Name: Endpoint
Price range: $

Client: Dubai Design District and TECOM Group
Location: UAE
Environments: Workplace Mixed-use
Expertise: Wayfinding Placemaking Sign Design
Offices: Dubai

Dubai Design District, known as d3, is the new, purpose-built, home for the creative industries in Dubai. It supports architects, designers, artists and creative freelancers and promotes up and coming entrepreneurs. The careful curation of the retail and restaurant tenants, plus a full events program and recreational facilities has created a vibrancy and spirit that not only satisfies daily commuters but attracts local visitors and inquisitive tourists.

The benefit of starting with a strategic wayfinding masterplan

Our Dubai team developed a wayfinding strategy that encompassed the whole development area. This masterplan approach focused on the entire user journey, from pre-journey planning, the welcome experience and the provision of accurate and timely information to allow visitors to confidently explore the district.

It was important for the client that these functional requirements complement and contribute to the sense of place for this new district and should be integrated into the landscape and architecture where possible.

Using wayfinding with placemaking to create a confident and vibrant experience

The district is large and growing, so central to our wayfinding strategy was the introduction of a zoning system. We used colour coding to connect basement parking with grade level exits and we introduced supersized typography into the landscape to highlight the easily missed building entrances.

Part of our wayfinding strategy was also to introduce large placemaking interventions throughout the district that create navigational landmarks, these not only help orientate visitors but also add interest and photographic opportunities making the visitor experience more engaging and easily shared online.

Wayfinding masterplan - bus stop signage for Dubai Design District

Endpoint's wayfinding sign next to 'My Dubai' creative placemaking

Helping visitors to navigate the space and feel welcome

Our wayfinding strategy and design have resulted in increased customer and visitor satisfaction rates and positive feedback from tenants.

The scheme went on to win the gold award for wayfinding at the 2018 Transform Awards and we continue to support the client as the district expands and develops.

Creative placemaking - visitor sitting on design quarter sign

“Endpoint went above and beyond to deliver this project. They designed an integrated wayfinding solution allowing our visitors for easy navigation and also helped in developing creative solutions to give us that sense of place we were looking for. What took them beyond was the education and insight into the strategic world of wayfinding as they mapped out all the thinking and care around the customer and their journey. Great work!”

Natasha Carlin, Brand Manager at Dubai Design District