The printing world is always changing and Environmental Graphic Design is no different.

What are Environmental Graphics?

Environmental Graphics connect people to spaces and help them navigate through them. Traditionally, Environmental Graphics were dominated by wayfinding applications. You’ve seen those everywhere, signs guiding you through buildings, to emergency exits or on a large scale with transit maps. Environmental Graphics helped get you where you needed to be.

Many see Environmental Graphics as just wayfinding. That isn’t the case! In fact, Environmental Graphics have changed so much in recent history that they are increasingly called Experiential Graphics instead.

Experiential Graphics?

You’ve heard of experiential marketing. Experiential Graphics are a similar evolution in the world of Environmental Graphics. Instead of just bringing people to places, Experiential Graphics connect people to them. Graphics are becoming more immersive, eye catching and less flat. They now encompass huge branded sports arenas and modern corporate campuses.

These spaces are no longer monotonous grey structures and graphics have changed with them.

Branded environments are the future. Think Google’s campuses. Think immersive modern museums where exhibits are surrounded by huge, larger than life graphics.

3D is a major revolution in the world of Experiential Graphics. Before wayfinding signs might be shallow reliefs, cut out of 2″ thick sign foam. Those limitations are out the window. Grand 3D creates foam signage from 8′ foam blocks and can make them even bigger from there. Huge, complex signs and giant 3D letters are now easy to produce and catch the eye of visitors.

SAV and dye sublimation are also elevating Environmental Graphics. Backlit graphics have existed for decades but high definition SEG graphics are elevating environmental graphics. Even mesh has improved with high quality fabric mesh for indoor event use.

SAV is changing with white inks becoming more common. These improve backlit graphics and allow for brighter, more vivid colors due to the increase opacity of the print. The applications even allow for elements to appear when backlit but not when front it!

These graphics make visitors feel more comfortable in spaces while still making sure they get where they need to be.