What is a Wayfinding Sign System?
Wayfinding signs come together to create a system that covers the entire facility so visitors and employees can find their way around. They are typically matching in color, front and overall branding. They are very common in complex locations such as business campuses, hospitals, city centers, and educational facilities. Here are the primary types of signs included in a wayfinding system:
Directional Signs
These signs show the way to entrances, exits, restrooms, and emergency facilities. Some of these include arrows pointing toward parking areas, signs hanging above hallways indicating the direction to the lobby, and floor decals guiding guests to different departments within a store or hospital. Outdoors they might indicate the path to different buildings on a campus or directionals to main roads.
Identification Signs
These signs identify specific locations like room numbers, floor levels, and building names. These can range from simple door plaques displaying room numbers, such as “Room 201”, to large building markers that name parts of a facility, like “Smith Hall.” They also include signs on each floor of a multi-story building indicating the floor number, such as a sign next to an elevator stating “Level 3”.
Informational Signs
These provide general information about the facilities, such as maps, rules, or historical facts. Examples include a lobby directory listing the names and locations of businesses within a building, signs next to artwork or historical buildings giving context and background, or digital displays providing real-time information about weather or news. Maps positioned at strategic points in malls or theme parks also fall into this category.
Regulatory Signs
These signs are used to enforce rules, show safety information, or provide legal notices, such as ADA-compliant features for accessibility. These include signs indicating wheelchair-accessible routes, emergency exit signs that glow in the dark, no-smoking signs in designated areas, or speed limit signs on private roadways. Signs displaying the rules for the use of a facility, like “No Food or Drink Allowed”, are also common examples of regulatory signs.
Benefits of Wayfinding Sign Systems
Customer Satisfaction: Clear wayfinding signs enhance the visitor experience by reducing confusion and stress associated with navigating unfamiliar environments.
Compliance with ADA Regulations: Wayfinding signs need to meet the ADA standards to make sure the facilities are accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities. Compliance helps avoid legal issues and demonstrates inclusivity.
Brand Reinforcement: Customized wayfinding signs can be designed to match the brand, using specific colors, logos, and fonts.
Safety Enhancements: When wayfinding signs are installed in the correct locations, they enhance the safety of the building by clearly marking emergency exits, fire equipment, and hazardous areas.
Contact Visual Impressions Signs today at 423-635-7144 or info@visualimpressionsigns.com to learn more about wayfinding sign systems.
