Signage
Overview
A sign is read by somebody who is moving, at a distance, in bad light, while worrying about something else. They did not choose to look at it and they will not look at it twice. Everything that makes signage different from other graphic design follows from that one sentence: the type is bigger, the palette is shorter, the words are fewer, and the decision about where to put the sign matters more than how it looks.
This note covers the four kinds of sign, how a wayfinding system is built around the points where people have to decide, how letter height is worked out from viewing distance, what makes a typeface legible at speed, how contrast, materials and mounting behave outdoors, and what accessibility actually requires. You will study systems that guide millions of people daily, and learn to test your own by walking the route.
Objectives
- Develop signage which is both specific and worldwide in its application
- Use digital and non-digital methods of making symbols and signs
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Signage. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Directional signs belong: A) At the destination itself B) At decision points, before the choice has to be made C) At regular intervals along every corridor D) Only at the main entrance Answer: B
- Progressive disclosure in a wayfinding system means: A) Revealing the building's history across a series of panels B) Naming broad zones on early signs and individual destinations only within the relevant zone C) Increasing the type size on each successive sign D) Adding signs gradually as a building is occupied Answer: B
- Why are place names on directional signs usually set in mixed case rather than all capitals? A) Capitals take up more ink B) Ascenders and descenders give each word a distinctive silhouette that is recognised before the letters resolve C) Capitals cannot be made retroreflective D) Mixed case is required by law Answer: B
- Which mounting type is least useful for a directional sign in a long corridor? A) Projecting from the wall at right angles B) Suspended from the ceiling C) Fixed flat against the corridor wall D) A freestanding monolith at the junction Answer: C
- Which 1970 document specifies exactly how every sign in the New York City subway is to be constructed? A) Otl Aicher's Munich Olympics pictogram system B) The graphics standards manual by Massimo Vignelli and Bob Noorda C) The Legible London wayfinding study D) The Kinneir and Calvert road sign report Answer: B
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Recommended Books
Practice Mock Questions
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