Signage

Signage refers to signs and related displays used to convey information, instructions, or warnings to pedestrians and motorists. It encompasses physical signs, digital displays, and wayfinding systems encountered in streets, buildings, retail spaces, and public environments.

Common categories include regulatory signs that establish requirements or prohibitions; warning signs that indicate hazards; informational signs that provide directions or general information; directional or wayfinding signs that help locate facilities or routes; identification signs marking places, rooms, or features; and advertising or promotional signs.

Design and legibility are central to signage effectiveness. Principles include clear typography, high contrast, simple language, and the use of recognizable symbols or icons; signs should be legible from typical viewing distances and under varying lighting. Accessibility considerations address tactile or raised signage for the visually impaired and multilingual or easily understandable content. International standards such as ISO 7010 for safety signs and ISO 9186 for pictorial legibility provide guidelines, and in many jurisdictions road signs are governed by national or regional regulations such as the MUTCD in the United States.

Materials and production vary with context. Outdoor signs use durable metals, plastics, or composites with protective coatings, while indoor signs may employ acrylics or wood. Digital signage relies on LED or LCD displays connected to content management systems that allow remote control and scheduling. Maintenance includes cleaning, repainting, and updating information as needed.

Signage plays a central role in wayfinding, branding, safety, and navigation. Its design and implementation must balance regulatory compliance, user comprehension, cultural relevance, and environmental considerations.