Get Them Where They Need To Go - Wayfinding Signage Tips

Every business and institution uses exterior and interior signage to communicate important information to their visitors, customers, tenants, or employees.  Signage can be used for branding, labeling rooms, advertising, and for businesses and institutions with large properties, wayfinding. Wayfinding signage, also known as directional signage, helps visitors and customers find their way around your property quickly and efficiently so they can get where they need to go without getting lost.

When creating and placing wayfinding signs, there is a lot of thought that needs to go into their design and where they are placed.  In this guide, we will discuss important tips for creating and installing wayfinding signs to help visitors efficiently navigate your property and find their destination.  At Divine Signs and Graphics, we can help businesses and institutions design, create, and install wayfinding signage that will be helpful to your customers and visitors.

Directional Signs: Design and Placement

The main purpose of your wayfinding signage is to help visitors navigate your property so they can quickly and easily find their destination.  You should consider the following tips when it comes to wayfinding signage design and placement to ensure that this signage is doing its job.

·        Do not assume: When designing and placing your wayfinding signs, approach these tasks with the idea that someone who has never been to the property before should be able to easily find their way around.  You should never assume that visitors can just figure it out with limited guidance.

·        Be concise: Make sure each sign only provides the most important information. The fewer words the better to avoid cluttering the sign.

·        Be consistent: Sign descriptions should have simple, consistent language so they are easier to understand.

·        Be creative: You can have wayfinding signage with interesting designs and use the features of your building like windows and walls while placing them. While you can get creative with the design, make sure to also keep it simple.

·        Location: Signs should be put at decision points such as lobbies, stairs, elevators, etc.

·        Use icons: Icons can be used to help people navigate the building instead of word descriptions.

·        Use signs progressively: Post signs so that visitors encounter the signs in a logical order to help avoid confusion.

·        Expansion capabilities: Your wayfinding signage should have a cohesive design that can be recreated in case your business expands.

·        Branding: The design of your wayfinding signage should incorporate your branding, including fonts, colors, logos, etc.  

·        Be considerate: Your wayfinding signs must be accessible to everyone and include braille.  Make sure all of your signage is ADA compliant.

Our professionals at Divine Signs and Graphics can help design, create, and install custom directional signs for your business or institution.  We can also do a walkthrough of your property with you to advise you on the best possible placement for your wayfinding signage.

For more tips on wayfinding signage design and placement, check out the infographic.

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