About This Project
The Challenge
Navigating a hospital can already be a stressful experience for patients and visitors. At Cromwell Hospital, the existing wayfinding system had become unclear, with some signage misleading or no longer accurately directing people to the correct wards, departments and clinical units.
Signstar was commissioned to create an entirely new wayfinding journey across the hospital – one that would make navigating the building clearer, simpler and more intuitive, while creating a consistent visual identity aligned with the Bupa brand.
Understanding the Patient Journey
Effective wayfinding starts with understanding how people actually move through a space.
Working closely with Cromwell Hospital’s Transformation Manager, the Signstar team reviewed detailed floor plans and undertook guided tours throughout the hospital. This allowed us to experience the building from the perspective of patients and visitors, identifying key decision points, destinations and areas where the existing signage was causing confusion.
These insights formed the foundation of the new wayfinding strategy.
The Solution
Signstar developed a comprehensive family of signage designed to work together as one consistent wayfinding system.
Clear typography, carefully considered positioning and recognisable Bupa branding were combined to create signage that is highly visible, easy to understand and sympathetic to the hospital environment.
The project included:
- Lift directories
- Door identifiers
- Wall-mounted identifiers
- Projecting signs
- Wall wayfinding and directional signage
- Stairwell signage
- Flat-cut 3D department lettering
Every element was considered as part of the wider patient journey, helping users make confident decisions as they move between floors, wards, departments and specialist units.
The Result
The completed wayfinding system has transformed how patients and visitors navigate Cromwell Hospital.
Previously confusing and misleading signage has been replaced with a clear, coordinated and visually engaging system. From arriving on a floor and checking a lift directory to locating an individual department or ward, patients now benefit from consistent visual cues throughout their journey.
The new signage also brings the physical environment in line with Bupa’s established brand identity, creating a professional and cohesive appearance across the hospital.
For Signstar, the project demonstrates how thoughtful wayfinding goes far beyond signage. By understanding the building, the brand and – most importantly – the people using the space, we created a wayfinding journey designed to make navigating Cromwell Hospital clearer, easier and more reassuring.
