The Accessibility Project: Signage

White background with black text that reads “Signage in public-use spaces and temporary arts spaces.” There is a graphic of a sign for an accessible, gender neutral bathroom.

A few days ago we released a blog post about wayfinding in arts venues and public use spaces. We are following that up with this post about signage, because signage is part of wayfinding but it's a big topic. We thought it deserved a post of its own.

Many spaces that are used for temporary arts events do not have proper signage. But, what do we mean by signage?

A high-contrast restroom sign with white graphics on a black background. The graphics are of a person in a dress, a person in pants, and a person in a wheelchair. Beneath the graphics, a simple font reads “restroom.” Below the writing is a braille translation. — Clear, easy-to-read signage that uses words, graphics, and braille is ideal.

How do we know if signage is “proper”?

Three people stand around a large table holding pens, notebooks, and a level. Blueprints are spread out on the table. — Planning where to place signage helps ensure you have enough of it.

And, what can spaces and event staff do to solve that problem?

What is signage and how is it used?

“Signage” means visual signs. In many businesses and public use spaces, we use signs to help people navigate; to help them find their way.

Signs are to show things like:

Where to find a bathroom.
Where to access services.
The accessibility of a space (for example, whether a wheelchair can fit in a bathroom).
How to use a space properly.

All great signage meets certain standards, such as:

Easily visible and easy to find.
Clear and easy to read.
Consistent and matching with other signs in the space.
Include tactile elements where possible.
Uses symbols and simple words.
Being part of a larger wayfinding plan.

What limitations have we seen for signage in arts spaces?

In our audits, we've assessed arts venues and public-use spaces that are temporarily used for arts events. We have found that the following signage issues are common in many of these venues:

not enough signage
signage that does not match
signage placed somewhere difficult to see
signage that is not accessible (for example, high contrast and featuring braille or raised lettering)

It's important to know that every venue we have visited has positive intentions when it comes to their signage. Most people simply don't know what proper signage looks like or that it is part of a larger wayfinding plan. Venues continue to do their best to provide helpful signage but improvements are always possible.

How can arts venues and public use spaces improve their signage?

The best way to improve the signage in any space is to hire a trained professional.

In our last blog post, we talked about wayfinding professionals. These specialists are the best choice to help you create a signage system that truly helps everyone who uses a space. They can make sure that the signage is cohesive and works as part of the larger wayfinding plan.

How can we create good signage for temporary events?

Hiring a professional wayfinding team to help with signage isn't always possible. Short-term events and events that don't have a large budget may require signs that are not professionally made.

If it is not possible to bring in a professional to create the signage for a temporary event, venues can follow these guidelines:

Create signs that are easy to read. Use simple fonts and make sure the colour of the font is contrasting the colour of the background
If possible, add raised lettering to signs to make them tactile.
Place signs at least 3 feet from the floor.
Use universal symbols wherever possible, in addition to words.
Consider consulting with a wayfinding professional for advice even if you cannot afford to hire one to create your event signage.