Digital Wayfinding

As a well-established digital signage business, we understand the power of digital. When it comes to wayfinding the chief benefits of digital are the ability to update map information quickly and cost-effectively with the option to make maps and wayfinding information interactive by using a touchscreen. 

Users can then zoom in or out, enter search terms to find a destination or choose to access other information from a menu. 

Digital wayfinding works best when used in conjunction with traditional analogue wayfinding. We can advise on the optimum blend then design and build the sign types needed to deliver a wayfinding plan.

Wayfinding Signs

Monolith & Minilith Signs

A timeless and effective signage format for communicating wayfinding formation for both pedestrians and drivers. These can be lit or have digital elements if desired. Like everything else we make, the details are tailored to both the brand and needs. 

A six-metre-high roadside monolith bearing the name of a location, such as a retail park or business park, often forms part of the wayfinding journey. Sizes typically reduce with proximity, monoliths for localised provision of information ranging from two to three metres high, with miniliths usually under two metres high, giving smaller bites of information, usually for pedestrians.

Wayfinding Signs

Store Navigation Signs

Customer experience is more important than ever so helping customers navigate seamlessly around a store contributes positively to that, letting them find the products they are looking for and maybe sparking interest in a few others along the way. 

Miniliths scaled to suit the internal environment are one option, as are wall-mounted signs and suspended signs when there are gondolas or shelving compromising sightlines. 

Clearly marked accessible routes are vital for inclusivity, as is tactile signage, particularly for key amenities such as toilets, escalators and lifts. It’s important that customers have a well-rounded experience, which includes leaving on a positive note by helpfully guiding them to the way out. 

Wayfinding Signs

Customer Information Signs

CIS, or Customer Information Signs, feature in transport just as much as they do in retail. In fact, with navigation through a bus terminus, rail station or airport terminal often being a new and slightly stressful experience, giving customers the information they need is vital. (Please see: Airports and Rail sections for more sector specific information on CIS signs)  

Once again, digital can play its part where dynamic information is needed, with the ability to offset costs by also displaying advertising. Where there is no need for dynamic information, the basic wayfinding principles of correct placement, scale and colour contrast are all considered when designing and implementing customer information signs for customers.

Wayfinding Signs

Bulkhead Signs

If there is one in-store element that is akin to a free billboard, it’s the bulkhead. Typically, a large high-level expanse of wall, over an entrance or opening, bulkhead can be used for wayfinding, often supplementing the messaging with large inspirational graphics which add to the clarity of the message, as well as being highly decorative. 

Their scale and high-level position, clearly visible and not obstructed by any store fittings down below, only enhance their credentials as great wayfinding locations and billboards.

Wayfinding Signs

Office Wayfinding

With office wayfinding, like most wayfinding it starts with the user groups. It’s important to define these user groups and their needs with regards to navigation, as it is highly likely that either too many or too few signs will be installed, or the wrong type of signs will be used.

Some considerations may be the number of visitors you expect to see, how familiar they are with the building or if there are any special needs that should be taken into account to make your signage truly inclusive.

After you have the answers to the right questions, we will ensure that you have the right practical solutions in place in keeping with the desired look and feel of your surroundings

Wayfinding Signs

Building and Floor Level Identifiers

These are the hard points of wayfinding around which everything else should be designed. 

Illuminated building identifiers serve staff and visitors well in darker conditions. In some cases, non-lit signs will suffice.  We always check to see if ambient light will do the job at lower cost while reducing energy usage. 

On large business parks, finding the right building quickly and safely is key, then the stair and lift become the next hard point on the wayfinding journey. 

If lifts have destination control all that may be needed is floor numbering to reassure visitors that they have arrived on the correct floor.  

Department names and tenant names in multi-user buildings can also be added to aid navigation. Our scoping meetings cover all of that to ensure core wayfinding signage is provided.

Wayfinding Signs

Fingerpost Signs

Found out in the country or in unspoilt towns and villages, vintage fingerpost signs are some of the oldest signs still in use. 

This format is truly timeless simply because it works so well; find a good location for information (usually the point at which people can make multiple choices about the direction they take), erect a post and fit a long slim panel for each destination literally pointing people in the right direction. 

They can be traditional in style or be contemporary, all to suit the needs and architecture of the location.

Wayfinding Signs

Car Park Signs

Like many types of signage, when it works well, it often goes unnoticed, but when it doesn’t, it often leaves customers frustrated. 

While car park signs are best considered during the initial car park design process, they can be designed and installed retrospectively to optimise traffic flow and provide customer information to increase safety, efficiency and satisfaction. 

Whilst a highly functional sign type, car park signage, whether it is free-standing, wall mounted or suspended, can be designed to incorporate brand identity. It can contribute positively to the style of a space, as well as adding a sense of order in keeping with customer’s needs, including directing them back to their vehicles safely and efficiently thanks to some well-considered zonal signage.

Wayfinding Signs

Town Centre Wayfinding Signs

Most town centre wayfinding schemes we have delivered have been a blend of fingerpost signs and totem signage. Each one has its place in creating an effective scheme, with scale and positioning vital to ensure appropriate guidance. 

Where it is beneficial, digital signage elements can be added, and we will ensure from the outset clients are aware of all the costs and implications such as power and data requirements, ground scanning to locate services and base details to ensure compatibility with each location. Factoring these items in at the beginning plays a large part in bringing any scheme in on time and on budget.

Wayfinding Signs

Public Realm

Whilst town centre signage is a sub-set of this, public realm signage can extend beyond that to any space where the public needs wayfinding or other information. This may be in transport hubs, woodland walks, cycleways, shared spaces, precincts or plazas. Most of the same guidance we offer for town centre wayfinding applies however being sympathetic to the space in terms of scale and materiality becomes even more important. 

Harmonising the wayfinding information with other amenities such as rail stations or private sector facilities will allow visitors to transition from one wayfinding journey to another seamlessly.

Wayfinding Signs

Let's Make An Impact Together