Wayfinding systems – signs along a journey
Information to match paths and expectations
• Approach
• Arrival
• Entry
• Circulation
• Destination
Wayfinding signs are part of a total system that requires all elements to synchronise to create confidence and reassurance. Signs are a primary level of identity for the site. They must have consistent graphic style and visual logic. We group signs (A – S) according to function.
Wayfinding signs guide you along the journey
Wayfinding signs
approach
Outer precinct and inner grounds.
Typical outdoor signs approaching site: landmark identity [A], connectors [J], information displays [I] and street (zone) labels [B].
Arrive – at BuildingS
Flagship buildings carry exterior identity, building branding, precinct identifiers, sky signs and identity livery. This filters down through secondary and minor building types.
Typical signs for arriving at site: landmark identity [A], precinct zones [B] and entry conditions [M].
Typical signs for areas within a site: precinct zones [B], landmark identity [A], entry conditions [M], connectors [J] and destinations [D].
Arrive – at the Car Park
Car park arrival is a process in itself. Entry, circulation and parking are all part of the driver journey, we consider this to be still part of arrival.
Car park entry signs: zone label [B], conditions [M], directories [H].
Car park circulation signs: zone (level) label [B] and connectors [J] for drivers and pedestrians.
Parking signs: connectors [J], zones [B] and Design for Disability Access [K].
Entry
The moment of transition from being in transit to beginning your on-site route to destination – usually reception.
Typical signs at entry: directories [H], information kiosks [I] and primary destinations [C].
Circulate
Maps, directories and directional signs in common areas to connect and navigate.
Typical corridor circulation signs: directories [H], information kiosks [I], maps [I], connectors [J] and zones [B].
Destination
Primary, secondary, tertiary, amenties and minor.
Primary destinations such as main activity spaces and function rooms.
Secondary and tertiary destinations such as meeting rooms, offices and facilities.
Minor destinations such as store rooms.
Amenities are their own separate universal destination.
Primary destination signs [C] for major functional areas, secondary destination signs [D] for smaller facilities. Amenities are a universal destination [G].
Secondary destination signs [D] for smaller facilities. Tertiary destinations [E] and minor destination [F].
DDA Destination
Design for Disability Access (DDA) regulation signs for accessible facilities like entries, toilets, hearing loop, changing spaces, amenities and emergency egress.
Design for Disability Access amenity signs [K] and egress signs [L].
Along the journey there are incidental signs
Incidental signs
Operations and Promotion
Operations include instruction signs like conditions of entry, behavioural standards, event specific terms and permissions.
Promotional signs include advertising display, banners, posters, electronic signs and installations.
Warning signs [M]. Promotions [N].
Experiential
Visual styling in feature locations can be used to brighten a flagging area, conceal something undesirable or be a landmark in its own right. Interpretive graphics add meaning and context to a location offering insight and deeper connection for those visiting.
Experiential signs [O] can inform, energize, conceal or mark a location.
Statutory & Fire regulation signs
Emergency information signs – emergency egress and fire smoke doors, emergency evacuation maps, emergency procedures and assembly areas.
Fire equipment – regulation signs for emergency services to locate fire equipment.
Statutory labels – plant rooms, switch rooms and services
Regulatory signs – prohibition, mandatory requirement, limitation or restriction on an action.
Hazard signs – DANGER and Warning signs.
Glazing safety decal – graphics for floor to ceiling glazing on doors, entries, public thoroughfares.
Fire regulation signs for fire equipment [Q], fire doors [P] and statutory labels [R].
Statutory signs [R] warning of hazards and glazing safety decals [S].