Wayfinding
Directional signs, at their most basic function, should quickly and effortlessly guide visitors to their destination. No one wants to be wondering where the bathroom is when nature is urgently calling. Clear directional signage can bolster the visitor experience by making navigating any business a breeze.
Safety and Accessibility
Emergency situations, like fires or tornadoes, are an unfortunate but inevitable fact of life. Despite best efforts, the worst can happen. In the face of these dangerous situations, clear and visible directional signs can be literally lifesaving. High visibility for exit signs and stairs can save critical seconds in high-stress and dangerous conditions such as smoke from a fire or panicking crowds. It is unpleasant to consider these circumstances as possibilities, but preparedness is the best prevention. Customers and employees alike benefit from the effective and judicious use of directional signs.
Directional signs can also be a necessary part of many people’s lives. Employing ADA-compliant signs is an easy step any business can take to create a more accessible and friendly environment to a diverse array of visitors. Non-native English speakers rely on the recognizable graphics used on directional signs to traverse a business with ease.
Branding and Design
A common conception of signs is that they are a necessary but dull design decision that can disrupt the aesthetic effort of a business. Directional signs can easily be incorporated into any business’ existing branding by customizing the sign shape, color, and design to blend in seamlessly. Directional signs can be another mindful design choice to showcase and increase brand awareness.
The design flow of a business benefits from adding clear signage to properly guide visitors through a large or confusing layout. For example, consider navigating an efficient route through Ikea if all signage suddenly disappeared. As with all business strategies, it is best to keep customer experience at the forefront. Directional signs can be employed in any business setting as an easy way to improve this experience.