Blue Sky was commissioned by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia to design the future of retail banking, with a focus on delivering a next generation branches that improve the customer experience, reinforce the CBA brand promise and attract new customers to the bank.

The branch designs created by Blue Sky are open, inviting banking environments that are flexible, modular and space efficient. They seamlessly integrate banking technology hardware into an innovative ‘Ribbon’ design element to create a friendly and intuitive look and feel. Semi-private zones are created through cantilevered elements and alcove spaces. Casual lounge and bench seating are combined to create open, friendly and functional work spaces.

Each transaction zone has the functionality to achieve all banking tasks, including teller transactions, intelligent deposit and coin deposit, allowing customers to perform all their banking tasks in one place, at their own pace, 24 hours a day. CBA concierges move freely around the branch offering guidance and banking advice as required.

A number of key innovations were introduced into the banking environment as part of the project:

1. The technology ‘Ribbon’ – a unique, iconic horizontal ribbon is integrated into the walls and external facade of each branch. This element integrates the banking hardware technology, making for an easier to understand results in a more intuitive customer banking experience.
The ribbon design also embodies the CBA brand language and creates a long term, recognisable visual identity for Express Banking.

2. Sales bar and semi-private booths – within the branch there are multifunction customer consultation locations with different levels of privacy. All staff can move freely to any area of the branch depending on their requirements and needs. The sales bar provides an informal meeting space for simple quick tasks, semi-private booths are open and inviting for longer appointments and there are closed office space for private meetings and video conferencing.

3. Brand Application and Wayfinding – the branch designs work in synergy with the CBA ‘CAN’ campaign. The branding elements related to this branding piece were integrated into the branch through both the digital and physical design. An all new signage and wayfinding system was developed for the branches. This system was based around a hierarchy of signage elements combined with purpose design iconography.

4. Intelligent Deposit Machines – the design and integration of intelligent deposit machines allows customers to conduct all the task they would do at traditional teller, 24 hours a day. The design and integration of the machines is such that there is sufficient privacy and work area, and the banking tasks can be completed with and without the assistance of a CBA customer service staff member.