Outdoor Graphics for Urban Spaces
Smart graphics for intelligent street lights
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The smart city is arriving, and with it a new set of design challenges. When street lights become connected platforms capable of displaying real-time information, you need to think carefully about how that information looks and feels in public space. The Innogy Smart Pole Factory asked us to design the visual language for their pilot in Essen.
The Challenge
The screens mounted on the Smart Poles needed to communicate useful, real-time information to pedestrians: things like weather, transport updates, and local services. There was a critical constraint: the displays should not look like advertising. In a world saturated with screens, the visual design had to work hard to feel trustworthy and civic rather than commercial.
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Solution
The approach was built around simplicity and approachability. Friendly colours, clear typography, and simple iconographic shapes created a visual system that felt informative rather than promotional. The design was tested in context, on the poles and in the street, to ensure legibility and the right tone.
The result was a coherent visual identity for the Smart Pole displays that communicated clearly, sat comfortably in the public realm, and successfully distinguished itself from advertising.
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Result
The Smart Pole pilot ran successfully in Essen, with the graphic system performing as intended, enhancing public space without disruption. The project demonstrated how thoughtful design can make smart city infrastructure feel like a genuine public service rather than a commercial imposition.
:quality(80))
:quality(80))
:quality(80))
:quality(80))