Signs and Environmental Design
The role of signage in environmental design is very important. Signage that is thoughtfully and purposefully designed for an interior or exterior space creates a pleasant experience for visitors while keeping them informed. According to the Society for Experimental Graphic Design, Environmental graphic design includes architectural, interior, landscape, and industrial design principles. First-time visitors unfamiliar with a space will look for important wayfinding markers to assist in informing them of where everything is located. Utilizing custom, branded navigation signage like wayfinding signs and identity signs help your visitors understand where they are while reminding them of your brand!
Graphic Design for Directional and Wayfinding Signs
Wayfinding signs help people get from point A to point B when they’re in an unfamiliar space. Effective and efficient wayfinding signage should answer three important questions: ‘Where am I currently?’, ‘where am I trying to go?’ and ‘how do I get there?’. Utilizing cohesive and simple designs throughout your wayfinding signage types ensures minimal confusion, and happier visitors! One other important guiding principle to follow is to stay compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. While conceptualizing the designs and layouts of wayfinding signs and directional signs, one of the most important things to remember is to keep the design as minimal and simple as possible.
Types of Signs for Environmental Design
Wayfinding signs and directional signs have already been discussed, but there’s other environmental signs that might not be so obvious. Exhibit signage and public installation signage are unique environmental signs that can add so much interest to guest’s visual experience. Lobby signs and reception area signs are also effective types of environmental graphics. Public spaces are required to have ADA compliant restroom signs, room identification signs, elevator signs, emergency exit signs, FACP signs, and Fire Riser Room signs. All these regulatory signs require braille and a certain letter-height to be ADA compliant.
Trends in Environmental Design
The biggest trend in environmental design is a focus on sustainability. According to the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), in the U.S., buildings account for 38 percent of all CO2 emissions and 73 percent of electricity consumption. These compelling statistics are the driving force behind the increased need for sustainability in commercial and residential development projects. Signs manufactured from recycled or recyclable materials and LED digital signage ensure that there’s less wasted materials as well as reduced carbon emissions.
Are you searching for the right vendor for your next development project? Give Connecting Signs a call today! Call 970-493-0133 or request a quote here to get your environmental sign project started!
