Award Recognition
In 2023, this project was honored with the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) Global Design Award for Wayfinding—one of the industry’s most highly regarded accolades in experiential design.
Overview
Contentful’s mission centers around delivering seamless digital experiences through their content platform. To reflect this ethos in their physical workspace, Sentiform collaborated with toi toi toi creative studio to develop an office and workplace wayfinding system a that not only guides employees and visitors efficiently but also reinforces the company’s identity and culture at every turn.
Challenge
As a rapidly growing tech company, Contentful needed an intuitive wayfinding solution that could playfully translate its brand into a new workplace without resorting to the usual tech-company clichés. Beyond mere signage, the goal was to create an immersive brand experience—one that would mirror Contentful’s dynamic nature, foster a sense of community, and streamline navigation through different zones and departments.
Approach
Sentiform approached the project by combining environmental graphic design, strategic color-coding, and consistent brand storytelling—while collaborating closely with the interior design team to ensure the wayfinding integrated seamlessly with the overall look and feel of the space. The team conducted on-site assessments to identify high-traffic areas and bottlenecks and refined a visual language that extended Contentful’s brand palette with new typography, iconography, and messaging.
Key elements included:
1. Elevated Pictograms
Designed to enhance spatial orientation, these bold and playful icon designs help users quickly locate key areas and facilities.
2. Directional Signage
Strategically placed directional signs guide employees and visitors through different zones, ensuring smooth navigation throughout the workspace.
3. Meeting Rooms & Team Rooms Signage
Clear, visually consistent markers make it easy to identify and access meeting rooms, team rooms and collaborative spaces, reducing confusion and streamlining daily operations.
4. Usability Pictograms
Smaller icons across the office further boost usability, communicating room functions and facility details at a glance.
5. Custom Signage for Special Environments
Unique signage was created for specially themed spaces such as “Ritter Caffe” and the “Dream Stacks” nap room, giving each area a distinct identity while reinforcing Contentful’s overall brand culture.
Outcome
The finished wayfinding system connects each space under a cohesive brand narrative, making the workplace more engaging and intuitive. Employees have reported quicker navigation and an increased sense of brand alignment. Visitors, from job candidates to clients, experience Contentful’s identity from the moment they enter the building.
By merging purposeful wayfinding with a consistent brand framework, Sentiform transformed Contentful’s office into a user-centric environment that celebrates both function and identity.
Visit Sentiform.com for further insights into our workplace branding expertise and to discover how we help organizations transform offices into immersive brand experiences.
