Tips for Creating Effective University SignsUniversities are robust physical spaces that welcome numerous students, staff members and visitors on a daily basis. In order to best serve community members and guests, the signage must be clear, concise and directive. Following some tips for improving signs can make universities friendlier, more inviting places.
Employ Branding Strategies
While university signs should not be cluttered and chaotic, these posts can serve branding purposes. University officials may decide to include the school’s mascot on some or all of the signs. Also, the signs should use the university colors. This strategy is important in helping community members and guests to recognize that the signs belong with the university. In terms of campus aesthetics, this move is a useful one as well.
Place the Signs Appropriately
Individuals both drive and walk around campuses, so the signs need to be placed in spaces that both parties can see. One common approach is to post signs at intersections and at the entrance to parking lots for drivers. Signs in areas with heavy foot traffic can help walkers to find where they’re going with ease. The signs should also be regularly placed. If people are driving or walking around for a long time without any information, they might simply give up and leave.
Make the Signs Accessible
Signs also have to be accessible to all community members. Braille should be included on university signs, and officials should carefully select colors to account for color-blindness. Some universities may also choose to have multiple languages on the signs. Further, while including a logo might work for branding purposes, maps should be their own signs. Including a map on a directional sign makes the content inaccessible to some populations. Fonts should be easily readable as well.
Consider Mileage
Depending upon the size of the campus, officials might choose to include how far away certain buildings or other campus locations are. On a small or medium-sized campus, this strategy is likely unnecessary. However, if a campus spans for numerous miles, letting drivers and walkers know how far away from the location they are is important and helpful. This information can also help interested parties decide if they should drive over to the location instead of walking.
Opt for Digital Possibilities
Digital options can help to convey information to large groups of students, staff members or visitors quickly. For example, if numerous campus events are typically held in a location with different rooms and physical spaces, a sign at the entrance can inform guests as to where exactly they should go. Digital signs can also get information to individuals quickly in the event of an emergency.
Developing signage for universities is a task that involves careful thought and consideration. Following some strategies can help institutions of higher learning develop effective signs.