THE GINNINDERRY CONSERVATION TRUST
In House Designer
August 2023 - September 2024.
Context
The Ginninderry Conservation Corridor, a nature reserve in Canberra spanning 280 hectares of land, started building 10km of new walking tracks in 2024. A wayfinding system and accompanying signage was required to help bushwalkers navigate the network, and interpretive signage was needed to help share the stories of the unique landscape with its visitors.
Project Management Responsibilities
Managing project operations within a $150,000 AUD budget
Scope of works and project phasing
Sourcing materials and labour quotes
Budgeting and costing spreadsheets
Liaising with suppliers and manufacturers
Supervising on-site installation of signage
Design Role
User research - collaboration with stakeholders such as ecologists, park rangers, indigenous land carers, and the local community to account for different needs and expectations.
Human-centred approach to devising navigation system
Interpretive signage concept ideation
Graphic design
Illustration
Peppermint Gum Illustration
Procreate
WAYFINDING
PROCESS
Designing for easy navigation
The track builders’ construction map was interpreted and reworked to determine logical track groupings, and locations for signage installation.
This process was iterated to achieve a map that was suitable for land management teams whilst keeping community user groups in mind.
OUTCOMES
Primary Wayfinding Map Illustration
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign.
1.6m x 0.5m
Process
Satellite imagery of the landscape, topographic maps and housing development blueprints were used as references for the illustration to ensure geographical accuracy.
Context for Installation:
New panel to replace outdated one.
Trackside wayfinding
INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE
PROCESS
Collaborative Ideation
Continuous discussion with local Indigenous leaders and knowledge holders, ecologists and park rangers informed content ideation for signage.
User research
Survey responses from the local community were synthesised, and informed what format and type of information interpretive signage would include.
OUTCOMES
First Nations Plant Uses Interpretive Panel
Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign
850mm x 475mm
Panel to be mounted on a corten structure and installed alongside the walking tracks in the reserve.
Local Animals Interpretive Panels
Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign
850mm x 475mm
Local Animals Interpretive Panels
Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign
850mm x 475mm
Concept sketches for interactive signage aimed at children.
“Natalie is a talented designer and project manager. She is creative, self-motivated, strong communicator and valued member of our team. The interpretation and wayfinding package she has delivered for our new walking track network is impressive and will be her legacy.
I would recommend Natalie for any project.”
— Angela Calliess, Program Director of the Ginninderry Conservation Trust.