Talks and events

We explore how the findings from research investigating how London taxi drivers acquire and use ‘The Knowledge” can inform or explain principles in wayfinding design.

An expert panel discusses the length and breadth of what we, as wayfinding professionals, need to do to ensure that our work is as inclusive, accessible and disability-smart as possible.

Despina Macris shares some of the studio’s most memorable and successful projects with a focus on the contextual approach Dotdash takes working across 10 different sectors: transport; healthcare; urban precincts & public realm; education & research; major events; parklands & open spaces; cultural, civic & sport; corporate, commercial and residential.

Tiernan Kenny’s talk will focus on wayfinding for persons with vision impairment. Specifically the use of audio navigation technology, an augmented reality wayfinding solution, which can allow vision-impaired people to travel independently by providing step-by-step route guidance.

All three finalists from the British Sign Awards 2018 wayfinding category (Maynard, CCD Design & Ergonomics, and Placemarque) join us to talk through the brief, challenges and inspiration behind their winning projects

An evening celebrating all kinds of public lettering and typography. We are very pleased to partner with the Information Design Association (IDA) for this event, and delighted to have three special guest speakers: Phil Baines, Alistair Hall and Geraldine Marshall.

Andrew Barker, drawing on case studies, academic research, and best practice from other disciplines, discusses a range of approaches and techniques suited to measuring the effectiveness of design solutions in wayfinding projects.

A debate with a panel of industry professionals from different sectors to argue whether i) the role of specialist wayfinding consultant is still relevant in a world, where we have access to turn-by-turn guidance on smart phones and ii) the added value that such consultants bring and whether it justifies the expense.

DCL (Design Communications Ltd.) showcase how new and emerging display technologies can be integrated into the built environment to communicate brand or create unforgettable experiences.

The SDS on Tour in Birmingham event promises a mix of academic and practice-based talks, a graphic design exhibition, Birmingham City University architecture and graphic communication graduate degree shows, graduate recruitment opportunities and a short city signage tour.

Two talks cover the latest university research on the usability of maps and plans. Peter B Lloyd,  from the University of Kent, talks through the results of his study on the New York City Subway Map, and in particular the impact of colour coding when it comes to navigation. By contrast and focussing on the National Maritime Museum Greenwich, Andrew McIlwraith, from the University of Reading, discusses the effectiveness of different design approaches in the design of museum guides.

Advances in display technology are enabling wayfinding and customer information signs to be updated dynamically in response to changing circumstances without compromising on the visual quality. At the same time, the robustness has improved along with the affordability, so that investing in digital screens to communicate even relatively static information is no longer out of the question.

During this talk Laura Kidd, Head of Architecture, presents the HS2 vision and the impact that this has on design thinking. She outlines the design approach for stations and discuss the station common design elements and wayfinding and signage requirements.

This content is limited for members only Within our member-only pages we provide a wide range of useful information resources including: Recordings of our talks Presentations Academic research papers Case studies Guidance on standards and good practice Project opportunities Join the SDS today to access our priviliged member-only information. SDS members and other registered site users: to […]

This content is limited for members only Within our member-only pages we provide a wide range of useful information resources including: Recordings of our talks Presentations Academic research papers Case studies Guidance on standards and good practice Project opportunities Join the SDS today to access our priviliged member-only information. SDS members and other registered site users: to […]

Sign design often involves integrating/extending a client’s brand and identity. Consistency of information and design is also at the heart of reliable wayfinding systems. But what about after installation? How do we ensure our clients appreciate the need for brand conformity and overall consistency for new and updated signs? To expand on this topic are three special guest speakers: Mark Ovenden, Tim Dunn and Ann Gavaghan.

our event provides you with further insight and a greater understanding of how best to design wayfinding and signing solutions to better meet the needs of this growing segment. It will also provide you with some tools to assist you in delivering more inclusive solutions.

With the help of a multidisciplinary panel we address the role of wayfinding consultancy within the built environment. We explore whether it’s really needed, why it’s needed and perhaps touch upon what the future holds for those practicing the art.

Wesley Meyer shares trends, personal insights and practical advice on HOW to enable collaboration for innovation. The talk covers better understanding other designers (and stakeholders), unlocking the hidden value in your design process, dispelling some misconceptions about innovation and how to have more effective and collaborative meetings.

David Quay discusses his work on a recent custom wayfinding typeface project for Bath: the Bath City typeface. The typeface required extensive documentation of the city’s lettering.

Jonathan Docksey (Design JD) explores the different needs of pedestrians and vehicles on industrial estates. He also explains how the agency engages with users to ensure success.