Simply put, wayfinding is finding your way from A to B using the right signage. Wayfinding is an essential part of our daily lives; after all, we are always on our way. An effective signage system is based on people’s behaviour. Finding your way and reaching your intended destination should be an easy process. However, poor signage can create stress among visitors, resulting in a negative visitor experience, wandering people and inefficiency.

What is bad signage?

A signage system is ‘bad’ when it is not understood by its users, causing them to get lost, fail to reach their destination or arrive late and experience stress. Examples of ‘bad’ signage can often be found in design, planning, positioning and maintenance. Specific examples include:

• Signage with too much information and/or text, makes it hard to find the essential information that is needed.
• Signage of poor quality or discoloured signage can make signs hard to read or even see.
• When the reading distance has not been taken into account and signage is therefore not readable, or the placement of the signs is in a non-visible spot and visitors walk past it without noticing.

More importantly, what is a good Wayfinding system?

A good wayfinding system consists of logical routes displayed with understandable information on signs, placed at strategic intersections. Good signage responds to the mobility and diversity of our society. This is reflected in a harmonized design, familiar information signage and the use of specific colours.

This may sound simple, but in practice a good wayfinding system is often a challenge for companies. In addition to a basic knowledge of the possibilities of materials, design, information signs (pictograms) and colour use, there is also the aspect of company (over)familiarity and company blindness when employees partially or completely design such a system themselves.

Fortunately, there are a number of guidelines from the International Organization of Standardization, better known as ISO standards. These standards provide guidance when developing a signage plan. Blomsma Signs & Safety is up to date with all these standards, so when designing and realizing a wayfinding system, we always meet the latest requirements and regulations.

ISO standards applicable to Wayfinding

ISO standards ensure improvement of products, services and processes. When it comes to a good signage system, a number of ISO standards apply. Below we briefly explain ISO 28564.

Please note that the explanation below is only a rough summary, compiled by Blomsma Signs & Safety. Please refer to ISO 28564 for a complete overview of all standards.

ISO 28564-1: Floor plans, maps and diagrams

Floor plans, maps and diagrams are created to provide people with information. However, sometimes it can be difficult to find one’s way with this information alone. That is why signage is an important part of an integrated Wayfinding system.

Regarding the design of wayfinding signage, it is important not to add too much text. Also, when another language is needed in addition to the local language: use English. Choose readable fonts and keep the text simple. People with disabilities should be able to read the text too.

Are you using symbols on your floor plan? Then the symbols should be used according to ISO 7001. Floor plans need a clear title and should include the i-symbol for information.

A floor plan can be improved by adding a “you are here” point. Colour use and layouts are important to make a floor plan more understandable, for instance by adding a legend. Floor plans should be placed at logical spots, such as at entrances, intersections or other “decision moments. They should also be easily visible and not cause any crowding.

ISO 28564-2: Wayfinding

ISO 28564-2 focuses on the design of wayfinding signs in public areas such as shopping malls, hospitals and airports.

Text on wayfinding signs has to legible and in the language of the country. Signs must be clearly visible, even to people with disabilities. In addition, colour combinations must be taken into account. Combinations of safety colours and shapes as specified in ISO 3864-1 and ISO 3864-3 should be avoided to prevent confusion. Regular graphic information symbols are applied according to ISO 7001. The use of arrows should always be in combination with symbols and/or text. The representation of arrows is also according to ISO 7001.

Different materials can be chosen for the production of wayfinding signs. However, when choosing materials certain factors should be taken into account. These factors include the environment (sustainability), sunlight, weather and illuminating properties.

Signs shouldn’t shine or reflect (too much) and when signs must also be visible at night, they should be lit or illuminated.

ISO 28564-3: Informative index boards

Like all wayfinding signage, informative index boards should be easy to read (font type, size, colour). The information should include at least a title, location information and content information. The use of graphic symbols (from ISO 7001) will make it easier for users to understand information.

Minimize the use of text with symbols and think carefully about colour use. Use different colours to provide additional clarity and consider contrasts.

Like other signs in a wayfinding system, consider aspects such as the environment (durability), sunlight, weather conditions, expected life span, safety measures, graphic location and lighting. An index sign should not reflect or shine too much in the light. If the sign has to be visible at night, it should be well lit. Signs should also be easy to clean and maintain.

Escape routes and evacuation plans as part of your wayfinding system

An important part of wayfinding are escape routes and evacuation plans. Safety Signage can be produced in different styles, matching your corporate identity. But first and foremost, safety signage should be clear and recognizable to everyone. In case of an emergency, safety always comes first.

When designing and installing evacuation plans, we work with ISO 23601 standards (ISO 23601:2009,IDT). For the use of safety signage and escape routes, these are the legal framework and standards such as ISOI 7010 and ISO 16069. By closely following these international standards, we encourage recognition through harmonized implementation and prevent the risk of confusion during emergencies.

What do we have to offer?

As you may know after reading this article, a lot has to be taken into account when it comes to implementing a good Wayfinding system. Blomsma Signs & Safety offers you over 40 years of experience in (wayfinding) signage and safety signage. We offer the best quality products and service that not only meets all standards, but also suits your corporate identity.

Want to know more? Let’s get in touch!