A logo is typically the first visual element that new businesses invest in. Unfortunately it is frequently the only visual element they invest in. What they fail to see is the need for more than just a single icon, but a design strategy that will position them and differentiate them from competitors. However, what makes a successful brand identity is often hard for business owners to understand, and for designers to explain.

Well, we’ve made it to our fourth issue already! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’d like to thank everyone who’s been a part of Arrows & Icons from the beginning and provided feedback, support, encouragement and contributions!

Next up in our Principles of Information Design series is Hierarchy. This is a fundamental principle to graphic communication as a whole, not just EGD. Clear visual hierarchy affects legibility, comprehension and usability of any visual piece.

Join me for a walking tour around Boise, Idaho and see some of the best examples of environmental graphic design in the city.

The AIGA Symbol Signs collection was designed in the late 70s as system of universal symbols to be used on signage in public transportation systems, airports and other international hubs. As a collaboration between AIGA, the professional association for design, and the United States Department of Transportation, this collection of symbols was designed to communicate complex messages to people of different ages and cultures throughout national and international transit centers.

The typeface Frutiger was designed by Swiss type designer Adrian Frutiger, completed in 1975. Due to the success of Frutiger’s recently designed Univers variant for use by the Paris Metro a few years earlier, he was commissioned by the French airport authority to design a new alphabet to be used in signage for the new Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris.

The concept of wayfinding is an important part of any well designed environment. When visiting a strange new place, viewers need to be able to find their way to their destination. A good wayfinding system will allow them to reach their destination easily, quickly and (hopefully) with as few headaches as possible. So what things make a wayfinding system successful?

As environmental designers, many of the projects we take on involve lots of information, and it’s our duty to organize, simplify and make it functional. One way to do so is by using grid systems to layout information in a clear and concise structure.