Hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities are often maze-like structures with many hallways and rooms. To help patients and visitors navigate these buildings, directional signs are crucial. An effective directional sign system should be easy to understand, well-designed, and highly visible.
Types of Signs Used in a Directional Sign System
There are several types of signs used to create cohesive directional sign systems. The individual signs supply visual cues and combine to guide visitors and patients. Medical buildings are a stressful place for visitors. Directional signs, when properly placed, make navigation easier and reduce stress.
Directional Signs
Directional signs are the most important type of sign for guiding staff, patients, and visitors throughout your healthcare facility. They provide specific information about key areas such as patient rooms, operating theatres, and waiting areas. Directional signs should be placed at every intersection and near the entrance to every room. The text on directional signs should be clear and concise. Symbols, arrows, and other graphics are used in combination with text.
Informational Signs
Informational signs are used to provide guidance to a multitude of locations and objects within a medical facility. They are commonly used to identify a specific room or area and include the room number or name, as well as a brief description of the room’s use. These signs are placed on doors or near the entrance to a room.
Identification Signs
Identification signs are used to show the specific use of a room. They often include symbols to indicate the type of room it is, such as a symbol for a restroom or an examination room. These signs are hung in hallways, above nursing stations, information areas and adjacent to operating rooms.
Regulatory Signs
Regulatory signs are used to provide information about facility rules. These signs are placed throughout a medical facility to remind visitors and patients of rules such as no smoking or no cell phones in certain areas.
Tips for Creating an Effective Directional Sign System
There are a few things to keep in mind when designing a directional sign system. The following tips will help ensure your sign system is effective.
- Use a consistent design scheme: All the signs in your system should use a similar design scheme. This includes using the same colors, fonts, and overall style. This creates an easy to navigate and cohesive system.
- Use clear and concise text: The text on your signs should be high contrast with easily read fonts. Use simple language understood by everyone. Avoid using medical jargon or technical terms.
- Use symbols and graphics: These are used to supplement the text or to provide additional information. Symbols and graphics should be used sparingly so as not to create clutter and overwhelm the reader.
FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento / Natomas Airport Area, CA is the best choice for creating a sign system for your hospital, clinic, or medical facility. With years of experience in the industry, our team of experts will collaborate with you to create a custom solution to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to get started!
