Signage for people to find their way

Wayfinding systems are everyday items we barely notice until we need them. Craig Brown, CEO of the British Sign and Graphics Association, tells us what makes a good wayfinding solution and how to design and install one.

Wayfinding systems are a simple solution to an everyday challenge. How do you get from your current location to your destination in the most direct way?

Public buildings often have multiple services available across numerous floors and offices. Many people might be accessing them for the first time, and finding your way to the right place can be daunting and often discouraging.

Language and neurodiversity impact how some people read and understand signage; all this needs to be considered when designing and installing wayfinding systems.

What makes a good wayfinding sign?

A good starting point is designing a wayfinding system with clear and legible text. Choosing good fonts and colours and using upper and lower case are hugely beneficial without significantly impacting costs.

The wayfinder needs to be durable and weather-resistant, especially in high-footfall areas or where people might need to touch the sign.

Something often overlooked in the initial design stage is the need to add or replace system elements. As a buyer, are you locked into a proprietary system that cannot easily be changed? Are specific components readily available from other parties? A good wayfinding system is a sizable investment, so building adaptability to future changes could save a lot of money in the long term.

Where you position your wayfinding systems is also critical. Understanding footfall routes and natural stopping points to gain a bearing requires expertise and is worth initial investment.

These are important elements, but what makes a poor wayfinding system worth considering. You don’t want them to be overly fussy or stylistic. If there are additional design elements or fancy fonts, this can often defeat the object of the prime objective and cause people to be delayed or even head to the wrong place.

Choosing incorrect materials can also result in the degradation and failure of the system, ultimately leading to the expense and inconvenience of having the system modified or totally replaced.

Sourcing a wayfinding system

Whoever you work with, you will need to start with a good brief, which will be the basis for your wayfinding system. Develop a clear understanding of the building and space you are working with so you can communicate your requirements and wishes.

Working with companies or individuals with a proven track record in this sector is always a sensible starting point, including asking for examples and references for previous work.

The BSGA can assist by providing a list of experienced signmakers and highlighting work previously undertaken successfully.

The BSGA can’t promote one business over another in terms of signage and wayfinding systems. However, we are an independent source for guidance and assistance when it comes to specifying the elements you should be looking for when purchasing a wayfinding system.

We can also offer easy access to a range of documentation, policies and other guidance documents on our website.