Open Studios Visual Wayfinding

NYUAD's Open Studios was conceived in 2016 as a way to invite the community to visit the campus's studio spaces and participate in creating art, showcase work in progress from students and faculty, and celebrate the Arts Programs at NYU Abu Dhabi (including Visual Art, Theater, Music, Interactive Media, and Film & New Media). The logo was designed by instructor Meredith Meer in 2016, and through advertising and rumors about the awesome arts party, gained strong brand recognition on campus.

In 2018 and 2019, instructor Erin Collins expanded and implemented the brand, creating hundreds of pieces of branded collateral and wayfinding. One of the most difficult challenges of the four-hour event is presented by the size and complicated layout of NYUAD's arts building. The building can be overwhelming for newcomers. A wayfinding system was needed that would help visitors discover events, plan their night, find the right space in the building, travel to the next event, and reinforce their wayfinding path as they explored. The signage and system also had to be highly recognizable, playful, and removable.

The design work centered on the creation of a map handed out to the 1500+ visitors that described and directed them to the 75+ different workshops, events, and happenings. In addition to this map, Erin created a color coding and numbering system that corresponded to vinyl floor stickers, dozens of posters directing to different areas of the event, and temporary signposts to reinforce directions.

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The wayfinding for this event also needed to be interactive and playful. Erin designed "gamified" wayfinding to help visitors choose what event to attend, via a flowchart, a dice game, and a decision wheel. These games were located at various key crossroads in hallways and directed guests to another event as they played.

Every year, Open Studios offers new opportunities to experiment with creative wayfinding and advertising. If you are in Abu Dhabi in November, join us to see what's next!

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