Environmental graphic design is a powerful tool that can transform your space into an engaging and memorable experience for all. However, it’s common for organizations to hesitate when considering the investment. The ROI of environmental graphics lies in their impact on those who experience your space. If you’re looking to create memorable moments, foster conversations, and enhance both visitor and employee engagement, then creating brand experiences is a strategic solution. Here are three ways to know if your environmental graphics are delivering on their purpose.

1. People are Talking About Your Story because of Your Space

What do visitors remember when they leave your space? The most effective environmental graphics create moments that spark conversations and leave lasting impressions. Visuals that tell your organization’s story, showcase achievements, or celebrate culture make a lasting impact. If your graphics are successful, you’ll find that people are talking about those informative moments long after they leave.
During our collaboration with Rev1 Ventures, a startup incubator, in their Columbus Gateway office, they wanted their space to emphasize connections, a core part of their mission. MA’s designers worked with their team to infuse a “Power of the Network” theme throughout the space using dimensional graphics and glass film. These design elements subtly guide visitors to explore and reflect on Rev1’s mission of collaboration and growth, sparking conversations about the organization’s purpose and network, well beyond their visit.

2. Your Graphics Spark Conversation Starters

The right graphics do more than look good—they spark conversations. Whether you’re showcasing history, celebrating partnerships, or highlighting industry achievements, well-designed graphics invite meaningful dialogue. Imagine giving a tour of your space and having the graphics lead guests to ask questions or share insights. These interactions strengthen your brand’s credibility and make a lasting impression.

At White Castle’s new home office, MA Design created a history wall that spans the length of their main stairway—with room to grow!. The goal was to make the stairway an engaging space, encouraging employees to take the stairs and connect with colleagues across floors. Beyond showcasing the company’s rich 100-year history, these graphics instill a sense of pride in employees who use the stairway daily and provide a compelling way to share that history with visitors.

At Danis’ Columbus office, a history wall highlights the company’s legacy, sparking deeper conversations about its role in shaping Midwest communities through construction. Bonus: It’s intentionally designed for quick and easy updates!

Effective environmental graphics adapt to different audiences and spaces. In a lobby, they might highlight an inspiring mission statement or client portfolio, while in employee spaces, they can celebrate internal achievements and values to boost morale. Graphics in conference rooms, for instance, can tell the stories of major projects or long-term partnerships, equipping employees to guide client conversations naturally and with confidence.”

Ask yourself: Do your spaces spark curiosity and conversations? If not, then experiential design could help.

3. It Feels Like “Home” for Your Brand

When your employees and guests feel comfortable, inspired, and aligned with your mission, you’ve successfully created a branded environment. Environmental graphics reinforce your company’s values and goals—even at the studio or department level—showcasing a shared vision and fostering pride among employees and in turn boosts recruitment, morale, and retention.

In today’s hybrid work world, we must create workspaces that employees genuinely want to visit. Environmental graphics foster community and shared purpose, transforming your office into a hub for collaboration and inspiration. A well-branded space encourages employees to bring in clients and colleagues, proudly showcasing what makes your company unique.

The initial welcome wall at HAWA’s Columbus office provides an inviting first impression of their engineering expertise, collaborative spirit and attention to detail. It instantly connects employees and guests to the company’s identity and attention to detail. By fostering a sense of belonging and pride, it encourages people to utilize the space over external options like coffee shops.

When your graphics resonate internally and externally, your space becomes a reflection of your brand’s values. Employees rally around this sense of purpose, and visitors recognize it, making your workplace a powerful tool for both internal culture and external reputation.

What’s Holding You Back?
If your space isn’t sparking these reactions, it’s worth asking why. Often, the full potential of brand-driven experiential design isn’t fully understood. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about crafting a space that tells your story, sparks curiosity, and inspires both employees and visitors.

When done right, environmental graphics elevate your space beyond the ordinary. It can incorporate your brand and influence perceptions in ways that generate tangible ROI. What’s holding you back from embracing it in your space?

See How We Can Help
At MA Design, we’ve helped brands like White Castle, Rev1, and HAWA use environmental graphics to create engaging spaces that tell their stories. Interested in learning how we can design curious and captivating experiences for your brand? Reach out to Alicia Orlando to explore how experiential design can elevate your space.