When you’re lost in an unfamiliar space, you won’t be amused by a funny sign or moved by a beautiful one – you simply want to know where to go. While signwriters get to be creative with a lot of signage systems, wayfinding signs primarily need to be easy to find, easy to read and easy to understand.
The signwriting specialists at Onform Signs have been commissioned for many directional signs across Auckland because we understand how significant they are. Whether it’s a mall or office, a hospital, airport or parking lot, our signage team always follow the guide below to create excellent wayfinding signs.
Simplicity is Key
When it comes to wayfinding, we like to stick to the trade’s foundations – physical signs that are clear, concise and legible. This means using unambiguous fonts, designing letters big enough to see without reaching for your glasses, and using colours that help viewers see and easily interpret the message.
More Than Just Written Words
There are times when words only complicate things, and in wayfinding signage, this is frequently the case. Arrows and well-marked floor numbers, mobility parking and bathrooms are all part of the comprehensive wayfinding signage system and often a symbol is easier, faster and more universally understood than words.
Properly Placed
Your wayfinding signs are only as good as their placement. Sign makers observe public spaces and visitor behaviour to determine where people will expect to find a directional cue. We use this research to choose the most natural, obvious spot to hang our signs.
Attractive Signs
Yes, wayfinding signs should be simple and concise but that doesn’t have to come at the cost of pleasant aesthetics. Through clean lines, well balanced colour combinations and attractive graphics, our signage specialists make sure that signs that are informative are still visually appealing.
Consistency
In Auckland, wayfinding signs are used in many potentially high stress environments like hospitals, educational institutions and shopping malls. When signage throughout these facilities is inconsistent, it confuses people and adds to their stress. On the other hand, by maintaining a cohesive style, wayfinding signage will help contribute to calm rather than promote chaos.
Branding Opportunity
While directional signs exist to help people find their way, you can still use them as an opportunity to display your brand. There is no reason you can’t use your company’s colours, lettering and logo on the sign, so long as it doesn’t interrupt the directional message.
Creativity is Allowed
This may seem to fly in the face of everything we’ve been saying but, once all the above boxes are ticked, creativity is allowed in wayfinding signage. When appropriate, a good signwriter will know how to bring some artistic flair to wayfinding signs. They might use bespoke arrows, unique signage materials or play with corners and angles to insert some personality into your wayfinding sign.
It’s surprising how much wayfinding signage can make or break somebody’s experience in a new space. If you’re after excellent directional signs in Auckland, talk to the signwriting specialists at Onform Signs.