Wayfinding markers are important for bigger buildings with many different units—universities, for example, are notorious for being difficult to navigate. Direct, and clean-cut aesthetics are often preferred in the design context of wayfinding markers but that doesn't mean that creatives can't have a bit of fun.
Most recently, Japanese design studio Motive Inc debuted playful and eye-catching wayfinding markers that were tailored to "the training institute of railway maintenance company Totetsu Kogyo" which is located in Tsukubamirai in Ibaraki Prefecture. Motive Inc aimed to embody the brand's "core identity." The wayfinding markers, which accent the floors of the building, are inspired by train rails and signage.
Motive Inc's design is shortlisted for the 2022 Dezeen Awards in the graphic design category.
Train-Inspired Wayfinding Markers
Motive Inc Employs a Clean & Minimalist Design for Totetsu Kogyo
Trend Themes
1. Playful Wayfinding Markers - Opportunity for designers to incorporate playful and creative elements in their wayfinding marker designs inspired by existing brand identities.
2. Train-inspired Design - Opportunity for designers to incorporate design elements inspired by other industries or brand identities in their wayfinding marker designs.
3. Clean-cut Wayfinding Markers - Opportunity for designers to create aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-understand wayfinding markers for bigger buildings or campuses.
Industry Implications
1. Graphic Design - Graphic designers can innovate through incorporating playful and out-of-the-box elements for wayfinding marker designs.
2. Construction - Construction companies can incorporate train-inspired design elements in signage and wayfinding markers to communicate their brand identities.
3. Education - Universities and educational institutions can benefit from implementing clean-cut and easy-to-understand wayfinding markers for their students to navigate buildings, campuses, and facilities.