Hioctanedesign90 – Hi Octane Design | Signs & Architectural Signage Experiential Design

Architectural Graphics, Environmental Graphic Design, Experiential Design, Wayfinding

Integrating Environmental Graphic Design into the Architectural Process

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Hioctanedesign90

Integrating Environmental Graphic Design into the Architectural Process

Meta Title: Integrating Environmental Graphic Design with Architecture
Meta Description: Learn how to incorporate environmental graphic design into the architectural process from concept to construction for seamless, immersive results.

Too often, Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) is treated as an afterthought—layered on after the building is designed, when most impactful decisions have already been made. But the most successful projects integrate EGD from day one, during the concept development phase, right alongside architects, interior designers, and engineers.

At Hi Octane Design, we believe in a truly collaborative process where graphic systems are embedded into the DNA of a space, not just applied to its surface. This early integration ensures that wayfinding, placemaking, and brand storytelling are woven into the built environment with clarity and intention.

By aligning with architectural sightlines, structural rhythms, and spatial flow, we create graphic experiences that feel native to the space. Signage and branded elements or architectural graphics can be integrated into walls, ceilings, and structural elements—not simply tacked on—and graphic hierarchies can reinforce architectural purpose.

When EGD is brought into the process early, we can also:

Specify appropriate materials that support graphic legibility and durability
Coordinate lighting, finishes, and surfaces to optimize visibility and visual impact
Streamline construction and installation, reducing costly retrofits or change orders
Ensure ADA compliance and accessibility are addressed holistically

The SEGD (Society for Experiential Graphic Design) community has long championed this holistic approach, recognizing that integrated EGD leads to more coherent, immersive environments that are both functional and beautiful.

Ultimately, by syncing our workflows with architects and consultants, we not only elevate the user experience—we create built environments that communicate with clarity, purpose, and a strong sense of place.

All of these visual examples are real life examples from a project Alicia Hanson was a designer at RSM Design and integrated the elements with the design architects and construction architects on creating elements that seamless integrated with the building architecture.

Environmental Graphic Design, Experiential Design, Themed Environments, Uncategorized, Wayfinding

Biophilic & Biomorphic Design: Reconnecting People to Nature through Built Environments

Posted on June 27, 2025June 30, 2025 by Hioctanedesign90

In today’s fast-paced, digitally saturated world, designers are increasingly turning to biophilic and biomorphic design principles to reconnect people with the natural world. While biophilic design emphasizes incorporating elements of nature into the built environment—like natural light, water, and plant life—biomorphic design focuses on shapes and forms that mimic natural patterns, such as fractals, spirals, or cellular structures. Together, they create spaces that are not only beautiful but also support mental wellness, productivity, and human comfort.

Architectural examples of these approaches are emerging in innovative ways. The Eden Project in the UK, for example, features massive geodesic biodomes shaped like honeycomb cells that reflect biomorphic forms while housing rich biophilic content—lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems. Likewise, Singapore’s Changi Jewel Airport is a biophilic marvel, where the world’s tallest indoor waterfall flows beneath a canopy of glass and steel, creating a sensory experience that’s deeply calming and energizing. These spaces prove that buildings can do more than function—they can soothe, heal, and inspire.

In interior design, biophilic concepts are evident in projects like Amazon’s Spheres in Seattle, where employees work amidst 40,000 plants in domed glass structures. Natural materials like wood, stone, and living walls dominate the space, while biomorphic furnishings with curving, organic forms soften the workplace experience. Residential designers also use patterns found in nature—think leaf-shaped light fixtures or wave-like room dividers—to mirror the serenity of the outdoors, even in compact urban apartments.

Biophilic design also plays a critical role in environmental graphic design (EGD) and experiential spaces. Consider how Meow Wolf’s immersive exhibits use biomorphic tunnels, textures, and lighting to evoke exploration and organic wonder. On a more functional level, hospitals and clinics have begun integrating biophilic cues—like plant-inspired wayfinding graphics and floor patterns modeled after tree canopies—to reduce patient stress. These visual and spatial experiences extend beyond aesthetics; they ground users in the environment and create a subconscious sense of ease and orientation.

As climate anxiety rises and the value of mental wellness in public and commercial design becomes clearer, the future of built environments will likely depend on these principles. Designers are no longer asking if nature should be included, but how deeply it can be woven into the identity of a space. Biophilic and biomorphic design together, invite us to step into a world that doesn’t separate us from nature, but welcomes us back into its embrace—with every curve, leaf, and ray of light.

Environmental Graphic Design, Experiential Design, Placemaking, Wayfinding

The Psychology of Place: EGD’s Impact on Emotions

Posted on June 25, 2025June 30, 2025 by Hioctanedesign90

Meta Title: How EGD Influences Emotions and User Experience
Meta Description: Discover how environmental graphic design shapes emotional responses and strengthens place-based connections through visual storytelling and spatial design.

Environmental graphic design is more than decoration—it’s about shaping how people feel in a space. From calming hospital graphics to exciting branded environments in retail, every choice we make as designers has emotional impact. Color, texture, lighting, typography, and storytelling all influence the experience and perception of place.

We draw on psychology to inform our work, using biophilic design principles, sensory cues, and even scent to create environments that feel good to be in. For example, studies have shown that cool colors in healthcare can lower anxiety levels, while warm palettes in commercial spaces can boost energy and engagement. EGD allows us to tap into these responses deliberately.

Biophilic design is an architectural and interior design approach that aims to connect people more closely with nature in the built environment. It incorporates elements of the natural world, such as light, air, plants, and natural materials, to create spaces that promote well-being, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function and creativity.

Key aspects of biophilic design:

Direct nature:
This involves incorporating real, sensory experiences of nature, like natural light, ventilation, plants, water features, and views of the outdoors.

Indirect nature:
This involves using natural materials, colors, textures, and patterns that evoke a sense of nature, even without direct physical presence.

Human spatial response:
This refers to creating spaces that mimic natural environments, providing a sense of prospect (being able to see what’s coming), refuge (a safe and enclosed space), and mystery.

Benefits of biophilic design:

Improved health and well-being:
Biophilic design can reduce stress, improve mood, increase creativity, and promote healing.

Increased productivity:
Studies have shown that exposure to nature can enhance cognitive function and focus, leading to greater productivity in workplaces.

Enhanced connection to nature:
Biophilic design fosters a sense of connection to the natural world, which is important for both physical and mental well-being, according to some researchers.

Environmental benefits:
Biophilic design can also contribute to sustainability by promoting the use of natural materials, reducing energy consumption, and increasing biodiversity.

Examples of biophilic design elements:
Plants and greenery:
Adding indoor plants, green walls, or even small gardens to interior spaces.

Natural light and ventilation:
Maximizing daylight and fresh air through windows, skylights, and operable windows.

Natural materials:
Using wood, stone, bamboo, and other natural materials in construction and furnishings.

Water features:
Incorporating fountains, water walls, or even small ponds to create a sense of tranquility and calm.

Nature-inspired patterns and shapes:
Using fractal patterns, curves, and other natural forms in design elements.

Views of nature:
Ensuring that spaces offer views of natural landscapes or incorporate natural elements into the design.

By aligning emotion with brand and function, we create spaces that are not only memorable but meaningful. As SEGD members, we stay current with research and tools that help measure this impact—from user feedback loops to observational studies that validate the power of design in shaping emotional landscapes.

biophilic Space — Ann B Barshinger Cancer Institute, Location: Lancaster PA, Architect: Ballinger

Phase I of the Universal Symbols for Health Care (USHC) research, completed in 2006, confirmed that symbols improve wayfinding by making signage easier to understand than text-only signs. This led to the creation of 28 universal health care symbols for facility navigation.

Recognizing the need for a scalable, universally adopted symbol set, a university consortium was formed in 2008 to guide the development of additional symbols. Following comprehensive testing, 22 new symbols were added, expanding the USHC set to 50 symbols.

Download a PDF of the full set of Universal Symbols for Healthcare for use in your projects. File can be opened in Illustrator for vector art usage. https://cdn.segd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14_SEGD_Universal-Symbols-for-Healthcare.pdf

Environmental Graphic Design, Experiential Design, Placemaking, Retail Design, Wayfinding

Designing Wayfinding Systems That Work

Posted on June 25, 2025July 2, 2025 by Hioctanedesign90

25
Jun

Designing Effective Wayfinding Systems | Environmental Graphic Design

Meta Description: Explore the key principles of wayfinding systems in environmental graphic design, and how to create signage that guides and enhances user experience.

As an environmental graphic designer, few challenges are as rewarding as designing a wayfinding system that truly works. These systems do more than point people from A to B—they reduce stress, reinforce branding, and subtly enhance the identity of a place. A well-planned wayfinding program is built from clarity, consistency, and thoughtful placement of signs and graphics, ensuring visitors feel comfortable and oriented wherever they go.

Great wayfinding requires more than good design—it demands a deep understanding of human behavior, spatial dynamics, and accessibility standards. Whether you’re creating navigation for a hospital, campus, or corporate campus, it’s essential to balance aesthetics with function. We also consider how typography, color coding, icons, and material choices can reinforce visual consistency across all touchpoints.

We created QR codes that link to Building History and Directories

To ensure long-term success, wayfinding systems must be adaptable. As facilities grow or change, the signage system should be able to evolve without requiring a full redesign. This flexibility is one of the key topics emphasized by SEGD (Society for Experiential Graphic Design), and one we bring to every wayfinding project. We like to also use the AIGA | DOT symbols for transportation for projects that need to facilitate multiple languages.

Planning a signage system for your campus or facility? Let’s talk about how to make navigation seamless and stress-free. Contact us here

Environmental Graphic Design, Experiential Design, Uncategorized, Wayfinding

Designing Wayfinding Systems That Work

Posted on June 23, 2025June 23, 2025 by Hioctanedesign90

Meta Title: Designing Effective Wayfinding Systems | Environmental Graphic Design
Meta Description: Explore the key principles of wayfinding systems in environmental graphic design, and how to create signage that guides and enhances user experience.

As an environmental graphic designer, few challenges are as rewarding as designing a wayfinding system that truly works. These systems do more than point people from A to B—they reduce stress, reinforce branding, and subtly enhance the identity of a place. A well-planned wayfinding program is built from clarity, consistency, and thoughtful placement of signs and graphics, ensuring visitors feel comfortable and oriented wherever they go.

1. Bold Floor‑and‑Wall Graphics in Corridors A numbered directional system created on walls and floors offers intuitive guidance—strong visual cues tied to spatial zones. Implements clear hierarchy and consistency in placement.

2. Color‑Coded Poles & Fingerposts

Multi-colored arrow posts show different zones or destinations at intersections—highlighting how color and contrast aid quick orientation, and how hierarchical cues guide users .

3. Outdoor Community Path Signage

In parks or campuses, freestanding posts indicate distances, amenities, or safety info (e.g. “rattlesnake warning”). Aesthetically integrated yet adaptable to changing layouts .

4. Functional & Branded Interior Wayfinding

Industrial or corporate interiors use wall-mounted icons, room IDs, and directional arrows with clear typography—showcasing accessibility compliance, readability, and successful branding integration

6 Principles of Effective Wayfinding Systems 🎯

Clear Hierarchy & Organization
- Different sign types—informational maps, directional arrows, and destination IDs—help shape a logical flow.
Legibility & Accessibility
- Use of sans-serif fonts, high contrast (70% LRV), Braille, tactile elements ensures universal readability and compliance.
Consistent Visual Language
- Unified colors, typography, iconography that reflect your brand fosters familiarity and trust.
Strategic Placement at Decision Points
- Signs installed at junctions, stairs, intersections—minimizing clues overload while maximizing clarity.
Color Coding & Symbol Systems
- Use of distinct color zones or pictograms lets users navigate by intuitive visual logic, beyond language limitations.
Adaptability & Modular Design
- A system designed for future expansion—using modular units or digital updates—keeps spaces navigable even when layouts shift.

Branding, Environmental Graphic Design, Experiential Design

Branded Environments vs. Environmental Graphics: What’s the Difference?

Posted on June 23, 2025June 23, 2025 by Hioctanedesign90

Branded Environments vs Environmental Graphics Explained

Clarify the difference between branded environments and environmental graphic design. Discover how each influences spatial identity and user experience.

The terms “branded environments” and “environmental graphics” are often used interchangeably—but they’re not the same. Branded environments are immersive experiences where a brand’s identity permeates the entire space. Environmental graphics, meanwhile, focus on specific interventions like signage, murals, or visual cues.

Think of branded environments as a full theatrical production—the architecture, lighting, materials, and graphics all contribute to a unified story. EGD can be part of this, but it may also serve purely functional or wayfinding purposes without deep brand integration.

Understanding this distinction helps clients invest smartly. Some projects need immersive storytelling; others need strategic graphics that enhance usability. As designers, we help tailor the right approach for each space.

1. Branded Environment (Immersive, Full‑Space Experience)

Above, the first image showcases a retail flagship that blends architecture, lighting, materials, interactive displays, and graphic elements into a cohesive storytelling environment. Every detail—from the seating areas to the product zones—builds the brand’s narrative and emotional connection with the visitor . This is a prime example of a branded environment: immersive, multi-sensory, and deeply integrated.

2. Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) – Functional & Visual Cues

The second image features bold wall graphics, clear signage, and wayfinding elements layered onto the space. The visuals enhance navigation, mood, and aesthetics—without overhauling the architecture or full sensory experience, That’s environmental graphic design: strategic, focused, and highly functional.

Why It Matters

Type	Focus	Best For
Branded Environments	Multi‑sensory immersion (storytelling, atmosphere)	Flagship stores, pop‑ups, experiential exhibits — spaces needing emotional impact
Environmental Graphics	Functional wayfinding, brand aesthetics, signage	Offices, hospitals, museums, retail layouts — spaces needing clarity and visual polish

Ready to Amplify Your Space?
Whether you need immersive brand storytelling or sharp, strategic graphic interventions, Hi Octane Design delivers high-impact design solutions that bring your environment to life. Let’s create spaces that speak, guide, and inspire.

Branding, Entertainment, Environmental Graphic Design, Experiential Design, Themed Environments, Uncategorized

Harnessing Storytelling in Environmental Graphic Design

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Hioctanedesign90

20
Jun

Certainty, Variety & Delight: The Three Pillars of EGD

In Environmental Graphic Design, emotion isn’t an afterthought—it’s the engine. Spaces aren’t just seen or used—they’re experienced as stories in motion. Each element—from material and typeface to sightline and scale—is a narrative choice. The three emotional pillars of certainty, variety, and delight form the framework that makes these stories feel alive.

🧭 Certainty – The Opening Scene Certainty is your story’s set — the establishing shot that visually anchors the user. Through clear wayfinding, consistent iconography, sightline clarity, and visual cues, we eliminate confusion and foster confidence. Just like a strong opening scene in Star Wars the spark of I am here on Tattoine certainty says: you’re in the right place, and you’re safe to continue.

🎨 Variety – The Plot Twist Variety is where the story keeps its grip. In EGD, variety does the same through scale shifts, bold materials, texture plays, and color sparks. It transforms the user from passive traveler to curious explorer. Each new sensory beat acts like the next episode—you can’t wait to see what comes next.

✨ Delight – The Emotional Payoff Delight is the big emotional beat—the plot twist that makes you feel. It might be the sparkle of light on a custom mural, an engraved quote revealing itself on a bench, or an interactive feature that encourages a smile. These are purposeful moments that create emotional resonance and cultivate memory. Travis builds experiences where guests “feel slightly uncomfortable—in the best way possible” , inviting them into a story that transcends the ordinary.

🎬 Story-Driven Places When certainty, variety, and delight are choreographed like acts in a story, EGD becomes immersive narrative. Users don’t just traverse space—they live through a designed script. They’re grounded, then intrigued, and finally emotionally moved. Travis Chambers’ Outpost X model is proof: “a really good storyteller on-site shooting only on iPhone in reels format… hooks you into characters and story”. The same narrative techniques are at play in successful EGD.

By weaving these three pillars with storytelling intent, designs do more than convey information—they connect. They turn visits into experiences, signs into scenes, and buildings into storybooks.

EGD doesn’t just direct—it transforms.

Here’s a detailed comparison of an experience at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland or Disney World) and Meow Wolf Denver (Convergence Station) — both immersive environments, but with very different approaches to storytelling, design, and emotional engagement:

🎥 Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

An immersive cinematic environment built on franchise mythology

1. Story Format:

Galaxy’s drops you inside a story world you already know — the Star Wars universe. It’s a linear, branded narrative. You’re a visitor to the Black Spire Outpost on Batuu, caught in the tension between the Resistance and the First Order. You don’t create the story—you step into a pre-written scene.

2. Emotional Arc:

Certainty: High — Disney is masterful at using signage, costuming, lighting, and spatial design to orient you without breaking the story.
Variety: Balanced — Changes in texture, material, and layout simulate a bustling marketplace, rebel hideouts, or galactic hangars.
Delight: Intense — From building your own lightsaber to flying the Millennium Falcon, the emotional highs are designed to deliver awe and nostalgia.

3. Design Language:

Hyper-detailed, realistic, cinematic
Texture-rich and weathered, evoking sci-fi frontier worlds
Soundscapes, cast interactions, and ambient storytelling immerse you in a believable film set.

4. Role of the Visitor:

You’re a participant, but within scripted bounds. You cosplay, you barter, but you’re part of their world, not creating your own.

🎨 Meow Wolf Denver (Convergence Station)

An immersive, multidimensional art installation built around speculative fiction

1. Story Format:

Convergence Station is a non-linear, co-created narrative. You explore fractured realms (like the neon-bright C Street or cathedral-like Numina) in a story about memory, loss, and identity across parallel worlds. It’s abstract, fragmented, and meant to be discovered—not explained.

2. Emotional Arc:

Certainty: Low — That’s the point. You’re often disoriented, encouraged to explore without a map or clear goal.
Variety: Extreme — Every room shifts your perception: from sci-fi to surreal to organic. Unexpected scale and interactive objects fuel curiosity.
Delight: Spontaneous — Delight here comes from discovery: a hidden door, a musical wall, or an actor whispering a clue. It’s designed to evoke wonder and mystery.

3. Design Language:

Maximalist, layered, often psychedelic
Combines analog, digital, sculptural, and interactive art
Dense, surreal environments challenge the senses

4. Role of the Visitor:

You are a detective, explorer, and co-creator. Your path is your own. You might even find pieces of narrative others miss entirely.

🧠 Comparison Summary:

Element	Outpost X (Galaxy’s Edge)	Meow Wolf Denver (Convergence Station)
Story Control	Pre-written, branded	Open-ended, co-created
Design Feel	Cinematic, controlled	Artistic, chaotic
Navigation	Easy, linear	Disorienting, exploratory
Emotional Tone	Epic, nostalgic	Surreal, thought-provoking
Audience Role	Participant in a film	Explorer of a multiverse

🧩 Final Thought:

Outpost X offers the perfect story you already know, polished to cinematic perfection.
Meow Wolf offers a story you have to uncover, layered in symbolism, memory, and sensory tension.

Both are unforgettable. But if Outpost X is Star Wars as theme park opera, Meow Wolf is a lucid dream in 4D.

Branding, Environmental Graphic Design, Experiential Design

Wayfinding in Experiential Design: Crafting Seamless Journeys

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Hioctanedesign90

Wayfinding Design for Seamless User Journeys | Experiential Spaces
Learn how wayfinding design enhances navigation and flow in experiential environments. Create intuitive and memorable user journeys.

Effective wayfinding is the backbone of experiential design. It goes far beyond signage—it’s about crafting a user journey that feels effortless. As EGD professionals, we consider spatial hierarchy, line-of-sight, and decision points to guide visitors intuitively.

We design experiences where navigation becomes part of the narrative. Every touchpoint—whether digital, tactile, or architectural—is aligned to reduce cognitive load and heighten spatial awareness. Symbols, typography, color, and lighting all contribute to a seamless flow.

Great wayfinding doesn’t shout; it whispers. It helps people feel confident as they explore, without needing to stop and analyze their path. That’s the art of turning complex spaces into comfortable, navigable environments.

Environmental Graphic Design, Experiential Design

Understanding Architectural Signage: From Environmental to Experiential

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 by Hioctanedesign90

Understanding Architectural Signage: Bridging Environmental and Experiential Design

Understanding Architectural Signage: Bridging Environmental and Experiential Design

Architectural signage is more than a label—it’s the handshake between space and story. Whether guiding, identifying, or inspiring, signage plays a critical role in shaping how people experience a place. When executed with intention, architectural signage aligns with the architecture, interiors, and landscape. It’s a cornerstone of Environmental Graphic Design (EGD), and a key element in creating truly immersive Experiential Design.

The Role of Architectural Signage Signage isn’t just functional—it’s emotional, directional, and often the first point of brand engagement. It plays three core roles:

Identification – Naming a business, building, or room to anchor recognition.
Wayfinding – Helping visitors confidently navigate through space.
Information – Conveying vital content like hours, rules, or instructions.
Done right, signage reflects the soul of a space, extending the architecture’s intent into every visitor’s interaction.

Types of Architectural Signage Each type of signage serves a specific purpose—together, they create a cohesive and navigable environment.
1. Exterior Identification These signs introduce the building or brand from the outside—monument signs, dimensional letters, blade signs, or logo panels. They often use durable materials and integrate with the structure’s architecture.
2. Wayfinding Systems A coordinated set of directional signage elements that help visitors navigate complex environments like hospitals, campuses, or airports. These systems prioritize clarity, consistency, and ADA compliance.
3. Informational & Regulatory These signs provide essential messages—office hours, accessibility info, safety guidelines—often designed to be clear but still on-brand.
4. Donor Recognition & Storytelling Displays Used to honor contributors or convey history, these signs are often sculptural or integrated into interior walls, creating moments of engagement through storytelling or digital interaction.
5. Digital and Interactive Signage LED panels, touchscreens, and real-time updates that deliver dynamic content like maps, events, or brand narratives—blending utility with experience.

From Environmental to Experiential Design Environmental Graphic Design connects people to place using typography, color, form, and materials. But in modern design practice, we’re stepping beyond the environment alone—we’re designing experiences.
Signage becomes a narrative layer—evoking a mood, directing behavior, and building brand emotion. It can:
Use texture, light, and interactivity to make spaces memorable
Extend a brand’s visual language into the built world
Foster an emotional connection between visitor and place
Experiential signage isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about creating a journey with meaning at every step.

The Power of Collaboration
Signage is most successful when it’s considered early in the design process. Collaborating with architects, interior designers, fabricators, and brand strategists ensures the signage feels native to the space—not an afterthought. It’s a design discipline that unites graphics, storytelling, materials, and behavior—transforming space into experience.

Environmental Graphic Design

Principle‑Centered Design: Aligning Architecture and Identity

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Hioctanedesign90

Principle-centered design anchors every visual decision to a core set of values—architectural, cultural, and brand-related. When EGD is rooted in shared principles, it becomes a natural extension of both the space and the story it tells.

From materials and typography to form and rhythm, each element must be in sync with the architectural language. We collaborate closely with architects, interior designers, and brand strategists to maintain this harmony. It’s a subtle orchestration that results in cohesion rather than chaos.

This approach not only strengthens visual identity but also elevates trust. Whether in a corporate lobby or a cultural institution, users instinctively sense when a space “makes sense”—and that’s the hallmark of principle-centered design.