What you need to know about designing effective signage that meets your goals and helps people find their way.

When it comes to signage, it's not just about displaying your brand name or directions. It's about delivering a message that is both informative and captivating, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Whether it's indoor or outdoor, wayfinding or information-based, your signage project needs to be executed with precision and care. From analysing the surrounding area to understanding the decision-making points, each step is critical to delivering a great signage project that truly represents your brand. In this article, we'll explore ten steps to follow to ensure your signage project is a success. So let's dive in!

1. Define your goals and purpose

Identify the primary function of your signage, whether it's wayfinding or providing information. This helps determine the placement, size, and design of the sign.

2. Consider the surroundings

Before creating a sign, assess the surrounding area to identify potential obstructions or visual distractions. This information can inform the size, height, and location of the sign to ensure maximum visibility.

3. Understand the traffic

Analyse the type of traffic passing by the sign, whether it's vehicular, pedestrian, or bicycles. This knowledge can inform the sign's placement, size, and design to make it more visible to the intended audience.

4. Map out the journey

Consider the journey of the intended audience, including the starting point and endpoint. This information helps determine the location and direction of the sign to ensure maximum visibility and effectiveness.

5. Identify decision-making points

Determine the crucial points where the intended audience might need specific information to make decisions. This helps inform the content and placement of the sign to provide the necessary information at the right time.

6. Plan the content

Decide on the specific information that needs to be included at each decision-making point. This ensures that the sign is effective in communicating the intended message and helps the audience make informed decisions.

7. Define your brand

Ensure that the signage reflects your brand identity by incorporating brand colours, logos, and fonts. If multiple brands need to be featured on the sign, create a hierarchy that prioritises the most crucial information.

8. Illuminate or not

Determine whether the sign needs to be illuminated for maximum visibility in low-light conditions. This can help inform the type of lighting and power source needed for the sign.

9. Ensure compliance

Check with local authorities to determine any compliance requirements for the sign's placement, size, and design. This helps ensure that the sign is legal and avoids potential fines or penalties.

10. Decide on indoor or outdoor

Determine whether the sign will be placed indoors or outdoors, as this affects the materials, design, and durability required.

In a world full of bland signs, be the one that stands out! With the help of Nicknack, you can create signage that's not only effective but also fun and unique. So, what are you waiting for? Let's create some signs that will make people stop and stare (in a good way!). Contact us today and let's get started on your next great signage project!