Navigating the future: Transformative wayfinding for a modern, inclusive workspace.
Over the last few years, Surrey County Council has been on a mission to embrace modern, hybrid working, striving for spaces that are not only efficient but also warm, comfortable, and accessible for everyone.
Dedicated to creating more contemporary, user-friendly environments, the council has reimagined its workspaces, consolidating scattered buildings into bigger, more inviting hubs, with Woodhatch proudly leading the way as the flagship office.
Building on a solid partnership that has seen MJ Signs contribute to around 17-18 projects over three years, the team swiftly stepped in as the signs supplier, fitter, and trusted consultant for the new internal wayfinding project at Woodhatch.
Surrey County Council’s internal wayfinding project aimed to amp up the navigation experience at Surrey's new head office, Woodhatch, guaranteeing the new signs at HQ would sync with the broader workspace makeover.
The council hoped to give the workspace a contemporary facelift, making it visually appealing and functionally intuitive, allowing everyone, staff and visitors alike, to be able to move through the space hassle-free.
The project required a laser-clear focus on inclusivity. The team at MJ Signs needed to give dedicated attention to meeting Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliance requirements and understanding the diverse needs of everyone entering the space.
Beyond elevating the building’s user experience, the project ultimately set out to establish a consistent and unified wayfinding strategy, serving as a guiding light for future projects across various Council buildings. They wanted more than just signs; they needed a blueprint for a smoother, more inclusive, user-friendly Council experience.
The project needed a strategic approach, so the team mapped out deadlines for each phase, working backward from the installation date, all while considering the extensive project timeline. Navigating this intricate project meant collaborating within a complex stakeholder landscape alongside seamless coordination with an external design company.
Despite not taking the reins with the design work, MJ Signs took on a pivotal consultative role within the project team. They contributed significantly to the project's success by actively refining and ensuring the practicality of the designs proposed by the external designers. Maintaining consistency with the head office design was a top priority, making sure the new wayfinding project kept up with the cohesive brand image.
Meeting DDA requirements demanded not just compliance but meticulous attention to detail that echoed through every aspect of the project. The 7-8 month project saw changes in design and sign locations, adding further complexity to the program. Yet, MJ Signs skillfully steered through these challenges, glitch-free, ensuring both manufacturability and installation feasibility.
With a focus on user-friendly design, inclusivity, and consistent branding, the project perfectly aligns with Surrey's broader objective of establishing comfortable and accessible workspaces. MJ Signs' consultative role throughout the process further highlights the importance of early collaboration in successfully tackling complex projects.
The project delivered fantastic outcomes, creating a fluster-free wayfinding experience within the building. The new signs have improved the overall efficiency of the building and contributed to a smoother, more intuitive, and inclusive wayfinding system. The success of the Woodhatch project sets an exciting precedent for future wayfinding strategies in other Surrey County Council buildings.
