign locations, which became the backbone of the project.

After the client’s needs are determined, sign concepts are developed. With this project, I wanted to use bold colours, as well as shapes and angles that naturally lead the viewer’s eye to different locations.

As some senior patients may have visual or cognitive impairments, I wanted to make sure all signage was bold, high-contrast, and easy to understand. Distilling directions and information down to its bare essentials is difficult in a visually complex environment. I think I’m most proud of this sign.

As the wayfinding system is implemented, it is stress-tested through daily use. Elements of the system may be refined, expanded upon, or consolidated to ensure a more user-friendly experience.

Many of these photos are from the first phase of installation. Since it was designed, the wayfinding system has been installed in all parts of the Cancer unit.