Indoor Wayfinding Systems: 3 Helpful Tips for Creating Effective Signs
In large buildings, it is common to see patrons aimlessly standing or walking around. This is often due to their being lost. Whether you own a mall or a large hospital, implementing a wayfinding system is a good idea. These signs not only help direct patrons to their destination but also help to control the flow of guests.
If you do not yet have a wayfinding system, don't worry. With these three tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a helpful wayfinding system for your building.
1. Be Concise and Clear
When it comes to directional signage, it is best to be concise and clear. While you could certainly use these signs as an opportunity to highlight your business talents, it's often better to leave distractions out. After all, these signs are designed to help customers and guests find their way throughout your building. So leave extras such as flashy graphics or your business motto off the signs.
In addition, it is important to ensure all signs are alike. It might be tempting to display signs in different colors, but you shouldn't do this. Signs in various sizes, shapes, and colors can be confusing. Choose a sign design that you like and stick to it throughout your building. This will make it easy for guests to identify the sign and locate their destination.
2. Be Big and Bold
Directional signs will be useless if customers and guests cannot see them. So make sure the signs are big, bold, and easy to see. Be sure to take all guests into consideration when choosing your signage. For example, younger and elderly guests might not be able to read fine print. In addition, make sure you that choose a font size that is easy to read. Finally, make sure that your font color contrasts the background color of your sign—this will make the words much easier to see and read.
3. Add Other Languages
Finally, it might be a good idea to include other languages on your sign. Even if your demographic mostly speaks English, it can be helpful to have the signs include another popular language. Spanish is a good choice. Just make sure that you word everything in a foreign language succinctly, as you do not want it to take up the entire sign. For example, instead of saying, "this is the store exit," you could just say, "exit here."
If you live in an area that has a particularly high number of people who speak a language other than English, you might want to consider implementing two directional signs on a single pole, one in English and one in the foreign language.
Wayfinding systems are incredibly valuable in large buildings. If you are interested in implementing a directional system for your building, use these tips to ensure it is effective.