Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus spans 380 acres and includes academic buildings, student residences, a business park, conference centre, sports facilities and a significant volume of international visitors. We were commissioned to create a campus-wide wayfinding strategy that unified communication across every area while supporting the diverse needs of students, staff, visitors and conference users.
Challenges
A large, multi-use campus with many separate identities
Outdated or restricted external signage that could not be fully replaced
Internal signage inconsistent across faculties and building types
High variation in user groups, from daily students to one-time conference visitors
Complex journey patterns caused by the campus size and layout
Need to differentiate the Edinburgh Conference Centre from the wider university
Our Approach
We carried out an extensive analysis of internal and external routes across the full campus, including typical student pathways, visitor journeys and long-distance connections between buildings. Because external signage was restricted, we developed a strategy that worked seamlessly with the existing system while modernising internal communication. The Edinburgh Conference Centre received its own distinct identity within the strategy, ensuring that delegates, often not using other campus facilities could navigate quickly and confidently.
Results
The final strategy created a clearer, more cohesive experience for all users, reducing confusion and reinforcing the university’s brand across the estate. Routes became easier to understand, internal signage was modernised, and the Conference Centre benefitted from a bespoke identity that improved visitor orientation. The university now has a unified system capable of supporting future growth, new buildings and evolving academic environments.
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Every project we deliver is rooted in how people actually think, move, and make decisions. The results speak for themselves! Clearer journeys, fewer questions, reduced stress, and environments that simply work better.
Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus spans 380 acres and includes academic buildings, student residences, a business park, conference centre, sports facilities and a significant volume of international visitors.
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Let’s Talk Wayfinding
If you have questions about wayfinding, navigation or user experience, get in touch. Complete our short form and we’ll follow up with a friendly, no-pressure conversation.