Signs, signs, everywhere a sign!
Signs are a very important part of your visitor experience. They let people know ‘where am I?’, ‘where is my destination?’ and ‘how do I get from here to there?’.
Wayfinding signage is an essential aspect of any business or facility, and it goes beyond just guiding people from one place to another. It is a critical component in creating an organic guest experience that makes visitors feel comfortable and confident in your space. Effective wayfinding signage provides clear and accurate information about the layout and features of the space, from restrooms and exits to amenities and services.
We’re going to focus on child-friendly signage and how to help
While wayfinding signage is not meant to advertise or promote, it does play a vital role in portraying a positive company image and strengthening your brand. It helps visitors to navigate your space with ease, making their experience more enjoyable and memorable.
We’re going to dive into images from the IDS archives and take a look at different types of signs, their purpose, and let you know why they are so important to creating a great environment for children.
7 Types of Signs You Should Use in Your Family-friendly Business
There are many different types of wayfinding signage that can be used to help people find their way: identification, informational, directional, and regulatory. Some of these signs can be more fun and interactive than others. Let’s take a look at some great examples of fun signage that will appeal to children and their families.
1. Welcome Signs
Welcome guests to your office in the most obvious way… with a giant welcome sign! Welcome signs are a type of wayfinding signage that is specifically designed to greet and orient visitors to a business. They create a positive first impression and help visitors feel more at ease when they arrive at your business.
A well-designed welcome sign can communicate important messages about the business’s brand, such as its personality, values, and the products or services it offers. This can help to establish a brand identity that customers can connect with.
Logo Welcome Signs
You don’t have to say the word ‘welcome’ when inviting guests in – welcome guests with confirmation that they are in the right location with a big bold sign showing your name or logo.
2. Directional Signage
Wayfinding signs can help visitors orient themselves and find their way around your business, reducing the risk of them getting lost or feeling frustrated. They will also feel empowered as they will be able to find what they are looking for without having to ask for assistance.
Overall, directional signs are an essential element of wayfinding in a business, helping customers to navigate the space and enhancing their experience. By providing clear directions, saving time, enhancing the customer experience, and establishing brand identity, directional signs can play a crucial role in a business’s success.
Bathroom Signage
Every sign can be themed. Bright, bold colors make these bathroom signs stand out and catch people’s attention.
Instead of traditional bathroom signage, use playful language, silly characters, or puns to make the signs more fun and lighthearted. This appeals to children and will leave a good impression on their parents.
Room and Chair Designations
While wayfinding encompasses many different aspects of navigation, helping people find their intended chair or treatment room is a key component.
To ensure your dental office signage is effective for all age groups, it’s important to consider the needs and abilities of each demographic. For example, if you work with young patients in a pediatric environment, it’s likely that they won’t be able to read a written sign. In such cases, incorporating easily recognizable characters or imagery can be an effective way to help children navigate the space. For instance, the “hippo room” and “zebra room” names may be difficult for a child to read, but associating them with the corresponding animal characters can make it easy for them to identify the rooms at a glance. By considering the needs of different age groups and incorporating visual cues, you can create signage that is both functional and engaging for all patients.
By helping visitors navigate your business more easily and feel more comfortable, navigational signs can contribute to overall customer satisfaction.
3. Label Signs
The importance of clear and concise signage cannot be overstated. In the examples below, visitors will know exactly what each station is used for and if it is for them to use.
4. Monument Exterior Signs
Monument exterior signs are large, freestanding signs. These signs are often located at the entrance to a property, or along a busy road or highway. Monument exterior signs are highly visible and can help draw attention to your business, especially from people driving by or passing by on foot.
A well-designed monument exterior sign can help establish your business as a fun, friendly place catering to children and families.
5. Pylon Street Signs
Functioning similarly to a monument sign but towering hiiigh above traffic, a pylon sign is an excellent way to create a high-impact billboard for your business. By utilizing a tall structure, a pylon sign can be seen from a greater distance, making it an effective tool for attracting new customers and promoting your brand.
Pylon signs are often located near highways or other high-traffic areas, making them an ideal choice for businesses that want to increase their visibility and stand out from the competition. With eye-catching graphics and clear messaging, a pylon sign can be a powerful marketing tool that helps to increase brand recognition and drive sales.
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6. Building Signage
By incorporating big, bold, and 3D exterior signage on their building, businesses can increase their visibility and effectively convey the type of experience customers can expect inside.
Colorful characters can also be added to building signage to make the sign visually engaging and interesting, catching the attention of passersby. Everyone will know your business is meant for kids with this winning combination of colors, characters, and fun!
Such signage can also help your business stand out from the competition and make a memorable impression on potential customers. By investing in attention-grabbing signage, businesses can increase foot traffic and ultimately drive sales.
7. Fun and Educational Signs and Graphics
Signs and graphics are not only informative but can also be educational and fun for children. This is especially true in children’s museums, where signs and displays are designed to teach young visitors about a variety of topics in a visually engaging way.
Colorful and interactive signs with graphics and illustrations can help children retain information better and make the learning experience more enjoyable. Use this technique in your dental office for a fun and engaging experience.
Infographic signs use visual elements, such as charts, diagrams, and icons, to convey information in a clear, but approachable, way. Infographics can be used to provide patients with information about how to maintain good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing techniques, and the importance of regular check-ups.
Overall, signs play an important role in helping customers and children navigate through your family-friendly business and communicate important information about your fun brand. Have fun with your wayfinding and make your business the first choice for families in your community!
Want some amazing child-friendly signage of your own? Connect with one of our Creative Consultants today to learn how you can get your own unforgettable wayfinding experience!
Check out more inspiring signage and wayfinding ideas for your office:
Create a Memorable Patient Experience Through Dental Office Interior Design and Decor
Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to a magical patient experience.