Best practice signage and wayfinding design

Its best when everyone knows the rules

Signage and Wayfinding Design – Terminology

Name consistency  

The same language used across all touch points. 


Tickets, maps, signs and verbal directions all need to match. How would directions be given by a guide or over a public announcement system?  

Directions must use terms consistent with signage. Staff should have ready access to maps and print collateral.

Where the public are likely to nic-name a locality, consider pre-empting the public trend.


A good test of a wayfinding system is how well it can be described in common language.

Verbal direction

Helper from main entry

  • Function room? Lift to level 4. 

  • Ticket collection? Box Office 2, up the stairs level 1.   

  • Dressing Room 16? Stage door, security, lift to level 2. 

Director’s Assistant

  • You’re in dressing room 22. Go to the Stage Door, take the lift near security to level 2.  

  • That equipment needs to be in the Rooftop Bar. From either loading dock, get to the Service Lift. Take the Service Lift to level 4.   

  • That equipment needs to be in the main foyer, go to the Forrier Lane loading dock. Lift to level G.  

  • Check with security at stage door, take the lift to level 2, the Green Room is near dressing room 8. 

  • Meeting at 4pm in the crew ready room. Check in with security at stage door. Lift to the basement. Follow the signs.

Announcement call

  • Show in Main Theatre to start in 10 minutes. 

  • Doors 1 to 4 – level 1. 

  • Doors 5 and 6 – level 2. 


Robert Luxford