Specification is the process of providing detailed instructions for the manufacture and installation of signs or other visual communication elements. Designers typically provide fabricators with specification documents—accompanied by design drawings—that detail in written form the designer’s intentions for the sign type, dimensions, materials, colors, finishes, hardware, and installation methods.

As digital technologies continue to create innovations in the world of experiential graphic design, motion design is becoming an increasingly important competency. Essentially, motion design is a discipline that applies graphic design principles to filmmaking and video production through use of animation and visual effects. Examples include films, videos, animated text, and web-based animations and apps.  

Mapping is a key issue in environmental and experiential graphic design, since the discipline’s goal of “connecting people to place” often requires getting people from Point A to Point B.

Despite the advent of GPS and other digital navigational tools, mapping will always be important. One of the primary goals of any wayfinding system is to provide orientation that helps users create their own mental maps of the terrain.

Experience Design is the practice of designing products, processes, services, events, or environments focused on user engagement and the quality of the human experience. The goal of experience design is to achieve outcomes that enhance engagement, satisfaction, and quality of life. This emerging discipline also focuses on creating culturally relevant solutions—those that respond to human challenges and needs.

In environmental graphic design, documentation refers to the design phase dedicated to communicating the design intent of the graphics program to sign fabricators for pricing and production.