➔

37

SIGNAGE

Signage standards were designed to

facilitate recognition of the Desjardins

name everywhere it is found. Desjardins’

graphic and typographical signature

standards for signs have very specific

features.

Given the wide variety of places where

the Desjardins logo can be found, the

signage system was designed to meet

the following objectives:

1. To make it easy to locate Desjardins

components

2. To ensure that the Desjardins brand

image is uniform and consistent

throughout the network.

N.B.: The logo may only be reproduced

on either square or rectangular signs.

6.0

➔

38

SIGNAGE

Examples that do not meet signage

standards

6.0

Reverse text.

Insufficient colour contrast.

Use of words that are notpart of the component name.

Unequal margins.

Incorrect positioning of com-ponent name.The automated services sig-nature must not be placed inthe bleed area unless theDesjardins logo is.

➔

39

SIGNAGE

Sign typography

The recommended font for the persona-

lized signature on all outdoor signs is

Optima Black.

Kerning

For optimal legibility on outdoor signs,

the spacing between the letters and

words was modified by adding a

7-point kerning in QuarkXpress and

a 40-point kerning in Illustrator. For

CorelDraw, the spacing between letters

should be 14.2% and the spacing

between words should be 130% of the

font thickness.

The following example demonstrates the

desired results.

For a Business Centre, the letterspacing

must be adjusted so that all the

elements form a block. The block

width must not go beyond the word

Desjardins.

6.1

Domglas Inc. EmployeesCredit Union

Domglas Inc. EmployeesCredit Union

Kerning for signs

Normal kerning

➔

40

SIGNAGE

6.2

6.2.1

Sign manufacturing and production techniques

In general, an illuminated pylon or post (lit from the inside) should be placed

outside the building, perpendicular to the street.

While the format of the sign may vary, the style should not, in order

to maintain the uniformity of the Desjardins visual image.

N.B.:

In specific cases where architectural or municipal constraints require the

standards to be adapted, their essence must be maintained as much as

possible. In such cases, consult the Caisses Property Department at

Desjardins Group.

Sign producers should refer to the appendix for more precise technical

information.

Placement

Given two signs with the same area, a sign affixed to the building, whether

illuminated or not, is actually less costly. However, it is not always possible or

advantageous to do so. Before deciding whether to install a sign on the site or

the building, look into the relevant municipal by-laws. Then you can deter-

mine the best position for your sign based on viewing distance, angle of view

and access of electricity.

The total dimensions of the sign must particularly take into account viewing

distance and the proportions of the sign in relation to the building.

Accordingly, for every 10-metre segment of distance, the height of the letter-

ing must be increased by at least 38 mm (1.5 inches). However, it is not

recommended to increase the number of signs near the building. For clear,

effective signage, it is preferable to use a main sign and, if necessary,

a secondary sign in the most appropriate location.

➔ SIGNAGE

6.2.2

Reproduction techniques

Paint guns and stencilling are not recommended for reproducing the

Desjardins image on illuminated signs, as the durability, colour and uniformity

of the surface application may be compromised.

Vinyl cling material is the safest and most recommended method. This tech-

nique ensures that the proper colour will be used and that it will be applied

uniformly; it also enables precise, computerized or mechanical reproduction.

This is the only technique that is properly suited to reproducing graphic

images on illuminated signs. Furthermore, because it is UV-ray resistant, signs

last longer.

Vinyl cut-outs must be used on outdoor acrylic panels, to prevent solar glare

reflections. This method also makes it easier to modify the sign in the future.

However, if the display is at ground level, the vinyl can be applied to the

inside of the panel to protect against damage.

The vinyl cut-outs matching the Desjardins colours are made by 3M

(Desjardins green = VQ 8642, Automated Services blue = VQ 8641, Visa and

Interac yellow = VQ 8707 and black = VQ 3580). The advantage to these

colours is that they always look the same, day or night.

Technical questions regarding the 3M products referred to in this guide must

be addressed to the technical department of 3M’s Commercial Graphic Arts

division, to the attention of Mr. Lawrence Aird. He can be reached at 1 800

361-4488 or at (514) 386-6919.

Rigid and flexible panels

The following materials should be used:

• Rigid panels : acrylic or polycarbonate (Lexan). Rigid panels are affixed to

the front of the casing frame for a complete image. It is important to

ensure that the casing frame is as narrow as possible (generally 1 1/4 inch-

es), to limit colour variation along the periphery of the image.

• Flexible panels : polyvinyl chloride (3M Panaflex 945 or 3M Panaflex 645 EI).

These fabric substrates are known for their excellent resistance to bad

weather. They are preferred over rigid substrates for large signs. The flexible

3M Panaflex 645 EI is to be used for signs at ground level.

Sign purchasing procedure

A procedure for acquiring signs in bulk has been set up. Contact the Caisses

Property Department at Desjardins Group.

41

➔

42

SIGNAGE

Casing

Casings are made of anodized extruded

aluminum (Sign Pro and Tech). The signs

are equipped with hinges so that the

sign faces can open to provide access to

the fluorescent lamps and facilitate

maintenance. A safe support system

must be provided to keep the sign face

in the open position, as well as a secure

lock to keep it closed.

Casings are ventilated by an aluminum

grille with netting.

Signs that have no apparent frame are

preferable, as they allow the Desjardins

green to stand out as much as possible,

while projecting a very modern look.

If the frame must be painted, it is

recommended to use Sico Acrythane

T-11100 paint (Pantone Cool Gray 10C)

for this purpose.

6.2.2 (cont’d)

Drilling

Any holes drilled through the exterior wall must be caulked with silicone to

prevent any water infiltration.

Lighting

Lighting is integrated and made up of fluorescent Daylight H.O.L.T tubes,

six inches centre-to-centre, to give the best possible appearance. Fluorescent

bulbs are powered by Allanson ballasts. Each sign is equipped with a photo-

electric cell – American type or equivalent.

Light-diffusing film

It is recommended to use a Scotchcal 3635-100 light-diffusing film. This film

enables optimal lighting diffusion and helps minimize the effects of amperage

variations resulting from climate change.

Electrical supply

All the electrical wiring inside must be installed by the sign manufacturer and

must be in compliance with current C.S.A. standards.

StrathconaCredit Union

Sign with no apparent frame

Sign with apparent frame

➔

43

SIGNAGE

6.2.2 (cont’d)

Applying the vinyl film

Preparation

The base sign is made up of four films. The directional sign also includes a

translucent white band with the indications. To make the manufacturers’ job

easier, once the cutting is done, the films are assembled on one or more

transfer films, ready to be applied to the sign panel.

Application

Remember, it is generally easier to apply the film to the outside face of a

translucent white panel rather than the inside face of a transparent panel

(see Reproduction techniques). If the film is applied to the inside face of a

transparent panel, it must be cut in reverse, since the film has only one adhe-

sive side. Therefore, it is very important to specify on the purchase order if

the film will be applied to the outside or inside face of the panel. In addition,

a diffuser must then be added to the film by the sign manufacturer (for exam-

ple, a translucent white vinyl film).

Vinyl cling material is designed to be applied using a very simple method.

However, this technique requires very careful manipulation as well as strict

cleanliness in the immediate surroundings. The film can be applied using cold

transfer or hot transfer. Cold transfer simply calls for soapy water and a

scraper. Hot transfer, however, involves specialized equipment.

The film must be applied using the manufacturer’s specifications.

Any manufacturer unfamiliar with the application of this type of vinyl film

should contact Mr. Lawrence Aird from 3M at 1 800 361-4488 and ask for a

demonstration.

Every delivery of vinyl cut-outs includes an instruction sheet for the sign

manufacturer indicating the proper way to apply the vinyl film to the face

of the sign.

➔

44

SIGNAGE

6.2.2 (cont’d)

Resistance and guarantee

According to 3M, film is equally resistant when applied using cold transfer or

hot transfer. 3M also promises that its wear resistance is as good whether it’s

applied to the outside or inside face of the acrylic panel.

The film is guaranteed by 3M for 11 years against any graphic defect (includ-

ing four years on parts and labour following the installation) for an exterior or

interior sign.

Opaque directional sign

Vinyl cling material for illuminated signs can be used for this purpose. There

are other less expensive techniques though, such as screen printing or paint.

It is recommended to use a non-reflective material such as acrylic or Lexan.

If a glossy material is used, special mat varnish should be sprayed onto its

surface. If vinyl film is used, it should be specified in the order if it will be

applied on the outside or the inside face. If another printing technique is

used, it is preferable to print on the inside face.

Certain manufacturers distribute modular systems designed specially for

interior directional signage. These products can be used on certain sites.

If vinyl film is appropriate, it can be purchased from the Purchasing depart-

ment of Desjardins Group. If another technique is selected, a regional

manufacturer can be contacted. The layout can be done using the digital

files on www.desjardins.com/identity.

➔

45

SIGNAGE

6.3

Signs with customized signatures

The Desjardins name must always

appear in green, with its component in

black, on a white background, except on

signs with individual lettering (see sec-

tion 6.3.3).

The kerning and body size to line

spacing ratio must always be main-

tained (see section 6.1) on outdoor signs.

This ratio is different from

other applications, in order to

maximize long- distance legibility.

For each sign type, a text box has been

set aside for the Desjardins name and

the component’s name. The pre-defined

margin inside the box may not be

exceeded. The body size of the charac-

ters may be increased until either the

upper or right-hand margin has been

reached. However, the body size of the

customized signature may not exceed

half the size of the D in Desjardins.

Domglas Inc. EmployeesCredit Union

➔

46

SIGNAGE

6.3.1

Horizontal signs

New signs

With this sign model, since the logo is in

the bleed area, the Desjardins name is

slightly reduced. The “D” is the same

height as the side of the hexagon so that

the descenders do not touch the lower

edge of the sign.

The space between the symbol and the

Desjardins name is equal to distance E,

or one-seventh of the width of the

square. The name of the component

must be in Optima Black font and must

not exceed the 60/40 ratio.

When the name of the component can

be written on one line, it must be sepa-

rated from the Desjardins name by a

space equal to 2 x E. It is to be aligned

along the baseline of the Desjardins

name, not counting the descenders.

If the name takes up two or more lines,

the space between it and the Desjardins

name is equal to 3 x E.

The name of the services centre is in

Optima Demi Bold. A vertical line sepa-

rates it from the component’s name,

and the size of the font must not exceed

that of the component.

The thickness of the line is equal to 2%

of the component font size. So for a

300-point font, a 6-point line would be

used. Its height will extend from one

margin to the other, within distance E.

E E 3xE 3xE

E

E

��

E E 2xE 3xE

➔

47

SIGNAGE

6.3.1 (cont’d)

Existing signs

When the format of an existing horizon-

tal sign prevents the application of the

new standards, the signature may be

extended vertically.

The minimum margins correspond to

distance C. If the signature does not

take up the maximum surface of the

sign, it must be centred vertically and

aligned at the left. The name of the

component is in Optima Black and must

not exceed the 60/40 ratio.

When adding the name of a service

centre, it should be separated from the

name of the component by a horizontal

line. Optima Demi Bold font is to be

used and it should never exceed the size

of the name of the component.

For a vertical signature, the line is

aligned at the left with the Desjardins

name and its length corresponds to the

longer line between the component

name or the service centre name. For a

horizontal signature, the height of the

line corresponds to the height of the

square. In both situations, the thickness

of the line is 2% of the component font

size.

The description of a Business Centre is

in Optima Black. It is aligned at the left

with the Desjardins name and does not

exceed its length.

II

C C

Name in Optima Black with 40-point kerning.

… Service Centre in Optima Demi Bold with 40-point kerning.

C

C

C C C The standard ratio between the Desjardins signature and the component’s name is 60/40.

EE 3 x E 2 x E2 x E

C

C

C C

1/3 of the D of Desjardins

Ligne 2% Typographicalattachement point

➔

48

SIGNAGE

6.3.2

Vertical signs

New signs

The space reserved for the Desjardins

name and the component’s name corre-

sponds to one-third the height of the

sign, when there is no service centre.

The horizontal and vertical margins here

correspond to distance I.

The name of the component must never

exceed the 60/40 ratio. It may, however,

be smaller than this, if it requires more

than one line. The font used for the

name of the component is Optima

Black.

When adding a service centre, it is to be

separated from the component name by

a horizontal line. The font to be used is

Optima Demi Bold, and it must never

exceed the size of the name of the

component.

Existing signs

In order to minimize replacement costs

for existing signs, you may change only

the vinyl, leaving a blank space above

and below the sides of the symbol, and

ensuring that the Desjardins name is the

same size as the square. The name of

the component and service centre, if

applicable, would be aligned below the

Desjardins name at the left, and must

not extend beyond it at the right

The minimum margins correspond to

distance I. If there is a service centre,

the thickness of the line corresponds to

2% of the component font size (6-point

line for 300-point font). Its length is

equal to the longer line between the

caisse name or the service centre name.

I

I

I

II

I

➔

49

SIGNAGE

6.3.2 (cont’d)

Vertical signs

Signs on posts or pylons

The sign posts should be made of metal.

If they are made from another material,

they must be painted or tinted grey (Sico

acrythane T-11100) or black, to achieve

visual unity.

A pylon must be a colour and material

that harmonizes with the building.

Otherwise, it must be grey (Sico acry-

thane T-11100) or black.

Multiple signatures

For buildings that house more than one

Desjardins component, the names of

each are listed below the logo, aligned at

the left with the symbol and separated

by lines.

The vertical space between the

Desjardins logo or the component name

and the line corresponds to distance C.

The length of the line is equal to the

length of the Desjardins logo. The thick-

ness of the line is 4% of the component

font size.

When there is a service centre, the space

between the line, the name of the caisse

and the name of the service centre cor-

responds to distance I. The thickness of

the line corresponds to 2% of the com-

ponent font size. Its length is equal to

the longer of the caisse name or the

service centre name.

Since we are not discussing signatures

combined with logos here, the word

Desjardins is repeated in the names of

the components, if applicable.

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

II

C

C

C

Apply proper widths for namesand lines based on order.

➔

50

SIGNAGE

6.3.3

Signs with individual lettering

When illuminated signs with casings can-

not be used, the symbol and lettering

should be placed directly on the side of

the building. This is more costly than a

regular wall sign.

It is therefore very important to make

sure that the sign be highly visible. In

general, as long as it contrasts well with

the surface of the wall, the green logo

should be used wherever possible.

The sides of the letters and the symbol

should always be painted the same

colour as the front.

Individual lettering may be lit up with

reflectors in front of or inside the letters

using neon lights in the shape of the

letters (reverse Channel letters).

For visibility reasons, metal letter

cut-outs are not recommended.

On white or pale-coloured wall

On dark wall

➔

51

SIGNAGE

6.3.4

Square signs

In order to minimize replacement costs

for existing square signs, certain adapta-

tions of the standards are allowed.

For a sign presenting the Desjardins logo

alone, the version for vertical signs must

be used. The horizontal margins

between the top of the sign and the

square, as well as between the square

and the Desjardins name, correspond to

distance I. The space between the bot-

tom of the D and the bottom of the sign

is equal to 1.5 times distance I. The logo

is centred on the sign’s width.

I

I

I + 1/2

➔

52

SIGNAGE

6.4

Signs for automated services

Graphic image

The automated services image is made

up of a pictogram representing a hand

holding a magnetic card and the logos of

the relevant banking networks.

The pictogram used to appear with the

words “Automated services”. Now that

these services are well known, the pic-

togram alone is sufficient.

The proportion between the pictogram

and the banking network logos is 60/40.

The official colours for automated services

are Pantone green 347 and blue 288.

The sign

The sign enables pedestrians and drivers

to perceive a site offering Desjardins

automated services from a distance. It is

generally placed outside of the site, it is

illuminated and it displays the automat-

ed services image. It has horizontal and

vertical versions, and a directional sign

can be added.

The basic sign is always made up of the

Desjardins logo, the automated services

pictogram and the banking network

logos. When self-service ATMs are rela-

tively far from the main sign, the direc-

tion is indicated by means of an arrow

and a short text on a white band.

Complementary elements

• An illuminated sign showing only the

Desjardins logo and banking network

logos, so as to emphasize the network

logos where justified by traffic and

tourism.

• In addition to the main sign, a com-

plementary sign showing the auto

mated services symbol and the bank-

ing network logos.

• Stickers with the Desjardins logo and

banking logos at the entrance to the

site, generally on a door or window.

• An unilluminated directional sign to

indicate the direction of the self-

service ATMs inside a building.

• A sign delineating line-ups for different

types of ATMs (e.g., full-function ATM

and fast-cash ATM).

➔

53

SIGNAGE

6.4.1

Horizontal signs for automated

services

New customized signs

The automated services signature on

horizontal signs is placed to the right of

the logo or, for customized signs (see

section 6.3.1), the name of the compo-

nent. The space between the Desjardins

logo or component name and the auto-

mated services band is equal to three

times distance E. The pictogram and

bank network logos are centred vertically

within the same margins as the symbol.

The length of the automated services

band is equal to three times distance A

(width of the square).

Existing signs

A white margin is to be maintained for

the sign’s inside periphery. This margin

corresponds to distance E. The height of

the automated services band is the same

as the height of the square.

Non-customized signs

A white margin is to be maintained for

the sign’s inside periphery. This margin

corresponds to distance I. The height of

the automated services band is the same

as the height of the square, to give the

proper importance to the Desjardins

brand. The pictograms are laid out in

the band based on the length of the sign

with a view to visual balance.

E

I

I

E

➔

54

SIGNAGE

6.4.2

Vertical signs for automated services

New signs

The automated services signature on ver-

tical signs is placed horizontally below

the Desjardins name, or that of the com-

ponent on customized signs. The band is

the same width as the logo.

The elements in the automated services

band are aligned on the left and right

with the Desjardins name.

Existing signs

The automated services band is the

same width as the square.

The minimum margins on the top and

bottom of the poster correspond to dis-

tance I.

The height of the automated services

band is equal to distance C.

I

I

C

➔

55

SIGNAGE

6.4.3

Secondary signs for automated

services

The following signs are to be used as

outdoor signs wherever automated

services are available, when there

is an existing main sign indicating the

presence of a Desjardins Credit Union

or Caisse.

They come in various formats.

➔

56

SIGNAGE

6.4.4

Square signs for automated services

Existing signs

The vertical margins correspond

to distance F.

The horizontal margins are equal

to three-quarters of the square.

The height of the automated services

band is four times distance C.

Domglas Inc.EmployeesCredit Union

StrathconCredit Union

3/4 of thesquare

3/4 of thesquare

3/4 of thesquare

3/4 of thesquare

3/4 of thesquare

3/4 of thesquare

F

➔

57

SIGNAGE

6.5

Asset Management Services

Caisses meeting Fédération criteria that

want to identify a service centre offering

professional asset management services

may do so on their signage. The phrase

“Asset Management Services” may only

be displayed on the building, not on

signs placed near the street (such as

on a pylon).

The Asset Management Services sign

must made with the same materials

as the main sign, but separate from it.

The space between the two signs corre-

sponds to distance E. The font to be

used is 7-point Optima bold in black

on a white background. The caisse name

must be larger than the phrase Asset

Management Services in a 56/44 propor-

tion.

Asset ManagementServices

Asset ManagementServices

E

E E

E

58

➔ SIGNAGE

Indoor signage

Desjardins indoor signage must above

all be visible and legible, while blend-

ing in with the interior design and

décor.

All text must be written in Optima font.

Reasonable use of the logo is strongly

advised. It should serve as an easy

indicator of Desjardins services and it

would be redundant if it were placed

everywhere within the building or

branch.

Indoors, a colourless, embossed, var-

nished, textured or metallic-coloured

logo (such as gold, silver or bronze)

may be used.

6.6

59

➔ SIGNAGE

Buildings

For signs indicating construction or

building renovation projects, dark

colours that integrate well into the

environment are recommended. The

Desjardins green should be reserved

for signage affixed to the building.

6.7

60

➔ SIGNAGE

Flags and banners

To the right are a few examples

of flags and banners.

6.8

BB B

AA

AA

E

EE

E A

E EEGG

G

G