Hudson Group helps us bring signage to life
As a small agency, we’re normally heads down, working hard to wrap up projects before the year ends. But this year, we were invited to a Christmas party hosted by one of our trusted (and favourite) suppliers, Hudson Group. Our relationship with Hudson Group is crucial in delivering one of the most integral parts of our offering: signage.
Why Signage Matters
For us, signage is the cherry on the cake. It’s the final piece of a branding project, which brings everything to life in the real world. Seeing effective wayfinding and signage in place onsite is incredibly rewarding because it shows how a well-thought-out design scheme can guide, inform, and elevate experiences. Good signage is more than just aesthetics. It’s about clarity, functionality, and being on brand. It ensures people get where they need to go efficiently while reinforcing a cohesive identity.
What Is Signage?
Signage can be classified into five categories, each contributing equally to the overall system. Together, they create a seamless, intuitive, and elegant experience for visitors. Here’s a breakdown of the five categories:
- Identification Signs
These announce the name or description of whatever is behind or beyond the sign. They are the visual markers that display the name and function of a space or place. - Directional Signs
These provide cues to help visitors navigate a space once they’re inside. (Road signs, for example, are a specific type of directional sign.) Examples include: Signposts, Totems, Pointers - Orientation Signs
These allow visitors to get a sense of where they are about the entire space or place. Think of directories and site maps that help visitors orient themselves. - Regulatory Signs
These inform visitors about what they must or must not do, often following legal codes or space-specific rules. Common examples include: No Smoking, Fire Exit, Disabled Parking… - Temporary Signage/Notices
Designed for ad-hoc signage needs, temporary signage is often used for events or specific announcements. Examples include: Noticeboards, Directional signage for events …
The Process Behind the Signage
Creating impactful signage involves a lot of thought and care, both from us and our signage partner. Our process includes:
- Onsite surveys and measurements: Understanding the space, its flow, and its unique challenges.
- Concept development: Designing signage that aligns with the brand while serving a clear purpose.
- Mock-ups in environments: Visualising how the signage will work in situ to ensure it’s effective and appealing.
- Design and artwork: Completion of design ready for production
- Guidelines: For ease of implementation in the future
Materials are also a critical consideration, balancing durability, sustainability, and aesthetics is key. It’s important to us that the signage not only looks great but also stands the test of time, creating little waste and consideration for environmental impact. None of this would be possible without strong, trusted partnerships. Working closely with Hudson Group, we know that each job will be completed on time, on budget, and to the highest standard. Their expertise helps us take concepts to reality, ensuring every detail is perfect.
Moments like their Christmas party remind us how much we value the people we work with. So, once again, a big thank you to Steve, Tom, and Jo at Hudson Group Ltd for a very enjoyable evening (even if we did misunderstand the dress code. Luckily the wigs and sunglasses hid our embarrassment!). We’re looking forward to another year of great projects and continued collaboration.
