11.11.2025

Effective signage comes from clear, multidisciplinary design

Signage is an essential part of the user experience and visual identity of a space. A well-designed signage system makes spaces and functions easy to understand, improves the usability of the spaces and movement within them, and enhances the overall visual appearance and brand of the space.

Designing and implementing an effective signage system requires multidisciplinary expertise, proactive planning and creative problem-solving. As signage design specialists, we integrate service design, graphic design, interior architecture, material expertise and technical knowledge into our process. We ensure projects run smoothly and transparently, collaborating closely with clients and contractors to save time and cut costs.

Smooth and efficient design process starts with thorough groundwork

Thorough groundwork is essential for successful signage design. Evaluating the initial situation helps determine which existing elements can be retained and which areas along user routes need specific guidance. Potential problem areas can also be identified through a user-centered approach, such as interviewing staff and observing how people navigate the space. Once preliminary signage locations are established, both the overall project scope and the preliminary dimensions for individual signs are defined, allowing the design to progress in a controlled and well-directed manner from the very beginning.

The information gathered during the project definition phase, along with our experience with various materials, technical solutions, and suppliers, enables realistic cost estimates. These help provide a clear overview and support clients in making confident decisions. By basing the design on identified needs and frameworks, the process remains efficient and revision rounds are minimized.

Clear design documents save time and reduce costs

In every project, we prepare clear design documents that serve all parties and stakeholders while supporting a smooth design process from start to finish. Our signage guidelines compile all necessary information: the initial situation, materials and measurements, visualizations of structures and layouts, and the locations of signs on floor plans.

Clear documentation makes the process efficient and ensures that essential project information is easy to understand, even for those reviewing the guidelines for the first time. When all required information is contained in a single package, presenting and reviewing plans, preparing requests for proposals, production, installation, as well as future maintenance and updates, all proceed effortlessly.

At Novela, we have had the advantage of executing signage projects in collaboration with Kakadu for many years. Their professional team’s expertise – including their knowledge of materials and their understanding of our perspective and work – is evident in every project. As a sales manager, providing quotes and guiding production and installation is effortless when plans are well thought out and already functional. Our installation team has also praised Kakadu’s exceptionally clear instructions. Well-prepared materials make the process smooth for everyone, from sales to installation.

Aki Ståhlstedt, Sales Manager, Novela Oy

Supporting implementation and ensuring a high-quality outcome

Choosing a suitable signage supplier is essential for a successful implementation. We can help clients in preparing signage requests for proposals, managing supplier selection and comparing different options, making it easy to make well-founded and cost-effective decisions.

We also support project execution by ensuring smooth collaboration with the chosen supplier and that every phase progresses according to plan. Open communication between designer, client, and supplier, along with on-site supervision and quality control, ensures the best possible outcome.

Collaboration with Kakadu’s team is always open, close-knit, and smooth. Decisions are made efficiently, even under tight deadlines, ensuring our shared end-client’s project is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest quality.

Aki Ståhlstedt, Sales Manager, Novela Oy

As signage design specialists, we know how to ask the right questions and consider multiple perspectives from the very start, making the design process controlled and effortless. Through proactive planning, budgeting and implementation support, and clear design documents, we ensure the final signage fits the property’s character, stays on budget, enhances user experience, and is easily updatable.