Signs should be easy to see, easy to read, concise, consistent accross a site or organisation, and only used when necessary. Often signs are either too small and difficult to see, or there are so many, you can't find the one you want.

Signs are easiest to read if they are in a sans-serif font, use capitals as they would be used in a written document, and have lettering thet is well contrasted with the sign colour, and sign colours that are well contrasted with the surface (such as brick) they are placed upon.

It is really helpful to use a relevant pictogram next to th written element of the sign also.

The signpost on the access good and bad page is difficult to see, and difficult to read with small typeface that isn't very clear, and no pictograms.

The sign on the left showing yellow stairs and an arrow is a step in the right direction - it is from Staffordshire Hospital who have made some headway in improving signage around a huge building.

The sign is at the side a doorway indicating that stairs are beyond the door and they go up to the next flolt - tha arrow though is not big enough to see from any distance, and the pictogram may be a bit difficult for some people to understand without the word "stairs" next to it. It is much better than not having a sign, or only having a one word sign though.

The sign also embossed.

 

Lighting is also very important with signage: avoid areas that can’t be spotlit, and avoid signs with shiny surfaces that reflect light.

 

Basic sign content guidelines:

•  Information is better understood if grouped together alphabetically or by floor.
•  Small groups of messages are easier to read than one large list.
•  Room identification signs should be simple and consistent.
•  No abbreviation as confusing for Visually Impaired.
•  Descriptive words like ‘Personnel’ don’t need to be followed by ‘Department’.
•  Visual Impaired recognise numbers easier than names.

Capital letters
The first key word begins with a capital.  Names for job titles, places or people have capital letters beginning of each word. E.g. Finance Director
Titles and initials
No full stops between initials.  Titled, first names begin with capital then lower case e.g. Dr J C Thompson.

Punctuation
Avoid full stops at end of messages. 
Symbols
Use specific pictorial devices such as arrows or symbols and internationally recognised symbols where appropriate. These are:

• Accessibility for disabled people
• Symbol for visual impairment
• Hearing impairment
• Text telephone (TDD symbol)

Arrows
Use ISO 7001 recommendation.  On large boards with a number of messages use a single arrow.  Messages should be aligned right or left according to the direction indicated by the arrow.  Arrows indicating direction left, straight ahead or down should on left hand side. Arrows indicating direction right should be on right hand side.
Letterform
Letterforms or typefaces should be legible.  Use Helvetica Medium or Arial.  Embossed signs should be Helvetica.  Don’t use italics or exaggerated typefaces like Old English.
Size
Character size is related to reading distance. 
Long distance - minimum character size 150mm.
Medium range - use character size of 50-100mm.
Close up – minimum character size 15-25mm.
Symbols
Minimum 100mm height
Embossed signs
Embossed signs need to be concise and positioned where easily touched. 
Height: between 1400m and 700mm above floor. 
Characters: raised by 1mm-1.5mm
Thickness:  of each stroke should be that both sides of the stroke can be felt with the finger in one pass. 
Minimum character height between 15mm-50mm
Braille

• Braille should be located directly below text (and arrow) and ranged left.  Use small embossed arrow to indicate direction either before or after the Braille.
• Provide a locator along the left hand edge of the signboard.
• Braille is felt by finger pads so no obstructions such as frames or raised borders should surround it.
• Use English Standard Braille.
• Braille dots should be rounded.
• Braille doesn’t differentiate between upper and lower characters.

Margins
Margins allow more contrast between message and background.
Borders
Useful to ensure effective colour contrast but shouldn’t overpower the letters, 10% of lower case letter height is good.
How Many Words Per Line
12-14 letters per line including spaces or 3 to 4 words per line. 
Colour and contrast
Contrast is difference in colour between elements of the sign.  Think about contrast between the background and signboard, between signboard and text or symbols.
Colour and signage
Signs should not use the colours used for safety or hazard warnings.

Getting the colours right is really important.

 

 

Left is a good use of colour the background is dark (brick) so the sign edge is white, and the writing contrasts with the background of the sign.

 

 

 

 

 

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