Signage is more than a label. It’s part of the experience of moving through a space. At Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), the installation of new signage for the Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic illustrates how thoughtful design supports navigation, reflects culture, and creates a welcoming environment for patients, students, and staff.
At Can-Design, we collaborated with KPU to remove outdated signage, manufacture new branded panels, and reinforce the cultural identity of the clinic. This project builds on our long-standing relationship with KPU, which also includes the production of campus flags that proudly display the university’s identity at events and across campus.
Why Cultural Signage Matters in Educational Institutions
For programs rooted in tradition and heritage, signage carries symbolic weight. At KPU, where Traditional Chinese Medicine is taught and practiced, signage serves several functions:
- Cultural Representation → Bilingual text in English and Chinese respects heritage while serving diverse patient groups.
- Professionalism → High-quality signage reinforces trust in a clinical setting.
- Wayfinding Clarity → Bold placement and legible typography guide patients confidently to their destination.
When signage reflects cultural and academic values, it becomes a form of experiential design — shaping how people feel as they enter and move through a space.
The Project Scope: Removal, Renewal, and Integration
Our work with KPU involved three key steps:
- Removing Outdated Signage
Existing signage no longer reflected KPU’s identity or the professionalism of the clinic. We safely removed the installation and prepared the space for renewal. - Installing New Branded Panels
Fresh green panels featuring KPU’s logo, clinic name, and bilingual text were manufactured and mounted with precision. - Integrating With Interior Design
The new signage aligns seamlessly with the hallway’s finishes and color palette, creating a cohesive visual experience that enhances the environment. - Supporting Broader Campus Branding
Beyond this project, Can-Design has supported KPU’s identity with custom flags, which extend the brand outdoors and across community spaces.
Experiential Design: More Than Just a Sign
What makes this project stand out is its role in experiential design. Signage at KPU’s clinic doesn’t just point directions — it contributes to the emotional journey of every visitor.
- First Impressions: Walking down the corridor, visitors are greeted with bold, modern signage that communicates trust and professionalism.
- Cultural Identity: The inclusion of Chinese text creates a sense of inclusivity and respect for heritage, aligning the clinic with its academic focus.
- Emotional Impact: Experiential design is about how people feel. In this case, clear and culturally respectful signage reduces stress and creates confidence before treatment even begins.
By focusing on the experience of moving through the space, KPU’s signage demonstrates how functional design choices can create meaningful emotional outcomes.
Design Considerations for KPU’s Clinic Signage
Key considerations for signage in healthcare and educational environments include:
- Visibility → Positioned at the end of a main corridor, the signage commands attention.
- Contrast → Bright green panels with white text ensure high readability.
- Bilingual Messaging → Supports inclusivity for diverse patient and student groups.
- Material Durability → Surfaces are selected for longevity in high-traffic interiors.
- Integration With Environment → The signage complements flooring and wall finishes, reinforcing a cohesive interior design.
These decisions reinforce that signage is part of experiential graphic design — influencing both function and perception.
Benefits of Updated Signage at KPU
Though signage may seem subtle, its benefits are wide-ranging:
- Improved Wayfinding – Visitors find their destination more quickly and with less stress.
- Stronger Branding – KPU’s visual identity is reinforced consistently across signage and flags.
- Cultural Inclusivity – Bilingual design honors cultural heritage and improves accessibility.
- Professional Atmosphere – Updated signage elevates the perception of the clinic environment.
Lessons for Other Metro Vancouver Institutions
The KPU project highlights lessons that apply across many sectors:
- Universities → Campus signage improves student experience and supports institutional identity. See our UBC case study.
- Healthcare Facilities → Clear signage reduces stress for patients and improves satisfaction.
- Corporate Campuses → Consistent signage strengthens brand credibility with visitors.
- Retail & Real Estate → Presentation centre signage guides potential buyers while reinforcing brand presence.
Practical Tips for Experiential & Cultural Signage
From our experience, institutions should:
- Audit signage regularly to ensure it reflects brand and purpose.
- Plan for inclusivity with multilingual text when appropriate.
- Choose durable, high-quality materials suited for Vancouver’s climate.
- Prioritize accessibility with contrast, typography, and placement.
- Treat signage as part of the overall experiential design strategy — not as an afterthought.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do outdated signs really affect experience?
Yes. Outdated signage creates confusion and undermines trust. Updating ensures clarity and professionalism.
How often should institutions refresh signage?
Most campuses and clinics update signage every 7–10 years or when programs rebrand.
What is experiential design in signage?
It’s the practice of shaping how people feel in a space, not just how they find their way. At KPU, bilingual and branded signage makes visitors feel welcome, confident, and respected.
Can signage support safety?
Absolutely. Clear, consistent signage improves emergency response and evacuation planning.
✅ Quick Checklist for Institutions
- ☐ Audit current signage for branding and clarity
- ☐ Remove outdated installations
- ☐ Plan for bilingual or cultural representation
- ☐ Align signage with interiors and finishes
- ☐ Use durable, accessible materials
- ☐ Consider signage as part of experiential design
- ☐ Confirm compliance with municipal bylaws
Conclusion: Experiential Signage That Builds Identity
The Kwantlen Polytechnic University Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic illustrates how signage can embody culture, guide navigation, and create a meaningful visitor experience. By removing outdated signage, installing modern bilingual panels, and supporting broader campus branding with custom flags, KPU demonstrates how signage is a strategic part of experiential design.
At Can-Design, we help Metro Vancouver institutions create signage systems that do more than inform — they inspire confidence, represent identity, and transform the way people experience a space.
???? Looking to update your signage with an experiential design approach?
Contact Can-Design today to get started.