A large site can be hard to navigate. Guests may not know where to go. Staff may then have to guide them. Yet this can happen all day.
Good Wayfinding Signage makes each route clear. It helps people find the right place fast. However, it is more than a set of arrows. Each sign should form part of one plan.
For site teams, this can make daily work easier. In turn, the whole site can feel well run.
What Is Wayfinding Signage?
Wayfinding Signage is a planned set of signs. It helps people move through a site with ease.
A full sign plan may include:
- Main entrance signs
- Reception signs
- Floor and site maps
- Direction signs
- Door and room signs
- Lift and stair signs
- Toilet signs
- Car park signs
- Loading bay signs
- Safety signs
Each sign has one clear task. However, all signs should work as one set.
For example, a guest may see the main sign first. Next, a reception sign marks the right door. A floor map can then show the right level. Finally, room signs confirm the end point.
Good signs should make each step feel clear.
Why Good Wayfinding Matters to Site Teams
Site teams deal with how a building works each day. So, poor signs can cause the same issues again.
Guests may get lost before a meeting. Staff may have to give the same route. Meanwhile, a trade team may miss a service door.
Less pressure on reception
Reception staff are there to help guests. However, they should not need to give each route.
Good signs can answer many basic questions. As a result, staff have more time for key tasks.
A better first view
A clear site feels calm and well run. So, signs form part of the first impression.
For example, a guest should spot reception with ease. They should then know where to go next.
Easier routes for staff and trades
Large sites can have many rooms and teams. Therefore, staff need clear signs as well.
Trade teams may need plant rooms or loading bays. So, clear service signs can save time.
A more joined-up brand
Useful signs do not need to look dull. Instead, they can fit the look of your brand.
Fonts, colours, and materials can all match.
Facilities Signage Is More Than Arrows
Arrows play a key role in any sign plan. However, they are only one part of it.
Some signs point the way. Others name a room or floor.
For example, a guest may enter through a marked door. Next, reception confirms the main point of arrival. A floor sign then lists the key areas. Finally, a door sign marks the right room.
This joined-up plan is key. Otherwise, signs can feel mixed or hard to follow.
For this reason, all signs should use one clear style.
Wayfinding Signage for Offices
Office signs should make each route easy. They should also suit the look of the space.
Common office signs include:
- Reception signs
- Floor numbers
- Meeting room signs
- Team or department signs
- Lift and stair signs
- Toilet signs
- Breakout area signs
- Staff-only signs
- Delivery signs
Many offices change as teams grow or move. Therefore, some signs need to change too. Modular floor maps can make later updates much easier.
Wayfinding Signage for Retail Sites
Retail sites need clear routes for customers. However, the signs should still fit the store.
A customer may need a department, toilet, or service point. In addition, click-and-collect areas should be easy to spot.
Useful retail signs can mark:
- Entrances
- Departments
- Toilets
- Changing rooms
- Customer service
- Click-and-collect points
- Lifts
- Escalators
- Exits
- Car parks
Good signs can make the store easier to use. Therefore, keep each message short and clear.
How to Plan an Effective Wayfinding System
Good sign work starts with a clear plan. First, look at how people use the site.
Map the main routes
Start with the main points of entry. Then, look at where most people need to go.
Guests may head to reception. Meanwhile, trade teams may use a side door.
Each route may need a different set of signs. So, map them before any sign is made.
Find key choice points
Signs are most useful where a person must choose. For example, this may be at a lift or hall.
Keep each message short
A sign must be read in a few seconds. Therefore, use short text and clear arrows.
Use one clear style
All signs should feel like one set. So, use the same fonts, colours, and terms.
Think about size and view
A sign must be easy to see. However, the right size will depend on distance.
Position is just as important. So, place each sign before the choice point.
Signs That Fit Your Brand
A good sign system can look smart and clean. It can also fit the style of the site.
For example, brushed metal can suit a new office. Acrylic can work well with bold brand colours. Meanwhile, vinyl can add clear text to glass or walls.
Other choices include aluminium, printed panels, and built-up letters.
The right choice depends on the job. Therefore, think about wear, cost, and care.
New Signs for a Refit or Rebrand
A refit is a good time to check all signs. However, signs are often planned too late.
It is better to plan signs at an early stage. So, the fit-out team and site team can work together.
New signs may be needed after:
- An office refit
- A brand change
- A new tenant
- A team move
- Site growth
- A route change
- A new floor
- A new part of the building
- Old or worn signs
Early work also helps keep the look the same.
Signs Across More Than One Site
A group with many sites needs a clear sign style. However, each site may have a different plan.
The brand can stay the same across all sites. However, each sign plan can fit the space.
One sign firm can help manage the full job. This may include site checks, making signs, and fitting them. In addition, the same firm can help with later changes.
Local Signage in North London and Hertfordshire
Canonbury Signs works with firms across North London and Hertfordshire. We support offices, shops, site teams, and fit-out firms.
For example, we can support work in Hatfield and St Albans. We also cover Welwyn Garden City, Hertford, and Stevenage.
Projects may also take place in Borehamwood and Potters Bar. In addition, we work across Barnet, Enfield, Finchley, and North London.
Canonbury Signs can help from site check to fitting. So, one team can support each main stage.
When Should Facilities Signage Be Replaced?
Signs do not need to be broken before they change. In fact, the first signs of a problem may be small.
It may be time for a review when:
- Routes are no longer right
- Brand colours have changed
- Signs look old or worn
- Text is hard to read
- Teams have moved
- Paper signs keep being added
- Staff give the same route each day
- Guests often get lost
- Sign styles do not match
- New areas have opened
Choosing a Commercial Sign Company
Commercial sign work needs more than good art. Therefore, choose a firm that can plan and fit.
Look for skill in site checks and sign design. Also, ask about materials, making, and fitting.
The sign firm should ask how people use the site. For example, it should look at routes and key choice points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wayfinding signage?
Wayfinding Signage helps people find their way through a site. It can use arrows, maps, room names, and floor signs. Together, these signs guide guests, staff, and trade teams.
What types of signs are used for wayfinding?
Common signs include maps, room signs, floor signs, and arrows. In addition, entrance, lift, toilet, and car park signs can help.
Why is wayfinding important in an office?
Good office signs make the site easier to use. As a result, guests can find rooms with less help.
What is the difference between directional signage and wayfinding signage?
Direction signs point people towards a place. However, Wayfinding Signage covers the full sign plan. It can include maps, room names, floor signs, and arrows.
Can wayfinding signs match company branding?
Yes. Fonts, colours, and materials can match brand rules. Therefore, useful signs can still fit the look of the space.
Can you provide signs for several business sites?
Yes. One sign style can work across many sites. However, each plan can still suit the building.
Do you provide these signs in North London and Hertfordshire?
Yes. Canonbury Signs works with firms across both areas. We can help with site checks, sign making, and fitting.
Clear Signs Make Commercial Spaces Easier to Use
Good facilities signage should make each route simple. It should help people reach the right place fast.
A clear sign plan can help offices, retail sites, and large work sites. It can also keep the look clear across a whole building.
For firms in North London and Hertfordshire, good work starts with a clear plan. Therefore, routes, sign size, materials, and brand style should work as one.
Canonbury Signs & Engraving Ltd works with site teams, retailers, designers, and fit-out firms. If you are planning new signs, we can help with the next stage. Contact us.