Directional signage is not something that most people think about when planning events, the first day of college or using them in other locations until the need become apparent. Having wayfinding signs and directional markers offers students, customers and patrons a way of locating where they need to go quickly and easily without having to seek assistance. But where exactly are directional signs needed the most and how do we know when to use them? Where Directional Signage is Important There are many obvious places where wayfinding signs and directional signage can help people find what they want quickly and easily. What follows are some typical examples of where these types of signs are the most useful. - College Campuses: Especially during the first week of school - Garage Sales: This lets people know how to get to your home - Public Events: Have people find your booth or location - Auditorium: Announce and direct people to the proper entrance There are many other examples as well where directional signage can be of great benefit. Basically, they are used when visible direction is needed to show where people need to go when visiting a place that they have not been before. In addition, this type of signage is needed whether for a single event or for locations such as college campuses, auditoriums or any other structure where visitors need to be guided to a certain location. What Types of Wayfinding Signs are Needed? Once the need for directional signs has been established, the next step is getting the right type of signs and finding the locations where they can do the most good. This requires a little planning on the part of the individual, business or organization that finds itself in need of directional signage. Locations: Essentially, the best locations for wayfinding signs are places in which most visitors will pass by, such as intersections or larger entrances to complexes, neighborhoods and the like. For example, a garage sale will start with a directional sign next to a major road directing traffic into the neighborhood with every new sign directing a visitor through all intersections until they locate the home. This also applies to complexes such as college campuses where signage is needed at major intersections. Visibility: Permanent directional signs need to be large enough for easy reading, yet sturdy enough to last for years with minimal upkeep. Their shape and color should reflect the campus or complex in which they serve. In this manner, people will better associate the sign with the location they need to go. This uniformity should apply to all signs so that visitors will not get confused or overlook the signs themselves. Size: The trickiest part is getting a sign that is large enough to accomplish the primary task without becoming so large that it becomes impractical. Ideally, the larger signs should be next to roadways since spotting them from a moving vehicle is trickier than from those who are walking. Directional signage in pedestrian areas can be smaller, but must be noticeable and represent the area as well. We can help you create the correct directional signage for your needs so that visitors to your school, church, neighborhood, office complex, or shopping center are able to easily find their way.