Whether you’re rushing to catch a flight in a crowded airport, trying to find your seat at a concert to see your favorite band or making your way through a museum, you’ve likely found yourself saying things like:
“Where do I go next?”
“How do we get to our section?”
“Am I even in the right building?”
“Where’s the information desk?”
“Are the restrooms this way?”
We’ve all experienced the inconvenience, confusion and frustration of getting lost inside a large building or a sprawling complex such as an airport, hospital, university, concert venue or amusement park. Whether you are the owner or facility manager, the last thing you want is for your guests or visitors to struggle with finding their way around. Such difficulties can negatively impact their entire experience, amplify safety risks and potentially lead to fewer return visits and a slew of negative reviews online.
That’s where wayfinding systems come in. While an individual wayfinding sign offers limited information at one location, multiple wayfinding signs (or systems) are designed with visitors in mind and are part of a larger ecosystem. The signs complement each other and provide a cohesive, helpful and intuitive navigation experience through a multipart environment.
What Types of Signs Typically Make up a Wayfinding System?
The four main types of wayfinding signs include directional, informational, regulatory and identification. Let’s explore these categories of wayfinding signage in greater detail:
1. Directional Signs
Directional signs enhance the overall experience by providing clear and concise directions and helping people find their way to various destinations within a facility without confusion. They guide users through a space and help them seamlessly navigate from one point to another.
Temporary signage: Signs used at events to guide visitors that don’t need to be installed like yard signs and a-frames that are an affordable way to control traffic and provide additional information.
Path indicators: These signs may use arrows or other recognizable symbols pointing toward emergency exits, elevators, first aid, shelter in place areas, restrooms or specific departments.
Floor graphics: In very large, open spaces such as airports, museums or shopping malls, floor graphics can conveniently guide visitors along the correct path to their desired location.
Overhead signs: Large overhead signs are commonly used in big venues such as convention centers, stadiums or arenas. They are a surefire way to draw attention to a particular area or section of the building.
The signs in this category may include the following:
Symbols: universal icons that help convey the message quickly e.g. a wheelchair for accessible routes. Text: conveys the name of the destination including “Lobby,” “Conference Room,” or “Parking.” Arrows: points towards specific locations such as departments, restrooms or exits.
2. Informational Signs
These signs are vital to keeping patrons informed about important information about facilities or available services. They can reduce the need for staff assistance and enhance the overall efficiency and flow of the facility. Cafeteria locations, building maps and Wi-Fi availability are all common informational signs.
Maps and Directories: These signs are often placed at key points or entrances within a facility. They provide an overview of the layout and locations of departments, various services or sections.
Service Information: Hours of operation, special instructions and contact details are all commonly used to convey valuable information quickly and easily.
Event Schedules: Informational signage is ideal for displaying schedules for performances, games or events in venues such as theaters or conference centers.
3. Identification Signs
Identification signs label specific areas or resources including department names, restroom signs, room numbers and section numbers for seating. They help people confirm that they have arrived at their preferred destination.
Room Numbers and Names: These signs quickly identify individual rooms or departments within hotels or office buildings.
Building Names: These exterior signs identify the name of the building or a complex. (They are very helpful on university campuses or in an area with many structures.)
Points of Interest: Identification signage can distinguish historical landmarks and common points of interest in large outdoor areas. They enhance the user experience by offering a broader historical context.
4. Regulatory Signs
In the context of wayfinding, regulatory signs inform people about safety guidelines and rules within a given environment and set boundaries about where people can and cannot go. These signs communicate vital safety protocols and information about designated smoking areas and hygiene practices. They also aid in maintaining order, enhancing safety and reducing liability concerns.
Emergency Exits: These signs indicate the location of emergency exits, stairs and escape routes.
Safety Instructions: Safety instruction signs feature information about locations for fire extinguishers and first aid stations.
Accessibility Signage: Identify ramps, handicapped restrooms and other accommodations your facilities may offer to create a positive and welcoming experience.
A properly planned out wayfinding system can help guests feel more comfortable in your establishment and an environment that they want to return to. Not sure where to start? Call our team of experts at Image360 to do a walkthrough and identify the areas you need to add signage.
