The government needed a new wayfinding design concept and accompanying manual to implement fresh wayfinding signage across the Isle of Man’s Rural Routes.

The routes cover a vast range of contexts; forests, glens, open countryside and coastal areas, and also needed to meet the brief of several different government departments. So, we needed to devise a solution that was versatile and flexible, responding to the landscape while maintaining a consistent visual brand throughout.

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Working with IOM Advertising and PR (IMAD), we carried out several audits and consulted with a stakeholder group comprising different sections of government to understand requirements.

Then we developed a versatile design concept that aligned with a country-wide visual brand and met the needs of several government departments.

We adopted a module system so it could grow and adapt to site specific requirements across the varied landscape. Elements of the design take inspiration from the natural form of a tree, with the colour palette chosen to encapsulate the suite of landscapes.

Our work also focused on clearly communicating the client’skey messages around biodiversity, promoting accessibility, and taking care ofthe countryside.

Using locally-sourced materials to support localcompanies and deliver a sustainable solution, the design concept conveyed theIsle of Man’s unique identity.

The project provides clear, valuable information in a compelling, coherent and locally-distinctive way. The signs improve residents’ and visitors’ understanding of the landscape, ultimately building confidence and encouraging people to walk a little further.