4 Types Of Wayfinding Signs

Visitors to a business depend on signage to navigate the space effectively, making wayfinding signs essential for creating a seamless guest experience. There are four main types of wayfinding signs that help guide visitors: identification, directional, informational, and regulatory. This guide offers a closer look at these crucial signs and what businesses should know about them.

Wayfinding signs usually work in conjunction with each other. For instance, regulatory signs prevent people from entering hazardous spaces, like high-voltage rooms or areas under construction. Directional signs work with regulatory signs by pointing individuals to the safest route to their destination.

Any of the four types of wayfinding sign should be designed simply to ensure swift readability. Guests must be able to read the signs’ messages clearly, quickly, and from a distance. Simple language makes wayfinding signs especially effective and provides the biggest benefits.

What are the four types of wayfinding signs?

Wayfinding signs utilize a combination of graphics, symbols, colors, and other visual cues to help individuals move through a space. As sign industry experts know, a good wayfinding sign offers guidance, while a great wayfinding sign elevates their experience, making it an enjoyable one.

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1. Identification

The most common type of wayfinding sign is the identification sign. These signs let individuals know that they have arrived at their intended destination, whether that is the accounting department in an office building or the correct terminal number in an airport.

Identification signs may utilize specific colors and designs. When a directional sign is blue, the identification sign at the destination is also blue. Furthermore, identification signs are not always permanent; some may be temporary when purposes of the space change.

Enhancing ease of navigation, identification signs clearly mark the purposes of a space or the services available within it. They should be placed at eye-level for optimum visibility. Furthermore, identification signs can be designed to add visual appeal to the immediate environment.

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2. Directional

Directional signs show people the path to follow to arrive at their intended location. These types of signs may be simple or complex. The former may point people left or right, while comprehensive directional signs may showcase multiple colored lines to lead people to their destination.

Blue lines on the floor may direct individuals to a marketing department, while red ones point them to finance. Junction signage directs people to the cafeteria (left) or exit (right). A directory is another example of directional signage, whereby individuals can find the CEO on the 5th floor, for instance.

When creating directional signs, businesses should strive to incorporate their brand colors and fonts for maximum impact. Approach the sign-design process from the perspective of a guest visiting the building for the first time. The ideal directional sign delivers the message within seconds.

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3. Informational

Informational signs are those that answer common questions before they are asked. Guests, for instance, follow information signs that lead them to the restroom or provide them with operating hours. If an elevator is in the building, an informational sign points them to its location.

These types of signs deliver general information and are usually installed in areas with maximum foot traffic, such as office lobbies, waiting rooms, and building entrances. Informational signs are universally recognizable and can be designed without letters or words to be effective.

For example, symbols may include a graphic of a first-aid kit—a white cross on a green background—to communicate the location of first-aid supplies. Restrooms may feature the graphics of males and females to help visitors identify men’s, women’s, or unisex bathrooms.

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4. Regulatory

Regulatory signs primarily focus on visitors’ safety and set boundaries. Certain facilities may prohibit activities, such as smoking, and regulatory signs convey this message clearly. These signs unambiguously communicate what is and isn’t allowed, such as an “Employees Only” door sign.

Safety is paramount. A building may install a regulatory sign warning guests to wear safety equipment or avoid a room with high voltage. Some regulatory signs are required by law. These include signs showing the locations of emergency exits and fire extinguishers as well as ADA accessibility.

Certain colors are often used in regulatory signs. Red, for instance, is universally accepted as a color associated with danger and restrictions. Stop signs are often in red. Amber signs may warn of slippery floors, while green is used to communicate the locations of exits.

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Wayfinding Sign Design and Installation from Divine Signs

Wayfinding signs serve many purposes, from improving the user experience to saving visitors time. They play crucial roles during emergencies, guiding guests to evacuation routes and exits. Wayfinding signs consider the needs of individuals with disabilities and provide navigation options.

These types of signs promote discoverability, leading guests to information desks, attractions, and shops. When wayfinding signs incorporate brand colors and elements, they further reinforce the business’s identity. Clear directions improve the visitor experience, decreasing the need for constant assistance.

When your company plans to upgrade or add wayfinding signs to your office, consult a premier sign design company, like Divine Signs and Graphics. We design, build, and install a wide variety of indoor signage to complement your brand and guide visitors to the appropriate destination with ease.

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Our sign experts are experienced in creating attractive 3D interior signs, decorative signs featuring eye-catching art as well as interior logo signs that proudly showcase your brand identity. We can customize an indoor business sign using the wide variety of materials and design combinations available to us.

If you opt for effective wayfinding signs, we specialize in creating these, too. From ADA signs to lobby signs and environmental signage, your sign design needs are fulfilled. We involve our customers in the process at all phases to ensure their concept is brought to life.

A stunning indoor sign is a discussion away. Choose Divine Signs and Graphics for your next business sign. We offer endless design options and a seamless experience to companies local to Schaumburg. Call our Schaumburg, Illinois, office today to consult with one of our friendly sign experts.

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