wayfinding for wonford hospital, exeter

In collaboration with Studio KHid, Boaz Studio worked with the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust to develop a design guide that will improve the ease of navigation around Wonford Hospital for all visitors.

interpreting wayfinding through nature

We changed wing numbers to make more logical sense from the main entrance, colour coding each area so everyone would know which area they were in. Clear signage was developed to be used on walls, floors and doors. Embracing the existing use of Devon rivers being used for ward names, we expanded upon on this to bring clarity to floor levels using Devon’s natural landscape: rivers; river banks and fields; and the high moorland. The imagery used for this mirrored the user journey at that time either through motion or reflection.

creating an improved environment

The result was a comprehensive design guide outlining how to create an improved environment at Wonford Hospital for both patients and staff, with considerations for all abilities, dementia users, and younger users.

floor signage

Floor graphics can offer an effective journey guide for all hospital users to keep corridor traffic flowing smoothly and avoid anxiety. These can be supported by more comprehensive wall signage.

Each route graphic comprises of the assigned zone colour, an icon, or appropriate lettering. The use of more or less lines indicates the distance to travel. E.g. In “West Wing (W5/W6) Floor Proposal” Women’s Health Centre is closer than West Wing. The entrances to W6 and W5 are here.

Some zones can be represented as symbols such as the Oasis cafe, stairs, lifts, toilets, and Pharmacy. Stair, lift, toilet floor signage is positioned directly in front their location, in white.

This floor graphic proposal can be used at every junction.

Graphic floor sign proposal with coloured squares labelled with white letters, numbers, and symbols".

wall signage

Wrap-around and protruding “L” shaped signage gives a clear indication of the position of entrances, staircases, toilets, and lifts.

Each sign is coloured according to the zone colour, displays the area code, and application ward / centre names.

We suggested 2 versions: A. above head-height “L” signage and B. lower “L” signage which wraps around wall corners, flat against the wall. Both to be made from a robust material with sustainability credentials such as Durat or Metem.

Existing bulkheads to be powder coated in the zone colour, as well as the walls adjacent to doors. A vertical colour strip to be painted on the outer wall, lining up to the higher “L” signage.

Rendered elevation of a section of a wall with ward door.

graphical story

“On a journey.”

Taking the ward names of Devon’s rivers as inspiration, we have assigned sections of a river to each floor level. The higher level with a hilly environment, through to the lower ground floor as a watery environment. This gives an indication of your location within the hospital building.

This graphical story can be realised through large-scale murals – using photography and/or illustrations depending on the suitability for the specific location. This could be the brief submitted to local artists and photographers to produce artwork for the hospital.

Devon animals and wildlife “on a journey” can be included within these artworks to match the flow of traffic within the corridors.

Graphic images will reflect the ’emotional map zone’ in which they are sited. ‘Navigate’ will use maps as thr key graphical indicatior using the wayfinding colours to highlight location and direction. Once people have journeyed into a ‘Move’ zone they will follow the movement of animals and fish relative to the floor. ‘Wait’ and ‘Reflect’ will be tranquil, calm and peaceful images relating to their location.

3 lines of imagery indicating animals and fish on a journey.
back to projects

a creative team that achieve results...

Boaz Studio Interior Design | B Corp Services

"We used Boaz Studio as we needed some help reimagining our lounge after moving in just before having our first child. Our house wasn't working for us and our toddler. Stephen is so approachable and friendly and really listens. He's keen to understand what your needs and wants are as a client and then has an amazing way of turning that into something beautiful, practical, and personal. I am so impressed and would highly recommend Boaz Studio. On top of that, they're really professional, and communication is easy."

5/ 5 Stars

"Stephen and Alice worked with us to produce a design for the interior of our coffee house - their ability to bring together all of our different needs and ideas into one unified concept was fantastic - they have knack for drawing out the most efficient use of whatever space they're working with. First class."

5/ 5 Stars

"Boaz provided layouts and concept interior designs for our new home, and the results were fantastic: they managed to somehow provide us with something completely unexpected that was completely our style and what we wanted. We feel so much more confident managing the building work and decorating now, and can't wait to see it finished. Highly recommended."

5/ 5 Stars

"We worked with Boaz Studio to plan our two-storey extension and associated alterations to our house. We couldn't have done it without them, they were brilliant! Their thoughtful designs really made the most of the spaces, not only in terms of furnishings and decor but also really useful advice about positioning for doors and windows. Stephen and Alice are both fabulous at what they do and really lovely to work with. Highly recommended!"

5/ 5 Stars

"Boaz Studio came in to advise on the complete refurbishment of the communal space here at Sunley Orford House, a purpose-built block of quality retirement housing in the centre of Truro. Having listened thoroughly to the design brief he provided well thought out advice on materials, colours and decoration with options that not only bring a more contemporary feel but will revitalise the space for the future. His thought and attention to detail was appreciated by all involved."

5/ 5 Stars

"You have been incredibly instrumental in the first part of this project and given us inspiration on how best to utilise our space, giving us vision on layout, design, style and colours. You are very skilled at what you do !!"

5/ 5 Stars

"I found boaz studio to be the perfect combination of design ideas and down to earth sense. They opened my eyes to aspects I hadn’t considered and delt with problems in creative ways."

5/ 5 Stars

"Stephen managed to build a true understanding of what we wanted and embed that in his conceptual designs. When we first saw those designs for a fresh and contemporary take on the heritage library, we knew that we would be creating something special."

5/ 5 Stars

from our instagram