Modularity does NOT guarantee successful Ongoing Maintenance

 Put out a bid for a large interior signage project and it attracts companies from all over.  Many companies that specialize in outdoor signage are attracted to the potential dollar size of a large project and frankly can pull the project off effectively.  When asked about service after the project, assurances will be given that “we keep permanent computer records”.  So, what’s missing?  …an adequate understanding of the details that must be managed in order to properly maintain an interior sign system and the high frequency of that need.  It’s an entirely different world of information that can easily be overwhelming to companies not set up specifically to manage it.  That’s why you get modular signage that looks like the sign you see in the picture below.  You can almost count the number of sign companies this particular hospital has tried by counting the number of different arrow shapes and sizes – not to mention font and color variations.  And, yes, this is a modular sign system. 

Most sign companies today are squarely in the CAD/CAM world and keep records, however, good organization of those records for accurate ongoing access and the maintenance of substantial interior signage details are far from a given.

Because Avalis values a long term relationship – not just the initial project - we’re set up to take care of you for years to come which means you’ll have a beautiful sign system that will keep up with the speed of change in your organization.  Ask us to explain how we do it.

 

Avalis has set new standards for flexible, aesthetic design - the ability to design unique sign systems that complement and exude the warmth and hospitality of today’s interior finishes.  At the same time the needs for flexibility are assessed and built right in is the appropriate changeability you need.

 Where do we begin?  With a needs assessment.  That’s where you and your staff come in.  We know the questions and with the right questions you know the answers on key wayfinding issues and how much flexibility is needed.

 What’s next?  A wayfinding analysis.  In smaller facilities, we just automatically build it into our design process.  In larger, more complex facilities it may become a formal study where we come and live in your facility for a few days.  The goal is not to simply direct people but to help them retain spatial cognition of your facility so they naturally feel more at home when they visit.  The more complex the facility the more we’ll need to involve key members of your staff.  In the end you receive some impressive deliverables including a single sheet image of every directional sign that your wayfinding committee test before any signage is produced.  Supplementary wayfinding methodologies are explored and may be recommended such as maps, instruction cards, touch-screen directories, website directional tools.  You’ll define the scope as we go through discussions.  Language demographics are an important consideration during this stage.

 Product Design.  With the understandings gained above and your interior finishes board, we’re ready to begin designing a beautiful, flexible and unique sign system for your facility.

Because of the unmatched diversity of materials, colors and textures Avalis brings to the design process, you can count on a sign system design that uniquely enhances and enriches the wayfinding experience for your guests and clients.  You’ll also have a partner you can count on to accurately maintain the sign system down the road as you continue to change and grow.