City and government buildings are usually large, sprawling places. At the very least, they are just big enough to cause confusion when you visit! Once you’re through the entrance doors, things can really get confusing. If signs are few and far between in your building, now is the time to think about incorporating directory signs that will make a difference.
What is a Directory Sign?
When you are walking into a building, such as those for city and government offices, directory signage is what you see (or hope to see) just before entering the building or upon entering. Most often, you see these signs mounted on the wall. Alternatively, it may be a kiosk standing freely. Directory signs provide wayfinding information for all who walk through the door.
Here’s Why Professional Directory Signs Are Critical:
- Directory signs are not welcome signs. They use brand guidelines differently. Directory signs do two things: they provide you with information about the different businesses found there and they tell you where to find who you are looking for in a way that is clear yet representative of the brand.
- Directory signs are specific. For large and varied places, such as city and government buildings, only the offices currently located there should be included on directory signs. For commercial buildings of all kinds, only the info that is pertinent to those currently within should be included.
- Directory signs are flexible. Occasionally, offices will move out of the building to go someplace else and new ones will take their place. Or a new department will be created and space added for them. Who comes, who goes, and who is replaced should all be reflected on the directory signs.
For this reason, our directory signage can be created with replaceable vinyl overlays, which allows for swapping out panels as needed.
- Aesthetic cohesion is important. Directory signs are all about creating a unified sense of the building as a whole. Wherever your directory signs are, whether inside or out, you want them to all reflect the same aesthetic.
Something to keep in mind is that you want to match your directory signage to existing architectural elements. If your buildings have a distinct characteristic, you might think about incorporating that element into each directory sign, too.
At James River Signs, we know just the elements of good directory signage that will be the exact fit for you. Call us for a free consultation because there is so much to discuss when it comes to successful directory signage.