Danby Lodge, North York Moors
Developing a signage and visitor orientation scheme for a busy National Park visitor centre.
We have a long and close association with the North York Moors National Park Authority, and we were particularly excited about the opportunity to apply their new branding to improve visitor orientation and engagement at this wonderful visitor centre.
Mike Foster
(Maltings)
The North York Moors Nation Park Authority visitor centre at Danby Lodge nestles in a wonderful part of the country. Displays and facilities within the centre itself had been subject to some improvement over recent years, but the exterior signage was very tired designed with the now obsolete branding, and so was in need of a fresh approach.
We carried out a detailed consultation and survey at the site. We sought to understand the various visitor behaviour challenges by speaking at length to the centre staff who know it best. We observed visitors natural tendencies to walk particular routes, whether or not they noticed existing signs and how and when people look for reassurance.
A plan document was produced, detailing where we considered signage interventions would work best, and what information they should carry. We are always mindful to introduce the smallest number of signs possible – we have no motivation to add unnecessary signs ( please see our signage page for more about our approach and ethos ).
The most significant structures at the site were two very large roadside totem signs, both were in a poor state of repair and had begun to lean. As these would be very expensive to replace in their entirety, we explored every possible method of retaining their core structures while refreshing them with crisp new materials and branding. A clamshell approach was agreed that effectively clad the existing structures in two vertical halves, joined together with oak planking. This formed a sleeve that was slightly wider than the original sign, allowing it to be adjusted to vertical with the use of stainless steel fixings and spacers. The results look fabulous, and were achieved at fraction of the cost of total replacement.
Further designs saw us continue the visual language of fuss-free natural oak joinery and sharp uncluttered graphics. This was applied to car park signage, visitor orientation points and wayfinding. In the main car park we introduced a large welcome panel, that quickly and effectively advertised the various on-site offers, making sure that there was maximum uptake and dwell time at the centre. Updatable display cases were also added to allow for any important events or visitor notices to be quickly added by centre staff.
When every aspect of the structural and graphic design was approved we moved into manufacture. We oversaw all aspects of this from selection of materials to the signing off of the completed signs in the factory prior to dispatch to site. Installation was carried out by the manufacturers under our direction and supervision which ensured all interventions were sited correctly, any issues overcome, and afforded minimum disruption to the centre’s operation.
The whole centre now has a fresh new look, and everyone has been delighted by the results with visitor feedback very positive. We continue to work closely with the Park Authority to deliver signage and visitor orientation at other centres and car parks across the North York Moors National Park.
