Environmental Graphics is a design discipline that combines architectural design, graphic design, and interior design to create visual communications that enhance, inform and shape the experience of a space. Environmental graphics include wayfinding signage, donor recognition displays, experiential graphics, exhibit design, and other visual elements designed specifically for human interaction within a space.
Environmental graphics emerged in the 1970s as a discipline that combined graphic design, architecture, and interior design.
The field gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s with the growth of experiential branding and the rise of shopping malls and other large-scale commercial environments.
Today, environmental graphics are an essential part of architecture and interior design, helping people navigate public spaces and understand the stories and messages behind the built environment.
Selbert Perkins is a design firm that creates environmental graphics, branding, exhibit design, and wayfinding signage for public spaces and commercial environments.
Pentagram is a design firm that specializes in graphic design, branding, and environmental graphics for clients across industries.
Gensler is an architecture and design firm that offers a range of design services, including environmental graphics, branding, and wayfinding.
Wayfinding signage helps people navigate public spaces and find their way to their desired destinations.
Experiential graphics transform public spaces and commercial environments into memorable experiences by integrating storytelling, branding, and visual design into the built environment.
Donor recognition displays celebrate the achievements of donors and communicate an organization's gratitude and recognition for their contributions.
Exhibit design is a specialized form of environmental graphics that creates immersive and engaging experiences for visitors to museums, trade shows, and other events.
Environmental graphics help people navigate public spaces, communicate messages, and create memorable experiences within a building or space. They are an essential part of the design process, helping to reinforce branding and identity, and guiding people through complex environments.
Wayfinding signage, donor recognition displays, experiential graphics, exhibit design, and other visual elements designed specifically for human interaction within a space are common examples of environmental graphics. Environmental graphics can also include digital displays, interactive installations, and other forms of media.
Environmental graphics are designed through a combination of architecture, graphic design, and interior design. Designers work closely with clients to understand their goals and create visual communications that are appropriate for the space, meet the needs of the users, and reinforce organizational identity and messaging.
Environmental graphics help businesses and organizations communicate their brand identity, messaging, and stories to visitors, customers, and employees. They improve the user experience, make spaces more navigable, and can help drive engagement and sales.
Environmental graphics designers need skills in graphic design, architecture, interior design, and project management. They should be able to work with different stakeholders, including clients, architects, engineers, contractors, and vendors, and have a deep understanding of the user experience and the built environment.