The sign is the most durable piece of advertising a company has: it stays on the building every day, all year round, in view of anyone passing by. For +41, a publishing house in Switzerland, we designed and built a backlit illuminated sign that had to do more than show a name: express the brand’s identity and stand out on the street, day and night.
In this article
The brief: more than a name on a wall
The client wanted a sign that would identify the company, reflect its position and become a landmark in the urban landscape. The name itself, +41, is Switzerland’s international dialling code, so the brand is deeply tied to its country. The sign had to make that link visible.
The design
Red and the Swiss cross
The sign uses a bold red and the Swiss cross. Together they communicate at a glance the brand’s origin and the values associated with Switzerland: reliability, precision and quality.
Typography
The typeface chosen for “plus forty-one”, the spoken form of the name, is modern and timeless at once. On a sign the typography has to read from far away and from different angles, so we chose clean letters with strong proportions.
Close collaboration
We worked closely with the client at every step, from the first sketches to the choice of colours and materials. Every detail was checked before production, because a sign, unlike a web page, can’t be changed with a click.
The backlighting
The lighting was one of the key points. An illuminated sign must be bright enough to stand out at night, but not so intense that it looks harsh or makes the design hard to read. The light should enhance the sign, not overpower it.
We used low-energy, long-life LEDs. LED technology has clear advantages:
- low running costs, because it uses little electricity;
- long life, so maintenance is rare;
- even light across the whole surface of the sign;
- lower environmental impact than traditional lighting.
Why choose a backlit illuminated sign
A sign without light disappears after sunset. A backlit illuminated sign keeps working in the evening, in winter when days are short and in bad weather. For a business on a street where people pass at all hours, it doubles the time the sign is visible.
A well-made illuminated sign also communicates quality: it says the company is solid and cares about its image.
From design to installation
A sign project follows these main steps:
- Site visit: measurements of the facade and checks on position, visibility and power supply.
- Design: layout, colours, typography and simulations on photos of the building.
- Technical specifications: materials, lighting, dimensions and mounting system.
- Permits: checking local rules on signs and lighting.
- Production and installation with specialist partners.
Our experience in construction and surveying helps: we read the facade like a technical drawing, not just as a backdrop for a logo.
A landmark for the brand
The finished sign works as both advertising and design: it guides clients and visitors to the office, is recognizable from far away and shows the brand’s identity every day. It’s a clear example of how good design and careful execution can turn a functional object into part of a company’s image.
Materials and durability
An outdoor sign must withstand sun, rain, wind and cold for years: the choice of materials matters as much as the design.
- Aluminum boxes and frames resist corrosion and stay light.
- Opal acrylic faces spread the LED light evenly and avoid hot spots.
- UV-resistant vinyls and inks stop the red from fading in the sun.
- Sealed electrical components protect the lighting from moisture.
Good materials cost a little more at first, but keep the sign looking new much longer and reduce maintenance.
The sign as part of the brand
A sign should never be designed alone: colours, typography and symbols must match the logo, print, website and vehicles, so the client recognizes the company everywhere they meet it. The +41 sign works because it uses the same strong elements as the rest of the identity.
Signs the Donkey Lab way
We design signs, office signage, window graphics and large-format prints, within a complete corporate identity. We have worked with clients in Switzerland, Italy and Spain. More work in the portfolio, or discover our services.
Frequently asked questions about the illuminated sign
Are LED signs expensive to run?
No. Low-energy LEDs use little electricity and last a long time, so running and maintenance costs are low.
Do I need a permit for an illuminated sign?
Often yes. The rules depend on the municipality and should be checked before production.
Can you show me how the sign will look on my building?
Yes. We prepare simulations on photos of your facade before production.
Do you handle production and installation?
We design the sign and coordinate production and installation with specialist partners.
Want a sign that gets noticed?
Tell us where it will go: we’ll reply with a written quote. More sign and identity work in the portfolio.