Directional signs are designed to help you find your way. From restaurants to parking garages to public parks, you’ll find helpful, directional signs providing you with useful information wherever you go. Ideally, directional signage is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Easy-to-read, sleek, designs are ideal for providing information with panache.
Whether you’re guiding customers inside a business, or providing important health and safety information, directional signs are necessary features of any functional space.
What are the Main Uses for Directional Signage?
Directional signs don’t just tell you where to walk, they also help relay other crucial information for navigating a particular space.
Identification – Whether you’re a college student trying to find their first class or a professional searching for a meeting room, clear signs indicating the name of a room or a building are crucial for wayfinding. Directional signs are often placed strategically on building facades and outside rooms to identify the space. Directional signs also provide identification for retail businesses, so customers can find the storefront location with ease.
Direction – Wayfinding signs help guide a customer or guest within a space. Exits, entrances, restrooms, and ADA signs are all examples of wayfinding signs that provide directional information to help public spaces function more fluidly.
Information – Some directional signs indicate more than just the name of a building or the location of the exit. Informational signs provide visitors with updates like health and safety protocols or park regulations. These signs work in tandem with wayfinding and identification signs to communicate crucial information about navigating a space.
Common Types of Directional Signage
There are many different types of directional signs, and each one has its own specific use within a space. In addition to conveying information, directional signs need to be strategically placed for maximum effect. Take into consideration where the sign needs to go, and use that information to choose a sign that is appropriate for the space.
Outdoor Signs
A-Frame Signs – A-frame signs are a fantastic way to catch the attention of passersby outside a business. These types of signs are usually placed on the sidewalk or pathway and often alert customers to the location of a sale or grand opening. Since these signs are temporary, they are also often used to convey important information like trail closures and construction notices. A-frame signs are particularly popular in the restaurant industry, and chalkboard A-frames are a great option for alerting customers to daily specials and new menu items.
Flags – If you’re trying to get your customer’s attention from afar, flag signs are an excellent option. Although flags aren’t the best for conveying lots of information, they’re great wayfinding signs that alert customers to the location of your business. Flags are particularly effective for visibility from nearby highways or major thoroughfares.
Window Graphics – Most retail businesses use window graphics to convey information to their customers. Window graphics might indicate your business hours, direct customers to the entrance, or provide essential safety information about COVID-19 protocols.
Indoor Signs
Floor Decals – Floor decals are a clutter-free way to provide foot-traffic directions inside. Floor decals are applied to the ground and can be customized to convey a whole array of directions. These signs are particularly useful for indicating socially distanced spacing inside small retail spaces or where the line forms for checkout. This way, it’s easy for guests to see how far apart they are supposed to stand to maintain a safe six feet apart.
Banners – If you’re announcing a new business, or demarcating a designated meeting spot at a convention, banners are a go-to indoor sign for wayfinding. Banners are easily customizable, and are eye-catching directional signs that will be sure to attract customer attention.
Wall Mounted Signs – Wall mounted signs are highly versatile options for both indoor and outdoor signage. Ranging from sleek, acrylic wall mounts outside conference rooms, to bright and bold menus, wall mounts are a timeless option to provide information in style. Plus, on a practical note, wall mounted signs are an excellent way to convey vital information like ADA signs and hazard warnings. These signs come in a variety of materials and can even incorporate lighting elements for extra impact.
What Makes an Effective Directional Sign?
Directional signs need to be eye-catching, easy to read, and concise. Effective outdoor directional signs are often formatted with bright, bold, lettering, which contrasts with the background so they are easy to read at a distance. For informational signs, keep graphics simple and impactful and try to communicate the essential information as succinctly as possible. Indoor signs should also be clear, and use punchy graphics to promote branding.
Follow the Signs: Bishop Image Group Directional Signage
At Bishop Image Group, we’re dedicated to providing clients with unique, well-crafted signs for every occasion. In a rush? Bishop Image Group is proud to provide top-notch service for even the most rushed jobs.
From banners, to decals, to tradeshow graphics, you can count on us to find swift solutions to all your signage needs.