In a changing and sometimes challenging world, signs are fundamental to communicating the information we need to keep us all safe. Philadelphia Sign has been there for our clients since 1905. Over the many decades, our company has weathered global wars, international health crises and economic upheavals. We’ve learned that resilience comes from the ability to adapt and to focus on the future. We are operational and ready to assist our clients with signage solutions needed to direct, inform, maintain safety and to convey your message.
Wayfinding: The Signs of the Times
Wayfinding signage can be found in large office buildings, airports, healthcare complexes and campuses. The most familiar type of wayfinding uses texts and graphics to help with navigation, label landmarks or map a route.
But, wayfinding is more than just arrows and EXIT signs. Wayfinding is used to convey critically important information, warnings, reminders and even a play a role in telling your brand story. Find out how this sign work-horse can be employed to meet today’s challenges.
There are four types of signs that fall under the category of wayfinding:
- Directional and Identification Signs
- Informational
- Regulatory
- ADA Compliant
Directional and identification signs are just that: signage that points the way and identifies location. Directional signs and identification signs are the most common type of wayfinding signs, aiding and assisting travelers to their destinations. While directional signage is primarily used for navigation, an example of an identification sign is EXIT letters above a doorway. Visitors to hospital environments depend on directionals to speed them towards emergency care, or to identify the spaces where vital help is accessed. But, the usefulness of directionals is not limited to large spaces or for critical environments; even in small public establishments like a restaurant, directionals eliminate confusion, ensuring patrons don’t accidentally wander into your kitchen on the way to the restroom! Directional and Identification signs should be a part of smart planning for public spaces of any size, anywhere people visit.
Informational signs are used for communicating relevant facts such as hours of operation, instructions like: “Line Forms Here” or to tout additional services or features. However, instructional signs can also make your business an Instagrammable stand-out by putting an accent on your brand message. Use informational signage to add ambience, relay what makes you special or to provide colorful commentary. Is your store the number one retailer of widgets in your state? Do you have the hottest coffee in town? Is your location historically important? Informational signage can include fun facts or interesting details on-site to further build your brand and enhance your customer’s experience.
Regulatory signs relay essential safety-related information, warnings and regulations – often emphatically! Regulatory signs are ubiquitous in industry, manufacturing plants, food service and healthcare where hazards are found – and safety is foremost. Regulatory signs are also seen in public spaces to convey warnings and enforce laws. From DANGER warnings to HAND WASHING prompts to NO SMOKING reminders, regulatory signs are crucial part of our landscape designed to keep us safe and in compliance with laws and regulations. Regulatory signs should be a part of every sign portfolio. And, prompts for healthy habits such as hand-washing are more important now than ever.
ADA Compliant Signs are not an option in permanent public or private spaces with ten or more employees. ADA compliant signage must be installed in restaurants, retail establishments, schools, museums and office buildings. If you own a business, chances are you will need ADA compliant signs. ADA signage must meet strict guidelines for fabrication and installation. ADA signs all have specific properties: tactile characters (braille), a non-glare finish and high visual contrast between background and letters. Fonts, type sizes and typeface case are also regulated. Signs in some pubic areas, as in restrooms, require universally identifiable pictograms. While the guidelines for these signs are rigorous, there is no reason they cannot be designed to complement your décor. Even ADA compliant signage can be designed with your brand in mind.
Philadelphia Sign is your one-stop provider for every type of signage. Whether you want direct visitors throughout your location, reinforce your brand messaging, protect your employees and guests from hazards or need to meet the ADA guidelines, we can create a complete sign family for your business or organization.
You can count on PSCO today, as always, to meet today’s challenges with solutions for a changing world.