Context and why it matters in Environmental Design

Context is so important in design and especially environmental design. Context can mean the difference between a good design and a mediocre one.

Why is context so important with signage?

We need to know our end design will work in the space/location in which it appears
e.g. if it has a no parking sign on the left of the sign area so when walking past this covers part of the sign - we want to make sure our most important information is not in this area... or move the sign OR if you are putting floor to ceiling self adhesive vinyl in a hallway, don't expect anyone to take in any information not housed around eye height (1600mm).

We need to know it will be visible and readable and will achieve the clients goals
eg. if it is on a main road we want to make sure that drivers can read it whilst driving.

Without context we could use all the available space on a sign but this is not always the best practice or the best solution for the context.
E.g if you are given a 6 x 3m sign at ground level maybe don't house the phone number along the bottom, however if this is a few metres off the ground - go for gold!

When we are briefed we need to ask more questions and find out:

• Where is the sign going?
• What material is it being produced in?
• How is it being produced - do we need to separate the file out into the different materials when we supply it?
• Will people be viewing this from up close and from what distance?
• If it is being viewed from a car or far away is it large enough to read at the speed of a car?

If we ask these questions, as environmental designers, our end designs will benefit.