What Are Wayfinding Signs?

Wayfinding signs are a class of signs that properly label store directions, room names, room numbers, egress doors, restrooms, authorized personnel rooms, and in-store maps so that customers and employees can find their way around your office or showroom. This is especially important for people who are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which states that businesses need to accommodate individuals with disabilities so that they can navigate and partake in your store location. All businesses need wayfinding signs to remain ADA-compliant, but wayfinding signs can also be on-brand with your company colors and fonts so that a small feature of your corporate interior can serve its purpose while adding to the overall branding of your office.

How Wayfinding Signs Benefit Your Business

Wayfinding signs are essential no matter what type of business you work in, but particularly those that regularly face the public such as restaurants, bars, libraries, shops, or any establishment with regular foot traffic. There is no shortage of businesses, organizations, or especially government buildings throughout Washington, DC and its surrounding areas that meet these requirements. But it’s equally necessary for the facilities and rooms that employees with disabilities will use regularly as well.

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I know I can always count on Heritage Printing to do a great job with my oftentimes last minute rush orders. They have attention to detail and are flexible. James especially always makes sure my order comes out exactly as intended and they will even provide installers to complete the job if needed. 10/10 would recommend

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Common Types of Wayfinding Signs

Some common types of wayfinding signs include:

  • Bathroom signs
  • Room number signs
  • Enter/exit signs
  • Directional signs
  • Elevator signs
  • Stairs signs
Wayfinding Signs in Washington, DC

Key Features of Wayfinding Signs to Be ADA-Compliant

The requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act mean that certain key features of business’ wayfinding signage need to be in place for that signage to be ADA compliant, including:

  • Easy to access height
  • Prominent sign placement
  • Easy to read fonts
  • Large letter sizes
  • Bright/contrasting colors
Wayfinding Signs in Washington, DC

Keeping Your Company or Event On-Brand

Given these requirements, it can be a challenge for any organization to make sure that the wayfinding signage being used is ADA-compliant while also being on-brand with company-approved fonts and colors. However, wayfinding signage can have a pleasant form while serving their function. That’s where Heritage Signs & Displays can help.

Wayfinding Signs in Washington, DC

Why Choose Heritage Signs & Displays to Make Your Wayfinding Signage?

Heritage Signs & Displays has been proudly serving the Washington, DC area since 1977. Our team has decades of experience creating high-quality wayfinding signs, environmental graphics, trade show displays, commercial printing, and other custom signs. At Heritage Signs & Displays, we work closely with our clients to design and deliver custom wayfinding signage that is ADA-compliant while maintaining your brand’s unique colors and designs as much as possible. We are a local, verified veteran-owned small business, servicing companies and organizations in and around the Beltway. We have earned hundreds of industry awards and 5-star reviews from our satisfied clients.

Wayfinding Signs in Washington, DC

We Make the Sign Installation Process Efficient and Stress-Free

The first step in getting started is to call the Heritage team, after which a project manager will speak to you about your project’s needs, budget, and timeline. From there, our team will visit your installation site to conduct a site survey before we put together the final proposal and cost. After all the details have been finalized, an installation date is set, and our team installs your wayfinding signage in your facility. No matter your design needs for your wayfinding signs, our team of signage professionals is here to ensure that the custom wayfinding signage we print and install will be just right for you and your company. We’re committed to making sure that you receive complete customer satisfaction.

Wayfinding Signs in Washington, DC

Wayfinding Signs FAQs

In order to ensure longevity, materials such as high-quality acrylic, metal, and laminates are often used for wayfinding signs. These materials can withstand daily use and can hold up well against scratches and other damage. Using these sturdy materials helps to ensure that wayfinding signs that incorporate additional elements such as dimensional lettering or standoff mounts endure over time.

Wayfinding signs are designed with specific purposes in mind. These are often used in large and complex environments such as airports, hospitals, shopping malls, and universities. In these places, it is easy for people to get lost or confused due to the sheer size and multiple routes available. Wayfinding signs help to mitigate this problem by providing clear and concise information about where certain areas or facilities are located.

Directional arrows are a vital element in wayfinding signs as they provide a visual representation of which direction to follow. These arrows should be large and easy to identify, making it simple for people to navigate their way through a space. The font used on wayfinding signs should be bold and easily readable from a distance. This ensures that the message is visible even in crowded or busy areas. The lettering should also be consistent across all signs to avoid any confusion. In addition to written messages, wayfinding signs can also incorporate icons and symbols to convey information. These visual cues are particularly helpful for people who may have difficulty reading or understanding written instructions.

Absolutely, wayfinding signs can be either temporary or permanent. It all depends on the specific needs and circumstances of the location where they are being used. Temporary wayfinding signs are typically used for short-term events. They may be made of lightweight materials and used as part of short-term signage such as retractable banners. These types of signs are perfect for guiding people to temporary parking areas, event entrances, or other temporary locations. Permanent wayfinding signs are meant to be a long-term solution for guiding and directing people within a certain area. They are usually made from more durable materials such as metal or acrylic and are designed to withstand various weather conditions. Permanent wayfinding signs are commonly used in places like shopping malls, hospitals, and universities to help people navigate the complex layout of these large spaces.

Wayfinding signs are an essential part of event planning and management. They serve as effective tools for guiding attendees, vendors, and staff to different areas within the event venue. These event signs not only provide direction but also convey important information about the event such as schedules, activities, and amenities. Wayfinding signs for events can include wall wraps, floor graphics, meter boards, and more.

Reach Out to Heritage Signs & Displays to Create Your Wayfinding Signs Today

When you’re ready to have wayfinding signs created for your business, reach out to Heritage Signs & Displays today to begin the process. Call our team at (202) 609-9761 to speak to one of project managers or Get a Quote using our online form. We look forward to getting started with you and making your wayfinding signs a reality!

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