Navigation is the skill or ability of living beings to find their way in a real or virtual space. What does it mean by wayfinding? It is the orientation of a human or an animal in a physical space, finding ways to move to another place. To simplify, recall those road signs that indicate the route you’re on or how many miles to the next highway exit. Those are wayfinding examples of signages that help the travelers experience a smooth and easy drive that ends up at the correct destination. Now imagine the same inside a commercial or office space. The purpose of wayfinding signages is the same, but the design and target users may differ.

Navigation and wayfinding signages are inevitable aspects of retail branding and retail designing. Signage needs to be user-friendly and satisfy the needs of the users. A perfect wayfinding scheme should be designed considering landmarks, orientation, and navigation. Door plaques, wall plaques, floor markings, etc., are examples of wayfinding signages used in commercial spaces. Research is a key step in understanding the built environment and determining what information is required to maximize the effectiveness of any wayfinding system. This blog answers the top 10 queries every brand has on wayfinding signages.

What is wayfinding and signage? 

Wayfinding and signages in any physical space help people to reach their destination effortlessly. They help people explore the space in a comfortable and hassle-free way. They assist in navigating any physical location and enhance their understanding and experience of the space. Effective wayfinding encourages individuals to explore and enjoy the environment to the fullest. Wayfinding can be implemented in the form of maps, signages, directions, symbols, etc., that can guide people to their destination.

What is the purpose of signages?

Different types of sign boards help in

• Promoting an event.
• Attracting the public.
• Controlling the inflow of traffic.
• Conveying brand message.
• Providing navigational guidance to the people.

If the customers get disoriented or confused about how to move in your retail space, no doubt it will affect their dwell time and purchase. If you have clear and functional navigation signages, customers will feel at ease in your retail area. The customers will experience a smooth

and comfortable purchasing and having a feeling that the shopping space is under their control.

What is a wayfinding strategy?

A successful wayfinding strategy should strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of the physical space, thereby considering the comfort and safety of the users. The signages should be visually appealing, crisp, and reflect the brand identity to the customers.

How do you use wayfinding?

Navigation and wayfinding signages are not technically advertising or marketing, and they do play an essential part in creating a favorable brand image. Navigational and wayfinding signages are significant elements in retail branding that help customers develop loyalty to the business. When a retail space offers smooth and comfortable movement to its customers, it triggers them to explore the environment to the fullest and make purchases.

What are the types of wayfinding signages?

The following are the types of navigation and wayfinding signages.

• Identification signs– Identification signs help the user identify their current location, pointing out specific landmarks or structures.
• Directional signs– Directional signs provide navigational guidance to the users to move from one point to another.
• Informational signs– Information signs provide alerts or safety guidance to the users to make decisions in a physical space.
• Regulatory signs– Regulatory signs provide information on the regulations and requirements of the environment.

What makes a good wayfinding signage?

It is all about how do you design signage. Effective navigation and wayfinding signs should help the users by providing identification, navigation, and environmental information. What makes a good signage depends on the space used, wayfinding signage dimensions, and wayfinding signage materials. The wayfinding signage design guidelines should consider the text, colour tone, and font used in the signage. When carefully designed with these elements, wayfinding signages will serve the users significantly. Wayfinding ideas should be implemented creatively to enhance the ease of movement of people inside the space.

Where do you put wayfinding signages?

The location of wayfinding signages should be planned depending upon the type of the space where it is used. The primary factor to be considered in fixing wayfinding signage is the decision point of the users. The signage should aid in providing proper guidance to the people at the right time.

The location of wayfinding signages, when used in events, should consider areas where your target audience is most likely to congregate. When used in retail or commercial spaces, wayfinding signages should be fixed in areas with good lighting. The signages should catch the eyes of the public, standing out from the surrounding elements.

What are the mistakes to be avoided while designing wayfinding signages?

• Avoid loading the signage board with long text or information.
• Avoid complicated font styles on the signage board.
• Avoid small font sizes and illegible writing.
• Avoid distracting elements in the design.
• Avoid placing wayfinding signages after decision points.
• Avoid the misuse of icons and symbols.

What is wayfinding graphic design?

Wayfinding graphic designs are wayfinding signages designed with the help of graphic products. Wayfinding digital signages are designed by expert wayfinding design companies with numerous software and designing methods that combine signage and map design, symbols, color, and typography.

Why is signage important during event operations?

Event wayfinding signage helps regulate the flow of attendees and will provide them orientation on the location. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience of any event. Wayfinding signages in events make attendees feel welcomed and immediately create an emotional connection with the brand. An effective event signage should

• Convey critical information on the space.
• Indicate any specific zones in the event.
• Catch the eyes of the attendees towards your brand.

Now you would have understood that wayfinding signages are not just about navigation or guiding people to the right spot. Well-designed wayfinding signage should incorporate wayfinding ideas that provide a sense of well-being, safety, and security to the public. The wayfinding design should be done following the building signage guidelines so that the brand can make the best possible out of every signage board they incorporate. Exclusive and unique wayfinding signages designed by wayfinding signage companies would guide the users in the commercial space and promote brand awareness.

Have a look at some of the beautiful signages crafted by AD Vantage Marketing for its beloved clients.

Our signage boards stand out as the best wayfinding signage examples that convey the brand value of many businesses. More than just being navigational aids, signages designed by ADVAN grabs the attention of the customers with the unique touch we provide. It would help your customers have a smooth flow inside the retail space and feel your brand in a personal way.