Directional & Wayfinding Signs

What are Directional and Wayfinding Signs?

Directional signs and wayfinding signs are types of signage used to provide guidance and information to people navigating through a specific location, such as a building, campus, or public area. While they serve a similar purpose, there are subtle differences between the two:

1. Directional Signs: Directional signs are designed to provide clear and concise information about the direction to specific destinations or points of interest. These signs typically use arrows, text, or symbols to guide individuals toward their desired location. Directional signs are commonly used at intersections, road junctions, parking lots, and other areas where people need guidance to navigate from one place to another.
2. Wayfinding Signs: Wayfinding signs encompass a broader scope and focus on guiding individuals through complex environments or unfamiliar spaces. In addition to providing directional information, wayfinding signs help users understand their current location, identify landmarks or key points of interest, and navigate the intended route. Wayfinding signage often includes maps, symbols, color-coded paths, and other visual cues to enhance orientation and facilitate navigation.

Both directional and wayfinding signs play crucial roles in enhancing the user experience, reducing confusion, and improving accessibility in various settings. They are commonly found in airports, hospitals, shopping malls, educational institutions, large office complexes, parks, and other public areas where clear navigation is essential.

Benefits of Directional and Wayfinding Signage

Having directional and wayfinding signs in your business can provide several benefits:

1. Improved Customer Experience: Directional and wayfinding signs help customers navigate your business premises more efficiently. By providing clear and concise guidance, you enhance their overall experience and reduce frustration or confusion. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
2. Increased Efficiency: When customers can find their desired locations or services quickly and easily, it streamlines the flow of foot traffic within your business. This can help reduce congestion, prevent bottlenecks, and improve operational efficiency.
3. Enhanced Accessibility: Directional and wayfinding signs are particularly beneficial for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility. By providing clear accessibility routes and indicating accessible facilities, you ensure everyone can navigate your business premises comfortably and independently.
4. Branding and Professionalism: Well-designed directional and wayfinding signs can contribute to your brand image and professionalism. Consistent signage that reflects your brand’s visual identity and aesthetics adds a sense of cohesion and professionalism to your business environment.
5. Increased Sales and Conversion: In retail or large business premises, directional signs can guide customers to specific areas, departments, or product displays. You can potentially increase sales and improve conversion rates by effectively directing customers toward key areas or promotional offers.
6. Safety and Security: Wayfinding signs can play a crucial role in emergencies by providing clear evacuation routes and exits. By ensuring that individuals can easily navigate and evacuate your premises, you contribute to their safety and well-being.
7. Reduced Staff Burden: With well-placed directional signs, customers can find their way independently, reducing the need for constant staff assistance or guidance. This lets your employees focus on other essential tasks, improving productivity and efficiency.

Remember to design your signs with clear and legible typography, use recognizable symbols or icons, and ensure proper placement for maximum visibility. Regularly assess and update your signage to accommodate business layout or service changes.

Types of Directional and Wayfinding Signs

Depending on the specific needs and environment, various types of directional and wayfinding signs can be used. Here are some common types:

1. Arrow Signs: These signs use arrows to indicate the direction to follow. They are simple and effective for providing clear directional guidance.
2. Fingerpost Signs: Fingerpost signs consist of a vertical post with multiple arms pointing in different directions. Each arm typically includes the name or symbol of a specific destination or area.
3. Floor Decals: These signs are applied to the floor and often feature directional arrows or text. Floor decals guide foot traffic through large indoor spaces such as airports, malls, or exhibition halls.
4. Wall-Mounted Signs: Wall-mounted signs are attached to walls or other vertical surfaces. They can display directions, maps, or symbols to guide people along hallways, corridors, or building entrances.
5. Pictorial Signs: Pictorial signs use recognizable symbols or pictograms to convey information. They are handy in environments where multiple languages are spoken or for communicating with individuals who may have language barriers.
6. Map Signs: Map signs provide an overview of the entire area, building, or campus. They typically include a layout of the premises, marked destinations, and directional arrows to help visitors orient themselves.
7. Overhead Signs: Overhead signs are suspended from ceilings or placed above eye level. They are commonly used in airports, train stations, or large public spaces to indicate directions to different gates, terminals, or areas.
8. Road Signs: Road signs are essential for directional guidance on roads and highways. They include signs indicating intersections, exits, landmarks, distances, and other navigational information.
9. Directory Signs: Directory signs are often found in large buildings or complexes with multiple businesses or departments. They provide a list of occupants and their respective locations, helping visitors find specific destinations.
10. Information Kiosks: Information kiosks are interactive displays that provide detailed maps, directions, and information about various points of interest. They are often equipped with touch screens for users to search and locate specific areas or services.

These are just a few examples of directional and wayfinding signs. The choice of signage depends on your business or premises’ specific environment, purpose, and needs. It’s important to consider visibility, clarity, and consistency when designing and placing signs to ensure effective wayfinding for your visitors or customers.

Examples of Directional and Wayfinding Signs

We pride ourselves on creating professional custom signs that draw attention to your business. Check out examples of our directional and wayfinding signage projects for inspiration.