Everything you need to know about wayfinding signage

Signs are so ingrained in our world that we hardly notice them. That is, until we need them. Signage proves especially necessary in navigating, whether it be an indoor or outdoor facility. It improves the customer experience by reducing stress and allowing them to self-serve. An Omaha sign company like VitalSigns has all the options to choose from when it comes to wayfinding. Here are some different types of wayfinding signage, their uses and how you can successfully implement them into your business facilities.

There are four recognized types of wayfinding signage, each serving different purposes: identification, direction, information, and regulation. 

1. Identification

Signs allow you to identify specific spaces and areas so that you can determine when you’ve arrived at your destination. For example, plaques labeling specific room numbers or departments.

2. Directional

Directional signs serve as your guide to unfamiliar areas, informing you how to get where you’re going in relation to where you are at that moment. A great way to do this is with arrow signs pointing you towards potential destinations like the bathroom or conference spaces. 

3. Informational

Informational wayfinding signs provide you with, you guessed it: information. Specifically that which you need as you navigate the facility. For instance, some important info might be hours of operation or passwords to utilize wifi. 

4. Regulatory

This type of wayfinding signage deals with policies and regulations set by the facility. It cautions against prohibited behaviors for the sake of the safety and privacy of the facility. For example, some rules and regulations this signage can reinforce are “No smoking” or “No access beyond this point.”

There are some things to consider to create the most effective signage for wayfinding. Here are some guidelines to utilize when working with an Omaha sign company:

Keep it simple

• Don’t overcomplicate your message by getting too wordy. Condensed phrases work best for signage specific to wayfinding. Limit the content to just the important stuff. 

• Utilize your branding to design your sign but in a minimal manner to not distract from the subject at hand. Do, however, utilize bold fonts to increase readability.

Strategically place directional signage

• Place directional signage in the most popular, high-traffic areas to ensure that they are where they are most needed.

• Avoid placing them where they might go overlooked or unseen, for instance, somewhere with distractions or items blocking them. 

Use symbols

• For those viewing your signage at a distance, utilize any relevant and recognizable symbols to maximize visibility and reach. The more familiar, the better to ensure they can follow policy or get to their destination faster. 

Visit Us

Whether your intention is to identify, direct, inform or regulate, our Omaha sign company has all the resources to create your wayfinding signage. We can help you determine the best way to utilize these signs down to their content and placement. Connect with us for assistance implementing your new wayfinding signage system!