Signaletiques

Signaletiques refers to the discipline focused on the planning, design, production, installation, and maintenance of signs and related graphic systems within built environments. It covers directional, informational, regulatory, and identification signs, as well as maps, symbols, and color schemes used to guide people through spaces such as offices, hospitals, airports, campuses, and public infrastructure. The term is commonly used in French-speaking contexts, but the practice is global and overlaps with information design and graphic design.

Effective signaletique systems prioritize legibility, consistency, and reachability. Key elements include typography, pictograms, contrast, sign size and mounting height, and standardized language. Accessibility considerations, such as tactile signs and braille, are increasingly integrated. Signage is often organized into a modular system to enable scalable updates and coherent branding across multiple locations.

Standards and methods shape signaletique practice. International standards influence sign design; ISO 7010 covers graphical symbols for safety signs, and accessibility guidelines such as ISO/IEC 40500 (WCAG) influence digital and tactile signage. In practice, signaletiques projects involve audits, inventory, user research, and wayfinding testing to optimize routes and comprehension.

Recent developments expand the field beyond static signs. Digital and dynamic signage, semi-permanent installations, and smart building integration offer new capabilities for real-time information and adaptive environments. The discipline intersects with branding, architecture, and urban planning, with the aim of improving navigation, safety, and the overall experience of spaces.