Navigating the complex TfL network can be daunting, especially when time is of the essence. Canning Town station, with its multi-level platform layout, has long been known as one of the more challenging stations to navigate. The station’s design, which facilitates interchanges between the Jubilee line and DLR, can be disorienting for passengers, leading to confusion and frustration.

The importance of clear, effective wayfinding signage cannot be overstated. For commuters and passengers, quickly identifying the correct platform, stop, and route is essential to maintaining the fast-paced rhythm of travel in London. This project aimed to address these challenges by improving the station’s signage, making it easier for passengers to navigate the station with confidence.

Our approach centered on using Panatrim-framed signs for a sleek, professional finish. The main sign, located to the right of the trade entrance, measures an impressive 6 meters in length and over a meter in height. It was constructed from three ACM panels, each covered with digitally printed vinyl graphics and sealed with a protective satin-finish laminate. These panels were secured within a Panatrim frame, powder-coated in silver as per the client’s preference. Panatrim frames, known for their clean appearance and hidden fixings, provided the perfect solution for a polished, seamless look.

Opposite the main entrance, we installed a second Panatrim-framed sign, slightly smaller but equally impactful, measuring over 3.5 meters in length. This sign advertises the types of products available at the Trade Counter. Above the shutters, we added a third, smaller Panatrim sign to denote the Collections point.

Additionally, we produced and installed metre-high vinyl posters on the windows beneath the main sign, highlighting the Trade Counter’s products, services, and opening times.

Collaboration with TfL
In March 2021, Links Signs was contracted by TfL to conduct a wayfinding survey at Canning Town station and to manufacture and install new signage that would simplify the station layout for passengers. Having a longstanding relationship with TfL, Links Signs was well-positioned to provide the expertise required for this project.

Our team began by conducting an in-depth survey to identify the most effective locations for the new signage. The goal was to ensure that passengers could quickly and easily understand where they were within the station and how to reach their intended destination. Working closely with TfL’s designers, we transformed their concept into a practical, durable signage solution.

The outcome of our collaboration was the creation of a series of ‘super graphics’—large, easily visible signs designed to clearly indicate platform numbers. These platform identifiers were not only large enough to be seen from a distance but also color-coded to correspond with the respective lines. This visual clarity helps passengers quickly understand which platform they need to be on, minimizing confusion during their journey.

To meet TfL’s stringent safety requirements, the graphics were manufactured using fire-rated materials approved by TfL. The installation process was carried out over two nights in early March 2021 by Links Signs’ fully-accredited installation teams. We are pleased to report that the feedback from both passengers and station staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with the new signage significantly enhancing the ease of navigation at Canning Town station.

This project highlights the importance of effective wayfinding in complex transport environments. By working closely with TfL, Links Signs successfully delivered a solution that simplifies navigation at Canning Town station, ensuring that passengers can travel more smoothly and with greater confidence. This project is another example of Links Signs’ commitment to improving the daily experiences of commuters and enhancing the functionality of public transport spaces.