Category Archive: Uncategorised

1. The University of Sheffield collaborate with Select Wayfinding for Velocity 2

   12 November 2015 12:51 pm Comments Off on The University of Sheffield collaborate with Select Wayfinding for Velocity 2

   The start of the University year has seen the opening of Velocity 2, a new build part of The University of Sheffield’s commitment to growing and developing their teaching facilities. Velocity 2 is part of the Velocity Village and provides a modern, urban environment for the Sheffield community and Sheffield as a whole.

   Sheffield University have bought Velocity 2 as part of a long term plan to compete with the best universities in the country.  The new facilities based on Solly Street provides the University with new space for teaching, lectures, science, social learning and administration. Delivering a fresh and modern environment for future generations of students.

   The multimillion pound refurbishment also includes accommodation for around 900 students. Watson Batty Architects were chosen to act as lead Architect on the site. Internal conversions were also designed to allow for flexible teaching spaces. There will also be new teaching accommodation for University of Sheffield International College.

   Select Wayfinding (Wayfinder UK) were commissioned to provide a wayfinding strategy for the new environment. It was important for the team to understand Velocity 2 as part of a larger complex – Velocity Village. Both the exterior and interior wayfinding was incorporated into an integrated strategy.

   The signage specification was chosen to be flexible in order to suit the needs of the building into the future. This means any further modifications to the build could easily be matched by the signage at little extra cost. The Select Wayfinding (Wayfinder UK) team also expressed the importance of sticking to brand guidelines, focusing on maintaining consistent brand imagery throughout the building.

   University wayfinding is a crucial part in creating solid first impressions, to create a more focused academic environment. The consultants have had many years of experience in understanding spatial awareness in man-made environments and harnessing strategies to aid user experience.

   

2. Wayfinding and its relevance within the New Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) Guidance for Compliance, April 2015

   21 May 2015 2:15 pm Comments Off on Wayfinding and its relevance within the New Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) Guidance for Compliance, April 2015

   When it set out its new Vision and direction in its Strategy for 2013 – 2016, Raising standards, putting people first and in its consultation, A new start, the CQC proposed radical changes to the way it regulates health & social care services.   

   As of April 2015 changes will come into effect in the way in which these services are inspected and appraised and as a result, the ratings they attain could be significantly affected if measures are not taken to conform 

   To support them in this task, organisations will be supported by a new guidance document, on meeting the fundamental standards and on CQC’s enforcement powers. 

   In the new Fundamental Standards there will be renewed focus on “Cleanliness, safety and suitability of premises and equipment” and with the emphasis on “putting people first”, as well as its promotion of quality and diversity it is understood that the full scope of patient wayfinding, particularly where it involves access issues will fall under the CQC remit for greater scrutiny. 

   In response to these changes, Select Wayfinding (Wayfinder UK), the UK’s  largest provider of independent wayfinding consultancy services to the NHS have put together a number of packages aimed at providing NHS Trusts and other care providers fast and cost effective advice on potential issues and how to address them.    

3. Signage At The Christie Hospital

   17 February 2015 2:14 pm Comments Off on Signage At The Christie Hospital

   Select Wayfinding (Wayfinder UK) have continued their dedicated work at The Christie Hospital in Manchester. The team has provided a signage strategy which adheres to the corporate brand guidelines agreed. Working together with The Christie, we have seen a consistent plan implemented, providing further signage and wayfinding for their new extension.

   Our new approach has given The Christie a new quality image, improved brand and an improved user experience. Our consultants have continued to improve the hospital wayfinding strategy for the benefit of all visitors and patients.

4. Princess Alexandra Hospital

   30 January 2015 5:00 pm Comments Off on Princess Alexandra Hospital

   Select Wayfinding (Wayfinder UK) have been busy in recent months, coordinating several projects, in particular the implementation of a new efficient strategy regarding the movement of people around Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex. The Hospital was having trouble achieving a positive visitor experience, meaning many patients simply weren’t getting to their appointments. A strategy was put in place in order to stop confusion by being simplistic and pragmatic in the approach. The project incorporated Wayfinding, Branding and Signage. Giving the client full understanding and control over their solution whilst delivering the result on time and within budget.

   The Hospital had persisted with a cluttered, complex system which was exhibited by the signs both externally and internally. This impacted on the efficiency of the hospital, costing thousands of pounds in wasted time and appointments. A hospital wayfinding solution has been sure to improve the Princess Alexandra Hospital, ensuring longevity whilst minimising future maintenance and management costs.

5. Heathrow Airport

   4 June 2014 5:00 pm Comments Off on Heathrow Airport

   Select Wayfinding (Wayfinder UK) are pleased to hear that the first flights will arrive at Heathrow’s new Terminal 2 today; almost 60 years after the original Terminal 2 opened as the airport’s first passenger terminal in 1955.

   Terminal 2 is a £2.5 billion project and marks the latest phase of an £11 billion private sector investment that has transformed Heathrow for passengers. We are pleased to have been part of such a successful project, having worked behind the scenes at Terminal 2 and Terminal 5 where we supplied the signage.

   In addition the team are delighted with the recent customer satisfaction rates, having been instrumental in developing a comprehensive wayfinding solution for the development of a new Central Bus Station at Heathrow Airport, which was a ground-breaking project undertaken as a joint venture between BAA and National Express.

   The proportion of passengers rating their journey at Heathrow as “very good” or “excellent” has increased from 41% in 2006 to 80% in 2014.

   The new Terminal 2 is the next step in the transformation of passenger service at Heathrow. Terminal 5 has been voted by passengers as the world’s best airport terminal for the last three years, and Heathrow is now rated as among the top ten airports in the world for passenger service – the only UK airport to receive such an accolade.