HSBC Positive Distancing Project

The Positive Distancing Project was a graphic system developed for HSBC, comprised of clear directional signage and colourful, uplifting artwork tiles.

Designed for HSBC, it is a decidedly positive way for individuals to socially distance in public spaces, in-branch and in the bank’s offices.

The system, based on the bank’s distinctive kite-mark logo, is designed to be modular and scalable, allowing it to adapt to the level of distancing used in any country, as well as the physical environment in which it is used. Alternative messaging tiles were designed for floors, walls and other surfaces and the artwork used was a mixture of licensed works from globally recognised artists like Van Gough along side commissioned designs from contemporary artists and illustrators such as Norma Bar and Yinka Ilori.

We worked with London-based agency Studio of Art and Commerce to produce the project, from concept stage through to completion, designing the scalable system and all messaging and artwork tiles.

The project was designed in response to social distancing signage observed in a range of real-world scenarios, that can often be ineffective, confusing or distressing in their design or application. By contrast, The Positive Distancing Project fulfils its requirements as an effective social distancing system whilst being colourful, graphical and distinctive.