Wayfinding Signage: It’s More Than Just Arrows
What is Wayfinding Signage?
You see and use it every day, whether it’s within an educational institution, healthcare facility, retail environment, sports venue, or numerous other places; but what is wayfinding signage? Wayfinding signage is an information sign system that helps visitors develop cognitive maps of the architectural environment. Specific locations, or spaces, are marked within an area to become more visible and better understood through memory.
Four Categories of Wayfinding Signage
There are four different categories of wayfinding signage and each category is important in its own right. Comprehensive wayfinding systems use multiple sign types as well as maps, symbols, and colors.
- Information Signage: Information signage supplies the visitors with useful information along the way, to help orientate visitors within a build environment. Listing hours of operations and reserved parking spot signage are just a few examples of how informational signage can be used.
- Directional Signage: Most people imagine directional signage when they hear the word wayfinding. These signs help users move toward their destination. Directional signs should appear around–and on the way to–the location.
- Identification Signage: Identification signage includes information about individual locations such as buildings or other landmarks. These signs let visitors know when they’ve arrived at their destination.
- Regulation Signage: These signs indicate the do’s and don’ts of a build environment. “No Smoking,” “Authorized Personnel Only,” fire escape routes, and speed limit signs are all great examples of regulatory sign types.
What to Consider
If you’re considering a wayfinding signage system, know that Spectrum Signs can design your signs with your brand in mind. Our ability to fabricate fully ADA compliant custom branded wayfinding signage can make a huge aesthetic difference to your project. There should be consistency between your exterior and interior signage; and yes, it can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing! Anticipate every directional challenge a visitor might encounter with minimal signage. Determine hierarchy based upon pathways, destinations, and key decision points. When it comes to design choices, you should think about materials, colors, hardware, sizes, shapes, typography, layout, and mounting style.
If you already have a wayfinding signage system and have been hearing visitors say things such as, “I had a hard time finding you,” or if you’re undergoing a renovation or expansion–it may time to improve your wayfinding signage. If you’re building new construction, Spectrum Signs can help you with your ADA compliant signage needs.
Contact Spectrum Signs regarding wayfinding signage and learn how we can help you!
