An airport is a living organism
Frankfurt airport could be compared to an organism that is constantly changing and adapting. New construction, renovations, extensions, new processes and requirements regarding security and airport operations are all factors in this. The signage for the airport is essential for smooth operations and makes traveling more pleasant. Consequently, the quality of the signage makes a major contribution to how positively passengers regard the airport.
Since 2007, unit-design has assisted the relevant department at Fraport in planning and implementing orientation projects at Frankfurt airport, such as Terminal 1, boarding gates ABCZ, Terminal 2, boarding gates DE, bus station entrance areas, railway stations and vehicle parking. Tasks in such projects included coordinating with operators, authorities, airlines and manufacturers of signage equipment.
From A to Z
Managing signage at an airport means dealing with the needs of passengers in the process of using the system; for example, in terms of information, tickets, checks, security and service. Functioning signage takes into account differences in culture, perception, mobility and experience among users. At the same time, the signage is an integral part of the airport's visual identity. During the planning and design process, unit-design came up with a practical, easy-to-use structure for information and designations, designed clear pictograms, digital and analog means of conveying information and lighting solutions, and also made sure that the systems were feasible.
Tax refund service design
Tax refund is a service that reimburses foreign travelers for the value-added tax that they have paid on products acquired in Germany. For this purpose, unit-design has created a complete service design that significantly improves processes involved in the interaction between the authorities and private businesses. In addition to the organization of the process and the corresponding configuration of spaces, we have developed pictograms, information graphics and service furniture.
System design
In addition to the information elements that passengers see, unit-design was involved in the design and system-related definition of passenger routes and the resultant structures and process-based information chains.
Dynamic wayfinding
One forward-looking project involved developing the static sign system to involve dynamic, linked pathways that change automatically as required, meaning that assistance can be provided to ensure that everything on the airport site runs smoothly depending on the available capacity and opening hours of security and passport checkpoints, closures, cancellations of means of transport (e.g. shuttle buses, SkyLine) or in emergencies.