Wayfinding Signage – 4 Types to Consider in 2023

by | Feb 16, 2023 | 0 comments |

Ready to learn more about wayfinding signage? There are four types of wayfinding signs facility managers need to be familiar with, identification, directional, informational, and regulatory. Here’s a closer look at each type of wayfinding signage.

1. Identification Wayfinding Signage


The most common type of sign is identification wayfinding signage.  These signs serve as wayfinding landmarks and let an individual know they are at their intended destination.

Identification wayfinding signs help consumers get their bearings. They can provide directions to sales and other locations in the establishment. For example, if you are looking for restrooms you can follow the signs.

Identification signage should be simple and only take seconds to understand. Typically, you will find these types of wayfinding signs adjacent to a doorway.

Some examples of identification wayfinding signage include:

  • Door plaques
  • Departmental markers (Sales, Checkout)
  • Landmark Signage
  • Restroom markers

Did you know we have a signage education center? We take a deep dive into everything you need to know about signage, including maintenance, installations, removals, different types of signage and their usages, and so much more. To view our Signage Education Center, click here.

2. Directional Wayfinding Signage

Directional wayfinding signage helps individuals find where they are going. These types of signs work best in areas without a clear directional flow. The signage should be continuous, especially in larger spaces. You don’t want consumers getting lost and frustrated when they are searching for a specific location.

The signage can be simple plaques providing left or right directions. Other times, it’s a continuous colored line on the floor.

A few examples of directional wayfinding signage are,

  • Junction signs guiding individuals left or right
  • Colored lines on the floor
  • Directional signage, often indicating which floor a department or individual is located on

3. Informational Wayfinding Signage

Unlike identification wayfinding signage, informational signs apply to the overall facility. Informational wayfinding signage gives consumers the basic details necessary to navigate the space.

Informational wayfinding signage works best in areas with plenty of exposure. Think of waiting rooms, lobbies, atriums, and entrances. The signs should answer questions like the location of restrooms or an elevator. The signage can also display business hours.

Examples of informational wayfinding signage include,

  • Amenities and accommodations
  • Facilities locations
  • Business information
Sign Services_Call to Action

4. Regulatory Signage

Regulatory signage focuses on liability and safety concerns. The signage sets boundaries about what is and isn’t acceptable in the facility.

The signs are typically big and bold, displaying a concise and prominent message. For example, Caution! High Voltage! sign will deter most people from entering the area. Handicap signs are another example of regulatory signage.

Other examples of regulatory signage are,

  • Rules and regulations (no pets, no smoking)
  • Compliance standards
  • Access control
  • Exit signage

Using Different Types of Wayfinding Signage

You do not want to stick with one type of wayfinding signage. It works best when the different types are used together. Regulatory signage keeps visitors out of restricted areas while directional signage helps them safely find their destination. Combining identification and directional signage lets individuals know where they are so they can follow directions to where they want to go.

A tip to remember is to keep the wayfinding signage simple. You are only imparting a single, short message. People should be able to look at the sign and understand the message within a few seconds.

Contact us to learn more about our wayfinding signage services, by calling 610-558-9773, email info@actionservicesgroup.com, or schedule a call by clicking the button below.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Blogs You Might Be Interested In

The Different Types of Commercial Electrical Wiring

The Different Types of Commercial Electrical Wiring

Commercial buildings have different electrical wiring requirements compared to residential structures. There are also different types of electrical wiring, each designed for specific applications. For example, wiring for electronics differs from what is required for...

Business Signage – Communicating with Your Customers

Business Signage – Communicating with Your Customers

Business signage includes everything from wall, floor, sidewalk and window signage to digital displays and entertainment monitors. Each type of signage often serves a different purpose but when it’s done right it makes communicating with your customers easier....

Backup Power Supply Crucial for Healthcare

Backup Power Supply Crucial for Healthcare

Electricity is a large part of our lives, and a backup power supply is crucial for several industries, especially healthcare facilities. Without a backup power supply, it can mean the difference between life and death in hospitals and other types of healthcare...

News You Might Be Interested In

New Programs Help Healthcare Facilities Implement Sustainability

New Programs Help Healthcare Facilities Implement Sustainability

Hospitals across the country are putting more focus on sustainability throughout their facility. Studies show that hospitals are one of the leading industries that use the most amount of energy. Health systems are taking part in sustainability programs in order to cut...

Circadian Rhythm Helps Effects of Daylight Savings

Circadian Rhythm Helps Effects of Daylight Savings

Every year, daylight savings time rolls around, and it remains brighter later into the evening. Whenever the clocks move forward or backwards it has an impact on people’s health especially their sleep cycle because of the change in daylight. Studies have shown that...

Strategies to Light a Commercial Facility

Strategies to Light a Commercial Facility

Improving lighting within a commercial building can be easily done in multiple ways. How an area is lit can have an effect on the space itself. Lighting fixtures should be customized and placed strategically depending on how the space is being used. Offices tend to...

Join Our Community

Thousands of business professionals rely on Action Services Group for the latest in Lighting,
Signage, and Electrical news. Add yourself to our community and receive timely updates on
safety, new products, energy savings, rebates, and so much more.
You can select what information you would like to receive.