Company badge
As one of the most commonly used branding elements we have - we all wear them - it’s important that we get company badges right.
Signage is incredibly important – not just to our brand, but to our business.
First and foremost, it fulfils the practical function of guiding people to a DSM facility and once there, to help them (and us!) find their way around.
It also represents one of the biggest and boldest representations of our visual identity. It has the power to amplify the essence of our Bright Science. Brighter Living. brand promise - and provides real stopping power for the DSM brand.
Signage takes on an entirely new meaning in the digital age by giving us the opportunity to literally bring our brand alive. Just look at the digital signage now often seen in big cities (and especially from large retailers) that display information, videos, and all other kinds of interactive content.
This type of signage can boost our brand, improve internal communication, and even raise employee morale. It’s a big world out there and great signage can really help us make our mark. So, how can we make the most of this opportunity?
Our signage is based on a single, consistent design that you can create in various sizes and dimensions depending on your needs. This also includes the potential to add illumination, depending on your location and budget.
There are two main types of signage: exterior and interior. Pretty self-explanatory, but for the record, exterior signage helps people to find our facilities – as well as providing valuable brand presence. Interior signage is more about helping people find their way around once inside our sites – because after all, we do have some big facilities…
Exterior signage not only displays our brand to the world, it helps people to (literally) find us.
This is our big identifier, helping people to find a DSM location day and night.
We always use the DSM Simplified Logo for the High Level Sign (and indeed all exterior signage). Depending on the size of your location – and its prominence (eg, can you see the facility easily from the road?), you can use illuminated signing for visiblility at night.
The High Level Sign can be mounted on either the roof or at the highest safe point on the wall - and it must always conform with the requirements in the High Level Sign size, proportions and positioning guide.
Please remember that you’ll need a permit, which is covered in our six easy steps here.
The advent of digital (wall) signage – and its ability to deliver dynamic, detailed information - has the potential to transform the way everyone inside DSM engages with our brand, and each other.
In fact, according to a study by McKinsey, the use of social technologies to improve internal communications could increase employee productivity by as much as 25%.
Here at DSM we have five main types of interior signage:
Great interior signage can:
Whether free-standing or mounted to walls and doors, the key role of internal signage is to deliver clear and concise information – which means getting the language right.
All exterior signs should be displayed in the local language (if not English); with the option of repeating the message in US English italics – separated by a hard return, on a separate line.
For internal signage, we always US English (with the option of adding a second language if English is not understood by most). It’s also important that you get the text right on both exterior and interior directional signage.
This includes:
Of course, this varies between different signage types (free-standing, door, wall, etc), so for detailed guidance please check the use of language and text guide.
So how do you go about getting signage produced? Here are the basic steps you need to follow.
For full details on suppliers per region, please visit our Assigned Suppliers Sharepoint Portal (employees only).
Sound preventative maintenance helps our signage last longer. In brief:
If signs are damaged beyond economical repair, you can order a replacement via your local assigned supplier.
If your sign is repairable (for example needing replacement light bulbs, covers or large vinyl parts) you simply need to order spare parts and contact your local supplier to handle the replacement.
You can find information about the various signage elements and technical information here.
As one of the most commonly used branding elements we have - we all wear them - it’s important that we get company badges right.
Many employees work in roles requiring functional branded DSM workwear and safety helmets.
DSM brand asset downloads of core visual brand elements, images, video & b-roll, signage and publications.