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Think about the last time you were in a store or at an event. You probably notice multiple signs, pointing you toward different booths, the bathrooms, and the exits. These are considered wayfinding and directional signage.

Wayfinding and directional signage may seem like they serve similar purposes, but understanding the how and where to use each are important for creating an intuitive, easy-to-navigate environment. Equally important is the type of graphic you choose and the wayfinding signage design. Let’s break down the key differences and best uses for wayfinding and directional signs.

What’s the Difference Between Wayfinding & Directional Signs?

Even when you’re familiar with a space, it’s still good to have signs that tell you where to go. Directional signs are actually considered a type of wayfinding sign, along with informational, identification, and regulatory. Both wayfinding signs and directional signs have a distinct function.

Wayfinding signs are comprehensive systems that offer an overall impression of an area, building, or space. They’re sort of like the table of contents of a book, providing a general outline of where things are located. Types of creative wayfinding signs include graphics like maps, informational wall plaques, or stands and displays.

On the other hand, directional signage is more like the chapter headings (or the H2s of this blog), guiding visitors (and readers) from point A to point B. They are specific and to the point. You may notice directional signs with arrows or large format graphics with precise instructions for navigating the area. Together direction and wayfinding signs work as an integrated system, helping travelers, shoppers, or attendees know exactly where they need to go.

Best Use of Wayfinding and Directional Signs

Different spaces require different types of navigational help. The combination of both wayfinding and directional signs help people feel safe and not lost. When it comes to designing the signs, the goal or need for the area or information play a key role in determining the best use for wayfinding and directional signs.

Retail & Shopping Centers

The customer experience drives the bus for retailers and store owners. So making sure shoppers can easily navigate the space directly impacts revenue. Wayfinding and directional signage for retail may include signs for locating clearance and sales sections, the changing room, emergency exits and even locating departments within a single store or stores within a mall.

Construction Areas

Directional and wayfinding construction graphics are critical for keeping pedestrians, drivers, and passengers safe and prevent accidents. Directional signage can divert traffic or indicate detour routes while wayfinding signs help provide a broader view of the construction site by indicating zones, exits, and safety points.

Office Buildings

Office buildings can be a maze of doors and hallways, especially when everything looks the same. Corporate graphics that feature wayfinding signs showcase the layout of the offices or location of the different departments and facilities. Directional signs may lead people to specific offices, conference rooms, breakrooms or, most importantly, the emergency exit!

Theme Parks, Events, and Tradeshows

Sometimes it seems like wayfinding and directional signage were created specifically for events, trade shows, and theme parks. After all, being able to get around easily and hit your favorite booth or ride is the point, right? From the parking lot to the most popular booth or attraction, first-timers and seasoned veterans rely on these signs to move efficiently throughout the space. Wayfinding signs help orient attendees or park goers, helping them to locate registration or ticketing booths, exhibitor booths or attractions, and session rooms. Directional signs tell them exactly how to get there and sometimes even how long it may take!

ADA Compliance

No matter which type of directional or wayfinding signage, it’s critical that both meet ADA requirements for visibility and accessibility. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) necessitates specific signage for accessibility. ADA-compliant, tactile signs use text, dimensional features, colors, and placement that help visibility impaired or those in wheelchairs safely navigate the space.

Large Format Wayfinding and Directional Signage Materials

When it comes to wayfinding and directional signs, the type of graphic or material can overshadow the message. That’s why it’s important to pick the right type of graphic for the message you are trying to convey.

    • Floor Graphics – They say go where the eyeballs are, and these days everyone looks down at their phone. Vinyl floor graphics and floor decals are ideal for foot traffic in events, museums, or retail spaces. You can have fun with colors, fonts, and shapes, too, depending on the type of event or space. 

    • Wall Graphics – Whether you add a full wall mural of a map or a large directional sign with arrows, wall graphics function as exterior and interior sign elements. They can be highly creative as well with colors, fonts, and shapes to help add aesthetic value to the space.

    • Stands and Displays – These are portable and versatile! Plus, depending on the design and size, they can be really eye-catching. Wayfinding and directional stands and displays can be used both indoors and outdoors for trade shows and events, as well as for retail space. They can be a physical barrier to move customers through a space or have wayfinding information for locating booths, exits, bathrooms, and more.

    • Indoor and Outdoor Banners – Banners can be made from vinyl, fabric, or mesh depending on the budget and placement of your wayfinding or directional signage. Large hanging banners are ideal for helping visitors or attendees find their way around an area with a lot of square footage like a theme park or a tradeshow. They can also be flags or even placed on stands as backdrops. 

    • Dimensional Signs – 3D signs are necessary for ADA compliance, but they can also be used for those without visual impairments or disabilities. Dimensional wayfinding and directions signs can add depth while their texture offers visitors or attendees a sensory experience for navigating a room, building, or space. Their unique appearance also helps them stand out.

Let Color Reflections Print Your Wayfinding and Directional Signs

When it comes to choosing the right wayfinding and directional signs, partnering with a premier large format print company is a cost-effective solution. With six nationwide locations, Color Reflections offers expert knowledge, state-of-the-art equipment, and unmatched craftsmanship of custom-made wide format graphics.

From design and printing to shipping and installing, our teams handle everything in-house—ensuring consistency and the highest quality possible. Our large format printing services span all 50 states and even the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our printing experts provide total support, creating a seamless experience and designing user-friendly navigational signs that enhance the user-experience in any environment. Connect with our team today to transform your space with wayfinding and directional sign solutions.

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