Revitalization of Infographic & Wayfinding System.
This project outlines the end-to-end revitalization of a large-scale infographic and wayfinding system for a major food&beverage manufacturing facility. The existing system was outdated and inefficient, causing measurable time loss for nearly 700 employees. I led the project to design and implement a new, unified system—encompassing both physical signage and a digital intranet map—which improved orientation, modernized the corporate environment, and delivered a clear return on investment. (Due to NDA, figures are simulated for demonstration purposes only.)
Scope
Client
Duration
Year
Skills
Tools
The facility's existing wayfinding system was a patchwork of outdated, inconsistent signage, creating significant "visual smog." This wasn't just an aesthetic issue; it had a quantifiable negative impact on productivity and employee experience.
The Business Problem
An internal audit revealed that employees were wasting an average of 10 minutes per week searching for specific rooms, departments, or workshops. For a workforce of nearly 700, this translated to a staggering annual productivity loss of approximately 780,000 Kč (~$33,000 USD). Furthermore, frequent complaints from visitors about poor navigation were negatively affecting the company's professional image. The business needed a solution that would directly address this financial drain and improve overall operational efficiency.
The User Problem
Employees and visitors alike felt frustrated and lost. The lack of clear, consistent signage led to confusion and wasted time. There was no centralized, reliable source of information for navigation, forcing people to rely on asking for directions, which interrupted work for both parties.
I developed and managed a comprehensive project to replace the outdated system with a modern, cohesive, and dual-platform solution. The project was structured in distinct phases, from initial analysis to final implementation and testing, ensuring clear goals and accountability.
1. Strategy & Project Charter
The project was initiated with a formal Project Charter that defined the core objectives using the SMART methodology.
Primary Goal: Reduce the average time spent searching for locations by 20% by March 31, 2025.
Key Deliverables: A new graphic standards manual, physical signage (plaques, vinyl decals, floor markings), and an interactive digital map integrated into the company's intranet, complete with searchable directories and tablet kiosks at reception.
2. Stakeholder & Resource Management
A crucial part of the project was managing a diverse group of stakeholders. I created a RACI matrix to clarify roles and responsibilities for the project sponsor (Plant Director), project team (IT, Maintenance), key users (employees), and external vendors (graphic design studio, IT firm, hardware supplier). This ensured smooth communication and clear ownership of tasks, from design approval to physical installation.
3. Design & Implementation
The solution was multifaceted, addressing both physical and digital touchpoints:
Unified Visual Language: A graphic design studio was commissioned to create a clean, modern visual identity for all signage, which was then codified in a graphic standards manual to ensure long-term consistency.
Physical Wayfinding: A complete overhaul of all physical signage was executed, including exterior building markers, color-coded floor paths, and clear departmental plaques.
Digital Transformation: An IT firm developed an interactive map for the company intranet. This digital tool allowed users to search for departments, people, or functions and receive clear, step-by-step directions. To serve visitors, this map was also deployed on two interactive tablets at the main reception.
The project successfully delivered a modern, efficient wayfinding system that directly addressed the initial business and user problems. By taking a structured, data-driven project management approach, we were able to deliver a solution with a clear and compelling return on investment.
Impact & Results
The project's success was measured against the initial SMART goals, resulting in significant, quantifiable improvements.
💰 Financial Impact: The projected 20% reduction in time wasted translates to an annual operational savings of approximately 156,000 Kč (~$6,600 USD).
📈 ROI: With a total project cost of ~409,000 Kč, the payback period is estimated at 2.6 years, making it a highly viable and value-driven investment.
✅ User Satisfaction: Post-implementation surveys are planned to validate the primary goal, with an acceptance criterion of at least 75% of employees confirming improved orientation.
Lessons Learned
This project underscored the importance of quantifying the user experience problem in financial terms. By initially calculating the cost of lost productivity, I was able to secure stakeholder buy-in and a solid budget. It proved that a strong business case is the most powerful tool for justifying a design-led initiative. Furthermore, managing parallel workstreams—physical production/installation and digital development—required rigorous tracking and communication, reinforcing the value of formal project management methodologies like WBS and Gantt charting to keep complex projects on schedule.
A curated selection of my latest projects.