The City of North Ridgeville embarked on a comprehensive branding and wayfinding initiative to unify its identity, enhance community pride, and improve navigation throughout the city. Guide Studio led this effort through extensive research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic design to develop a cohesive brand and wayfinding system that reflects North Ridgeville’s evolving identity while honoring its roots.
North Ridgeville sought to establish a strong and consistent brand that resonates with residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The branding initiative aimed to combat outdated perceptions, convey a unified message, and support controlled growth. Through stakeholder engagement, surveys, and workshops, Guide Studio identified the city’s core attributes—proactive governance, supportive community culture, and an inviting small-town feel. The resulting brand platform articulates North Ridgeville as a city where residents feel at home, supported by outstanding services, diverse housing, and a strong network of locally-owned businesses.
To maintain consistency across all communications, the Brand Style Guide defines essential elements such as logo usage, typography, color palettes, and messaging. A Brand Management Guide was also developed to ensure city departments, partners, and stakeholders adhere to the brand’s guidelines, preserving its integrity over time. The Brand Implementation Plan provides a roadmap for rolling out the new identity, prioritizing initiatives that align with economic development, community engagement, and reputation management.
Recognizing the importance of clear navigation and a strong sense of place, the city also commissioned a Wayfinding Analysis to assess existing signage and develop a comprehensive strategy. The analysis identified key travel paths, major destinations, and decision points where signage improvements were needed. Recommendations included gateway signage to enhance city entrances, vehicular and pedestrian directional signs, facility identification signage, and a banner program to reinforce community pride.
By integrating branding and wayfinding, North Ridgeville has created a unified identity that strengthens its reputation, enhances the visitor experience, and fosters a sense of belonging for residents. This initiative positions the city for continued growth while preserving the qualities that make it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
