Signage Education: Way-finding Signs
February 25, 2010
Way-finding is best described as the process of using spatial and environmental information to find our way in a building or group of buildings. It can also be defined from the standpoint of the designer and client seeking to establish or improve the function of a particular environment. The way-finding design is the process of organizing spatial and environmental information to help users find their way. It should not be considered a separate or different activity from traditional “signage design”, but rather as a broader, more inclusive way of assessing all the environmental issues which affect our ability to find our way. Many of the new “way-finding” principles have been practiced by designers for years, but have now been named, quantified, and wrapped into more comprehensive methodologies as part of the design process.
It should be noted that, although signage has been the most common solution to way-finding problems, that the design and associated signs must address problems that could be operational, organizational, nomenclature, staff direction-giving, or the building itself. Visual dominance of entrances, definition of public space from private space, the ability to visually separate one functional zone from another, all play an important role in being able to navigate a particular space.
The naming, numbering and general organization of the parts of a building is a critical, organizational aspect of a good wayfinding plan. Floor numbering, dedicatory names versus common names, departmental names, stall and room numbering must be carefully considered when preparing message lists for use on signs and published brochures. Clear, logical hierarchies must exist to help users remember and use the nomenclature. Symbols, identity, and foreign language can also play an important role.
People using the environment bring with them unique abilities, limitations, and memories about navigating which must be accommodated by the overall way-finding strategy. The special needs populations, sight and mobility limitations, and whether the facility is entirely new or a revision to an early facility must be taken into account. ESL groups, cultural and ethnic minorities, and the elderly must all be able to use the facility with a minimal assistance.
Related graphic devices such as wall and floor graphics, strategic placement of sculpture, art programs, and computerized information kiosks are all potential elements in a successful way-finding plan. At SignWorks we can help you to develop a way-finding plan that is second to none. One that includes state-of-art signage and artist design flare that compliments and enhances your environment.
An Introduction To Architectural Signage
February 18, 2010
Architectural signage to does more than communicate a message, it must also help build the brand name of the company it serves. Precision craftsmanship and cutting edge design along with carefully selected materials that best represent the finished product are essential.
The primary challenges during the design phase is coming up with a look that the customer wants and helping them to choose materials that fit within their budgets. It is important to carefully choose materials in the design phase so that any special requirements, such as lighting, mounting, or curved walls are addressed.
Understanding the different needs for indoor versus outdoor signage, such as durability, lighting, regulations and installation can help minimize and overcome the myriad of architectural signage obstacles. Equally important, however, is clear communication with our customers so that key issues such as timing and cost are managed. Discussing realistic expectations every step along the way using specs, photos and illustrations saves time and money in the end.
Creating quality architectural signage, then, means understanding the details and planning for the obstacles involved. The challenges are somewhat different depending on whether the signage is for indoor or outdoor use. With exterior signage the tolerances do not have to be quite as precise, but then there are other challenges that are just as significant, such as weather conditions like sunlight, humidity, heat, and cold.
Fade resistant materials are important to protect both indoor and outdoor architectural signage from the sun, but understanding the impact of ambient lighting is also a key challenge. Choosing the right materials for architectural signage can be a major obstacle therefore it is important that clients understand the issues.
Communities have regulations on exterior signage and installation challenges such as special permits can slow down the installation and approval process. Installation will require that underground utilities like phone and power and fiber optic networks be considered before any digging can begin.
Interior architectural signage is typically on a wall but sometimes there is no suitable wall behind the reception desk, for example, or in the direct line of sight from the elevator. Also, existing wall finishes such as color and texture of walls, lighting or the pattern on the wallpaper can be distracting. Typically, indoor signs can be produced faster because fabrication methods are not as elaborate, there is no preparation of the site, and there are no regulations or permits that need to be get signed off on.
Signage Education: ADA Compliant Signage
February 11, 2010
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Tactile & Braille Signage Code is a wide-ranging civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability under certain circumstances. The lack of accessibility or access to certain services can be considered discriminatory, regardless of whom it actually affects. The result is that there is a need for ADA compliant signs because individuals may not be discriminated against on the basis of disability and are afforded the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations. Initially, when the law was first put into effect, there was a problem because ADA signs were not esthetically pleasing. However, ADA has now been in existence for some time so the question of esthetics has been resolved and the industry faces new problems with ADA signs.
ADA signs are everywhere you look including restrooms, stairwells, room numbers and parking stalls. This means that companies such as SignWorks who know how to satisfy these regulations are a first choice for building and construction companies needing ADA compliant signs.
While ADA guidelines define font size, contrast and other criteria, the law does not define specific design criteria related to aesthetics. Therefore, letter height, Braille placement, font, and color contrast make only minimal impacts on the visual appearance. This means that there are ways to make ADA signage more attractive while still adhering to the guidelines. ADA-compliant materials are one way to make the difference between a ho-hum sign and something that is more visually attractive. For example, sign frames with the ability to change printed inserts are another. Finally, understanding what the guidelines really say about color contrast and icons provide more freedom than originally thought.
Commercial Signage: An Overview
February 4, 2010
A variety of signs could be classified as commercial signage and would include monument signs, indoor and outdoor business signs including lobby and reception area signs. And, to the extent that a business has a trade affiliation and attends periodic conferences and meetings there may also be a need for commercial trade show booth and backdrop graphics, as well as banners to promote periodic events, new store hours or specific promotional campaigns. Commercial signs also include way finding signs and, in new building and renovation projects, will include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and safety signs based on regulations that vary by state. Many commercial customers also use backlit electric and neon signs, dimensional and channel letters, as well as window lettering for vehicles and store fronts. And, many additional sign types would also be classified as commercial signs.
Over the next series of weeks the articles will focus on helping you to better understand several types of commercial signs, including:
• ADA Compliant Signs
• Architectural Signage
• Way-finding Signs
• Monument Signs
• Neon and LED Channel Letters
• Electrical Signs
Our goal continues to be educating our customers so that they can make better and more informed decisions about their signage needs.
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