A wonderful Wayfinding challenge for the Information Design students to finish off the semester.
In collaboration with Justin Ahrens/Rule 29
Designing Spaces for Healing In every hospital, the environment is more than a backdrop — it is part of the healing process itself. Studies show that thoughtfully designed spaces can significantly reduce stress, shorten recovery times, and even improve clinical outcomes. Environments infused with natural imagery, culturally resonant artwork, and calming color palettes have been proven to lower patient anxiety and boost emotional resilience .
The Malawi Surgical Center offers an incredible opportunity to bring this research to life in a tangible, meaningful way.
Through the Designing Spaces for Healing initiative, we aim to transform the common spaces of the surgical center into sanctuaries of hope, healing, and humanity. Using intentional color choices, culturally appropriate graphics, inspiring storytelling elements, and spatial design, we will help patients, families, and staff feel safer, calmer, and more supported.
Project Objective
To design, produce, and help implement environmental graphics, and complimentary wayfinding/signage that transform designated common spaces within the Malawi Surgical Center into culturally resonant, healing-focused environments — ultimately improving patient and family experiences while supporting hospital staff wellbeing.
Scope of Work
● Environmental Design:
○ Develop a cohesive visual system, including culturally appropriate colors, graphic elements, and storytelling components for the selected spaces.
● Wayfinding/Signage:
○ Upgrade hospital wayfinding/signage, refining existing materials where applicable and ensuring clarity and cultural sensitivity.
● Campus Maps:
○ Integrate into the wayfinding/signage system
○ Designed for easy orientation by reception staff and patients.
Here are images of the students presenting their wayfinding decks remotely. Click on each photograph to go to each teams presentation:
