Wayfinding signs help people find their way around the ̽»¨Ö±²¥. These signs must be:
- clear
- easy to read
- free from commercial branding
We use a neutral design to support Cambridge’s independence and to keep our signs consistent.
Do not use third-party logos on permanent signage
You should not use third-party or commercial logos. They:
- detract from useful information
- break visual consistency
- make signs harder to update
Use plain text instead of logos
You should use plain text if you need to mention a third-party name. You should follow our approved typography guidelines. This keeps the focus on navigation, not promotion.
Benefits of this approach
We take this approach to offer a consistent experience, and to protect the ̽»¨Ö±²¥.
Clarity
Signs are there to help people get where they need to go. Logos add clutter and can make signs harder to read.
Neutrality
We’re an independent academic institution. Logos can look like advertising. Avoiding them ensures that we stay fair and impartial.
Brand protection
Logos from other organisations do not match the ̽»¨Ö±²¥â€™s design. Avoiding them helps keep our identity strong and consistent.
Future proofing
Commercial brands change and logos become outdated. Updating our signage to reflect these changes adds extra cost and work.
Follow the approval process
All wayfinding signs must:
- use approved fonts, colours and iconography
- be checked by the branding and facilities team before they’re installed
For questions or to submit a design, contact brand@admin.cam.ac.uk.