Planning
Interior Signs
Wayfinding (Cont'd) Secondary information or information that applies to a small percentage of
individuals needs to be evaluated in regard to its importance. Secondary
information should be relegated to the bottom of the signs and not even be
included if there is no room on the sign.
Typically a person only reads 4 to 8 messages on a directional sign. Any
information that is beyond or greater than this is simply not read. Prioritization of
communication of information would then in most cases cause the secondary or
minor information to be left off the sign because it is not useful.
People that are walking have the opportunity to read more messages than
an automobile driver so interior directional signs can contain more listings
of information. But, more then 10 listings on a sign results in a sign so large
that it is no longer readable and the viewer simply cannot sort through all the
information presented, or won't stand there long enough to read everything.
When a lot of information needs to be presented, break it down into smaller
groups of information. Use 2 directional signs instead of 1. Place all the directional
information for one direction on one sign and then use another sign to covey the
other directional information.
"You Are Here" maps can sometimes aide in the way finding process but care
must be taken to make sure the map is very simple and configured in a manner
which it makes very easy to understand. The orientation of these maps, and the
amount of information on them, plays a critical role on the understanding of the
viewer of what they are looking at.
It is important that "You Are Here" maps be placed in a strategic location where
the viewer has a clear orientation to the building based upon the view of the map
that they are seeing. Placement also needs to be at a location in the building
where the viewer can make connection with major visuals objects like an atrium or
large "art" or architectural feature.
Remember, once the viewer leaves the map, the visual image in their memory will
quite quickly erode. And, once they make the first turn all their orientation will be
gone.
Arrows The proper use of arrows on directional signs is important to insure that the reader
quickly understands the correct directional information.
Grouping all the information together that is in one direction and using one arrow
is preferred. Using an arrow for each message makes the sign difficult to read.
Arrows should be placed in such a manner that they visually precede the
message. This allows the reader to understand direction first and information
second. It also allows the arrows to be visually separated from text.
Arrows should always be larger in size than the text they are affiliated with. For
example, wall directional signs have a 2-1/2" arrow and the text has a 1 3/8"
capital letter size.
Orientation of arrows is important to effectively communicate direction. The
following illustrations give examples of the many varied conditions that can be
encountered when providing direction information.
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Page 6-2-3
02/2005
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