Keane were recenlty commissioned to develop professionally designed and installed graphics for a children's ward with a view to replacing their tired 'home made' cutouts and shop-bought sitckers in order to create a welcoming, reassuring and engaging environment for their young patients.
The challenge was to create something that would work across a multitude of areas and surfaces, whilst working within the practical demands of a busy healthcare setting.
One of the biggest considerations was designing for a broad age range. The graphics needed to appeal to toddlers through to older children without feeling too childish or too mature. Working within the ward's chosen sea and jungle themes, we designed concepts, sought feedback, refined them to meet the specific requests of the deparment (remaining inline with the restrictions of the surfaces to cover) and developed a final series of vibrant, contemporary illustrations that created interest without overwhelming the space.
Another important factor to consider within this project was budget. With limited finances available, every graphic had to deliver maximum visual impact. Careful planning allowed us to make the most of key feature areas, using creative placement and scale to transform corridors, treatment rooms and waiting areas without the need for extensive refurbishment or costly application methods.
Designing for large-format print also required careful technical planning. Working closely with our local partner to determine the most effective application methods, artwork had to be produced at the correct scale and resolution while taking into account wall dimensions, doorways, glazing and architectural features - some of the surface sizes were far greater than material lengths / machine capabilites so we needed to ensure that the designs were separated into printable secionts, without compromising the overall presentation or longevity of materials used.
As with any healthcare project, practical considerations extended beyond the design itself. All work had to be planned around a live clinical environment, minimising disruption to patients, visitors and staff. Materials and installation methods also needed to comply with infection prevention and control protocols, ensuring the finished graphics were both visually appealing and suitable for a healthcare setting.
The result is a series of bright, engaging spaces that help create a more positive experience for young patients and their families, demonstrating how thoughtful graphic design can make a meaningful difference, even within tight budgets and complex environments.
