Signage tools, training and resources

Definitions and acronyms

What is environmental graphic design?

Environmental graphic design is a balance of several disciplines within the built environment. The visual compatibility of information presentation within the space, the life cycle of the product, the physical impact of the product on the building shell, the effectiveness and sustainability of the medium and return on investment.

Why is environmental graphic design important? 

Perceived brand value is commensurate with the materials used and quality of presentation. We are in the role of an owner’s representative at ASU. It is always important to consider how the brand can be presented in a dignified manner while being sympathetic to the costs we are burdening ASU affiliates with, while maintaining world-class design aesthetics for an institution on the level of ASU.

ASU unit acronyms

• OUA – Office of the University Architect
• Brand team – Enterprise Brand Strategy and Management
• FM – Facilities Management
• FDM – Facilities Development and Management
• EGD – Environmental graphic designers
• CPMG – Capital Programs Management Group

Overview of Facilities Development and Management

Within Facilities Development and Management (FDM), Environmental Graphic Designers (EGD) in the Office of the University Architect (OUA) support standardization, best practices and detailed fabrication specifications for architectural signage in the built environment at ASU.

They work with the Capital Programs Management Group (CPMG) and Facilities Management (FM) project managers, their ASU affiliate customers, designers, architects, sign manufacturers and municipalities to ensure ASU has consistent, high quality, professional brand presentation while helping marketers find the best value and performance from sign contractors servicing the ASU community.

ADA signage design parameters

ASU is committed to providing access to all programs and facilities for campus users with disabilities. New signage at ASU must comply with the latest U.S. Department of Justice Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for materials, thickness, finishes, colors, designs, shapes, sizes, and details of construction. Changes to USDoJ ADA standards may supersede this information. 

Current ADA guidelines specify the following:

• All signs that provide direction to or information about interior spaces and facilities must be installed at ADA compliant height required for visual characters. (ADA 703.5 Visual Characters)
• Any sign attached to a wall cannot protrude more than 4 inches into the path of travel.
• Signage must have backgrounds and characters that avoid any glare. For this reason, clear non-glare acrylic should be used for wall mounted panels. Metal dibond panels should be avoided.