When it comes to finding signs for your community or property, quality should be your first consideration. Quality will determine whether it adheres to local regulations, stands up to the weather, and maintains effective visibility over time. Wear and tear quickly reveals which signs are high quality and which ones are not. Here’s a look at the essential factors that make up a high quality sign.
Where you place the sign determines how well it will be seen by drivers and pedestrians. If the sign faces oncoming traffic it has the best chance to be seen by the most motorists. So before you even design the sign, it’s best to assess where it should be placed and what the most appropriate message should be for that location. Signs placed to the side of traffic, as a rule of thumb, need to be about 70 percent bigger to be effective. The best looking sign in the world with the most capitvating message isn’t going to work if it’s not posted where it can be easily seen from a distance.
Longevity is a huge factor in deciding what materials to use. Aluminum is widely used for outdoor quality signs because it’s resistant to rust and corrosion and can last at least a decade. It’s also strong enough to withstand high winds and severe storms. As a design material, it’s favored for its flexibility, since it can easily be cut into various shapes.
These days sustainability is becoming a top priority for organizations around the world as a step toward cleaning up the environment and running a more efficient operation. Many companies are starting to issue corporate social responsiblity (CSR) reports for investors who want to see more sustainable solutions in construction, manufacturing and packaging. Aluminum contributes to sustainability because it requires less maintenance costs and replacement. Additionally, aluminum is one of the most easily-recycled materials available.
Everyone sees hundreds of signs per day, but only a small percentage capture attention for any given individual. Drivers are only going to see a sign for a matter of seconds or minutes in many cases while moving. Design can make the difference between something drivers notice and something they ignore. Key design elements are typography, sign color, size, text and graphics.
The typography should be simple and clean with the understanding that motorists only get fleeting glimpses of signage. Traffic control signs usually draw more attention than commercial signs that promote businesses since drivers are conditioned to pay attention to regulatory and caution signs. All other signs become optional scenery for the driver. That’s why a business sign has to stand out as unique from the countless other signs surrounding it.
Using bold typography is a reliable strategy for delivering an easy-to-read message. It gives you the best chance to communicate for the short time it’s seen. Logos need to be high resolution and simple. If you are developing a brand by placing various signs around town, keep consistency in mind for recognizability.
Certain signs, such as road signs and those for disabled individuals in public places, must be compliant with government regulations, which affects quality. Retroreflectivity is a requirement for many road signs for best night visibility.
A sign is only as good as its design and placement. Contact Zumar at our Arizona, California or Washington location to learn more about quality signs and how they can improve safety and organization.