Let’s be honest, sometimes we need help finding our way. Not just metaphorically, but sometimes simply on a road trip or even in your doctor’s office. You can likely relate to the frustration of not knowing which hallway the restroom is down, the floor your doctor’s office is on, or where your favorite shop is at the mall. As a business, you want your customers to feel welcome and comfortable in your space, never having to question “where am I?”. Wayfinding signage ensures your customers always know where to find you!
WHAT IS WAYFINDING SIGNAGE
Whether you notice it or not, wayfinding signage is all around you. There are four common types: directional, identification, informational, and regulatory.
- Directional
Directional signage should guide visitors from one point to another, allowing them to have a seamless transition into your business and throughout your property. These signs could be in the parking lot telling visitors where to park, at hallway junctions describing what’s on the left and right of the building, and arrows pointing towards the restrooms.
- Identification
Identification signage is commonly used to identify certain spaces of your building or property. One application is to number and label office spaces or conference rooms with door plaques. Another way we have used them here at Comet Signs by Stratus is to identify the different areas of our 180,000 square foot warehouse. This is a great organizational tool, and it helps guide our employees and visitors throughout space.
- Informational
Unlike identification signs, informational signage pertains more to your overall building instead of specific areas. They are often placed in high traffic areas where visitors first arrive, like a lobby or waiting room. Some examples of this type of signage includes clearly posted hours of operation, wi-fi details in a conference area, or how visitors can contact someone for assistance upon arrival. Other unique way to use these signs, which would also fall in the category of interior architectural signage, is with a donor or company mural wall in your lobby.
- Regulatory
Regulatory signage has a specific purpose – safety. While most are regulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), others may be required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). To ensure everyone’s safety, it’s important to adhere to the established standards for regulatory signs like no smoking, employees only, any parking restrictions, and fire safety signage.
WHY YOU NEED WAYFINDING SIGNAGE
You want your customers to have a seamless visit to your store. They should be able to easily navigate your building to find the products or services they need. Your brand gets customers in the door, while signage helps them find their way around.
While every business needs wayfinding signage, larger businesses like amusement parks, museums, malls, casinos, grocery stores, and hospitals desperately need signage due to their sheer size. It would be nearly impossible for a customer to know how to navigate these kinds of businesses without signage clearly directing them. However, the reality is that every business, no matter the size, needs wayfinding signage to effectively communicate with visitors and enhance their experience with your business.
LET COMET SIGNS GUIDE YOU
For your business to have a successful signage program, you cannot solely rely on one type of signage. It’s important to have a complete, and integrated, package that highlights your branding and makes a lasting impression on your visitors. With over 60 years of experience, Comet Signs by Stratus is truly an expert in signage. Contact us today to learn more about our wayfinding signage solutions.