Way-finding research, industrial design, graphics, prototyping, installations and railcar cabin interior design
Awarded 9 European design and utility patents
The objective to revamp the existing signage system for CP (Comboios de Ferro, Portugal) was not only to address the outdated appearance but to also enhance user experience, streamline traffic flow, and redefine the CP brand, visually. The development of a new family of signage aimed to introduce intuitive design elements, placing commuter needs at the forefront.
The redesigned signage system prioritized adaptability, featuring a universal mounting system that accommodated both older and modern stations seamlessly. Furthermore, durability was emphasized to withstand vandalism and harsh environmental conditions. These improvements not only contributed to enhancing the visual communication for commuters but also facilitated smoother traffic flow throughout the greater Lisbon area of Portugal.
Through my innovative approach and user-centered design principles, the new signage system successfully modernized the CP brand image while significantly improving the overall commuter experience and flow of traffic.
Older sign in front of the train disrupted commuter traffic flow
Older rusting sign
The project commenced with initial rough 3D concept sketches, serving as the foundation for refining and elaborating on key design details in subsequent phases. Scaled models were then created to validate and finalize the overall design of the new signage system, ensuring its feasibility and effectiveness.
These conceptual elements evolved into tangible forms, laying the groundwork for the development of a cohesive brand image for CP. The refined design language extended beyond signage to encompass graphics, collateral, and other supporting elements. This holistic approach ensured consistency and alignment across all touchpoints, reinforcing the new brand identity and enhancing the overall visual communication experience for commuters and stakeholders alike.
By leveraging iterative design processes and translating abstract concepts into tangible design elements, the project successfully culminated in the creation of a modern, user-centric signage system that revitalized the CP brand image and improved the overall commuter experience.
The innovative design of the new signage system incorporated several key features to ensure durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance. Each sign was engineered with an integrated steel interior frame for structural support, complemented by a dense molded polyurethane shell for added resilience. The exterior was coated with a durable paint finish, further fortified with a protective surface application to guard against vandalism.
One of the system's standout features was its ease of cleaning, facilitating effortless removal of graffiti and other unwanted markings. This maintenance-friendly design ensured that the signs could be quickly wiped clean, maintaining their pristine appearance even in high-traffic areas.
Installed across the greater Lisbon area, including the Linha da Sintra and Cascais, the signage system has benefitted millions of passengers annually for over 20 years. Its continued use stands as a testament to its enduring quality, reliability, and ability to meet the evolving needs of commuters while enhancing the overall transportation experience.
Building on the success of the signage project, CP sought further collaboration to update the interior layout of their train carriages to accommodate the growing number of passengers. The new carriage layout was designed to optimize space utilization, resulting in a 20% increase in seating and standing capacity.
The interior was reconfigured into two distinct sections, each tailored to enhance the passenger experience. Improved ergonomics, safety features, and comfort amenities were incorporated to ensure a pleasant and efficient journey for commuters.
Through innovative design solutions and a focus on passenger-centric principles, the updated train carriage interior not only addressed capacity challenges but also elevated the overall travel experience for CP passengers.
The new signage system has garnered widespread acclaim from both the client and commuters alike, emerging as a beloved and indispensable addition to stations across the greater Lisbon area. Millions of passengers per year praise the system for its simplicity and ease of use, considering it an attractive enhancement to both old and new stations.
The system's innovative design has not gone unnoticed in the industry, receiving nine utility and design patents for its unique features and functionality. Its exceptional design prowess has also been recognized in European design periodicals, further solidifying its status as a groundbreaking solution in the realm of transportation signage.
With its unparalleled combination of user-friendliness, aesthetic appeal, and innovative design, the new signage system continues to set the standard for excellence in public transportation signage, enriching the daily commuter experience for millions of passengers.
"I hired Kevin because he could make a difference, he had a design history and portfolio that would add great value to the design team. He was a professional leader, introducing techniques and thinking into the day to day activity, like with 3D sketching and visual brand language. He had all the necessary technical know-how to avoid production mistakes, which freed him to explore concepts and form giving with absolute control. He was engaged in projects that ranged from extensive concept definition for banking institutions, to a full-blown turnkey signage system for the Portuguese national train agency, and many more. He was passionate, dedicated and demanded from himself and the organization a quality standard that shaped our activity."
Director of Industrial Design, Novodesign