AIMS Fire Evacuation Maps
Designing a District-Wide Wayfinding System for Safety
Wayfinding & Environmental Graphic Design
Role: Lead Designer, Spatial Researcher, Cross-Team Collaborator
Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Pen & Paper
Published: 2023 • Installed Across AIMS K–12 College Prep Charter District
Overview:
Tasked with enhancing emergency communication across the AIMS K–12 Charter District, I designed a campus-wide wayfinding system in the form of fire evacuation maps—three floor plans for the AIMS K–8 site (171 12th Street) and one for AIMS High School (746 Grand Avenue). This project transformed technical safety information into clear, intuitive visuals that could be easily understood and acted upon in high-stress situations.
The process began with analog site analysis: walking each campus to map every hallway, classroom, exit, stairwell, and fire extinguisher. From there, I translated the raw spatial data into scalable, digital floor plans and built a visual system grounded in accessibility, clarity, and rapid comprehension.
Color and iconography played a central role. Green directional arrows guided occupants toward exits via the safest routes. Number-coded classrooms corresponded to assigned perimeter lineup zones outside the building. Hierarchical layout, simplified shapes, and high-contrast colors ensured that the system could be read and trusted by a wide audience—from kindergarteners to adults, including English learners.
Displayed in every classroom and reviewed monthly during fire drills, these maps remain an essential part of AIMS’ safety protocol and visual communication landscape.
What I Did:
Conducted full spatial walkthroughs and analog mapping for all AIMS K–12 sites
Created four floor plans in Adobe Illustrator with attention to scale, alignment, and legibility
Designed a unified visual language using color-coded arrows, numbered identifiers, and iconography
Balanced user-centered design with district safety requirements and universal design principles
Delivered print-ready, durable signage for permanent classroom installation
Contributed to long-term visual strategy and emergency readiness through environmental graphics
