Four types of wayfinding signage and their uses

Wayfinding signage is something that almost every type of organisation will need. It does not matter whether you are running an office, restaurant, hospital, events space or construction site, this signage is essential.

Good quality wayfinding signage that is installed in a logical way will ensure the smooth running of your space. It will make it easy for people to get from one place to another, increasing user-friendliness and reducing frustration.

When it comes to wayfinding signage, there are four different types. Each has its own purpose, but they are also linked together as part of an overall wayfinding system. This blog will outline the four types, explaining everything that facility managers need to know about their deployment.

Identification signs

Identification signs are the most frequently used type. They are the ones that tell people precisely what part of a building or campus they are in, enabling them to determine when they have found the place they are looking for. Identification signs can also perform the role of general wayfinding landmarks.

Anyone who is using a building or site for the first time will need them to avoid feeling hopelessly lost. If you are in a hospital and looking for the oncology ward, it is identification signage that will let you know whether you are there or not. These signs are very important, because feeling lost is not just frustrating – it can also be scary and intimidating.

When you are designing your identification signage, the focus should be on clarity. Make sure the text is readable and to-the-point, keeping clutter to the absolute minimum. People should be able to glance at the sign and immediately understand what it is saying.

Some examples of identification signs include:

• Nameplates on office doors
• Signs demarcating parts of a building (departments, wards etc.)
• Landmark signs (historical ones, plaques carrying the names of donors)

Directional signs

Directional signs are ones that point people towards the place they are looking for. They should be situated in strategic areas, with the aim of breaking down the journey into simple steps. The best areas for directional signs are junctions and spots with high traffic flow.

The signs are absolutely essential for visitors to a site or building, but directional signage must be designed in a logical and systematic way. This can mean finger pointing signs with the name of the destination on them at intersections, or colour coded lines on walls or floors.

Examples include:

• Junction signs (turn right for toilets, turn left for exit)
• Directory signs (manager on eighth floor, cafeteria on ground floor)
• Colour codes lines (red for design department, green for sales department)

Informational signs

The third type of wayfinding signage is informational signs. While the first two contain more particular data, these signs are about the building, campus or site as a whole. They provide people with broad pieces of information.

The ideal place to locate informational signs is areas that are widely used. By this we mean entrances, reception areas and waiting rooms. The signs should provide answers to common questions – e.g. what are your opening hours? Where are the lifts/toilets? Alongside the text, informational signs often feature broadly understandable symbols.

Some examples are:

• Information about a company (when it opens/closes, what it does)
• Information about key on-site facilities (cafeteria, waiting rooms, bathrooms)
• Information about amenities (Wi-Fi, lifts)

Regulatory signs

Last but not least is regulatory signage. This is the kind that you must have to meet legal obligations. It covers all forms of health and safety signage and also lays down the rules for those using your premises, campus or site. This means clearly stating what behaviour will and will not be tolerated.

This type of signage tends to be large and in bright colours, so that nobody can miss it. It also usually features big, bold text outlining a concise message, often accompanied by the use of exclamation marks for emphasis. Regulatory sign messages range from ‘Danger – Keep Out!’ to ‘No Smoking!’

Some examples:

• Signs enforcing rules (no smoking, no aggressive/abusive behaviour)
• Signs restricting access (staff only, no entry)
• Health and safety signs (emergency exits, fire alarms)

At Ainsley Signs, we are among the top sign makers in the North West. Get in touch with us today for everything from wayfinding signage to vehicle livery.