Our BA Graphic Design program has forged an exciting collaboration Blaze Signs, a signage services partner for many of the UK’s best-known brands with nearly 40 years of experience and a trusted reputation of excellence.
This innovative partnership aims to empower students by offering them a unique opportunity to delve into the world of wayfinding and signage design. By combining industry expertise with academic learning, students are offered a unique insight into the real world of signage design
The Collaborative Unit: Wayfinding and Signage
The core focus of the collaboration lies in a specialized unit centred around the critical disciplines of wayfinding and signage design, which are vital in creating effective visual communication systems in public spaces. With the guidance of the Blaze Signs Design Supervisor, Barry, students had the opportunity to explore the nuances of wayfinding, including user experience, information architecture, and visual hierarchy. Additionally, they also delved into the principles of signage design, to better understand what makes a sign both effective and interesting.
Hands-On Learning and Industry Exposure
The collaboration ensures that students gain valuable experience through access to professionals in the industry, allowing students to better understand the signage design process from concept development to installation. Various materials were brought along on one of the visits to teach the students what signs are made out of, and why this is the case. By explaining the typical material uses and their benefits, the students can use this knowledge in their own project, effectively making their own proposal more life-like.
Excellent Results
Throughout the specialized unit, students showcased exceptional growth and development in their graphic design skills, underpinned by industry-specific knowledge and hands-on experience.
The practical exposure to real-world projects enabled students to demonstrate their creativity, technical prowess, and problem-solving abilities. Embracing the principles of wayfinding, students produced visually stunning and highly functional solutions that surpassed expectations. Notably, the collaborative projects received enthusiastic praise from both academia and the Blaze Team members who were involved with the project. The students were commended on their ingenuity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Paving the Way for Future Success
Our work with Blaze Signs marks an exciting milestone in the journey of the BA Graphic Design programme. It opens doors to networking opportunities, industry connections, and potential future employment prospects. Students will have a chance to showcase their work to professionals and gain valuable feedback, providing them with a competitive edge as they enter the job market.