The University Medical Center in Greifswald, with around 1,200 beds, is one of the largest and most modern hospitals in the region. By combining patient care with academic research, it is able to offer and advance the latest medical treatments.

Upon the completion of the new diagnostic center in 2013, SIS was commissioned to completely restructure the existing wayfinding system while reusing the existing signage elements.

The basis of the new wayfinding system is the organization of horizontal access into “corridors” (1 to 12) and the ring-shaped arrangement of “buildings” (A to K) around the main building, each differentiated by color. Consequently, stations have been named consistently according to the buildings and floors. For example, in Building K and on Floor 5, there is now Station K5, and in Corridor 7, you will find Elevator No. 7. A new room numbering concept reflects this system, allowing room numbers to be logically assigned to buildings, corridors, and floors in the future.

These new orientation principles have simplified wayfinding with clear, graphically organized elements that intuitively guide patients and visitors to their desired destinations. Additionally, approximately 40% of the old signage was saved and reused in the new diagnostic center.

The result of SIS’s planning is a graphically and conceptually intuitive orientation system that is very well received and understood by patients and visitors.

The planners and graphic designers at SIS were also tasked with developing the new system through an intensive consultation and communication process with all stakeholders, and implementing it consistently across signage, site plans, patient brochures, and other media.

We are extremely satisfied with the result and the very pleasant and constructive collaboration. Since its completion in 2014, we have continued to use the services of SIS for our updates.

Sylvia Langer

Comm. Commercial Director