Communications Department Safety Maps
Designing OSHA Compliant Clarity for Urgency, Utility, and Emergency Readiness on Campus
The Challenge
.jpg)
With the support of the Communication Department, this project involved redesigning evacuation and safety maps for all floor levels across two campus buildings at Winsupply's HQ in Dayton, Ohio. Using provided floorplans and safety team drafts as a base, maps were created in Adobe Illustrator to be brand-aligned,
easy to interpret during emergencies, and formatted for both print and digital use.
Each map was optimized for 8.5x11 paper and structured with editable layers to allow future updates and integration into internal communications systems, like WinZone.
Redesign Objectives
-
Translate rough safety drafts into clear, professional map designs.
-
Highlight only essential information. (evacuation routes, exits, safety equipment)
-
Remove visual clutter by excluding furniture and room details.
-
Ensure all files are cleanly layered and fully editable in Illustrator.
-
Provide final deliverables as high-resolution PDFs and source AI files.
-
Maintain brand cohesion while referencing provided design inspiration.
-
Meet the project deadline of end of November, 2024.
-1.png)
Original Blueprint
Original Evacuation Draft
Proposed Redesign
Why it Matters
To transform the original architectural floorplan into an emergency-ready evacuation map, I focused on stripping away visual noise and emphasizing clarity, speed, and legibility. The raw blueprint included dense room layouts, furniture, and architectural detailing — all of which would hinder readability in a high-stress situation. I reduced the map to its essential structure, removed non-critical elements, and prioritized a clear visual hierarchy. Using a limited color palette rooted in emergency signage standards — red for fire safety tools, green for medical, and blue for the evacuation path — I guided attention with intuitive color contrast and spatial flow. Icons were selected for universal recognition and minimal cognitive load.
The blue evacuation path was designed in high-contrast to communicate safe movement without ambiguity. I highlighted the most accessible and direct routes to exits, reducing choice paralysis in urgent scenarios. The final layout balances brand coherence with real-world function, formatted for both 8.5x11 print and digital use. Layered Illustrator files allow for easy updates, supporting a system that’s not just attractive — but useful, scalable, and built for action under pressure.
Outcome
The redesigned evacuation maps were finally reviewed and approved by the Safety team, a separate OSHA-compliant department responsible for internal safety standards. They responded positively to the clarity and usability of the new system and are currently in the process of implementing the maps across both buildings for print and digital use. The design has laid the foundation for a scalable, brand-consistent safety communication system with real-world application.