Do You Need a Signage Plan?

From small local shops to multinational corporations, the significance of signage cannot be underestimated. If you step outside, you're likely to encounter various signs displayed throughout your neighborhood. Even in sprawling urban environments like cities, a well-organized signage strategy is always in place.

When it comes to moving from one location to another, an address is essential. However, an address alone holds no value without proper signage. Without effective signs to guide you, finding your way becomes an insurmountable challenge. This emphasizes the necessity of a robust wayfinding plan.

Rapid Signs, a company specializing in signage design and implementation across diverse industries, has garnered insight from their experiences. It's evident that businesses spanning considerable areas require meticulously devised signage solutions.

In the present article, we will delve into the concept of a signage system and explore whether your business stands to benefit from one.

Understanding a Signage Strategy or System:

At its core, a signage system or strategy is a highly efficient means of imparting information and directions to people, aiding their navigation through extensive spaces such as markets, sprawling complexes, hospitals, and more.

Directional signs serve to convey various types of information. In advertising, they promote products, services, or special deals. Additionally, signs serve as warnings, preventing individuals from engaging in hazardous actions, exemplified by stop signs.

Conversely, a wayfinding plan is a specialized system designed to furnish directional guidance through interior and exterior signs within or around business premises.

Signs Your Business Requires a Wayfinding System:

If your customers or visitors express difficulties in navigating your establishment or office building, it's a clear indicator that you need an effective signage plan. The necessity for a comprehensive wayfinding system isn't limited to large corporations; even a convenience store or neighborhood shop benefits immensely.

Should you believe that delineating distinct areas within your business could enhance the customer experience, implementing a wayfinding system becomes imperative, contributing to increased sales.

Enlisting professional assistance from a signage solutions company is strongly recommended for devising your signage plan. This is due to the intricate process and adherence to standards required during and after the design phase. In the absence of familiarity with these processes, rules, and regulations, you could end up expending more time and resources than necessary.

Best Practices and Pitfalls in Signage System Planning:

When crafting a wayfinding plan, understanding the do's and don'ts is crucial to creating an effective system.

Here's what you should prioritize:

Study Customer Movement in Your Business Space: Commence your signage strategy by observing how customers or visitors navigate your premises. Put yourself in their shoes, identifying areas where they pause to seek directions or cues towards their intended destinations.

Categorize Signs by Importance: A signage hierarchy is vital for discerning which signs are pivotal for seamless navigation. This hierarchy comprises six types of wayfinding signs: Directory, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Collateral, and Decor. For further guidance, reference existing successful signage plans.

Conversely, here's what you should avoid:

Avoid Incomprehensible Fonts: Letter styles and fonts significantly impact sign visibility and legibility. Opt for ADA-compliant signs with easily readable fonts and standard styles to ensure clarity.

Steer Clear of Excessive Color Combinations: Adhere to established color combinations to prevent confusion and ensure readability, whether viewed up close or from a distance.

Rapid Signs Is Here to Help With Your Signage Needs

Creating a signage plan is not an easy feat. However, we have designed and implemented such systems for various clients since 2010. So, if you need to consult our experts for your signage system, we encourage you to reach out to us– anytime.