Beginning the design process for your signage

As you begin the process of determining your signage needs, you'll need to research several things. First put yourself in the place of the "user". Beginning with the exterior experience:

1. being this is a first impression, what information needs to be conveyed to the "user"? make a list of all the possible needs (for example: main sign or "signal"; ticket booth; hours of operation; book/video return area; directions to parking or service entrances, etc.)

2. observe the existing signage or lack there of and what problems might exist with the current signage

3. create a rough map/diagram and note where signage could be improved or implemented in the exterior area

4. Go through the same evaluation in the main entrance and then in identify secondary interior signage needs.

5. Make a list and a rough diagram of what signage needs to be designed and where it will go.

This information will inform your final decisions and how best to present the final information in schematics and comps.

Note: You will be producing a scale model of your exterior sign this semester. Ponoko.com, a DIY manufacturing web site service will be an excellent source for the final product.

Though some of this will not apply to your project, these are things to keep in mind once the design process has begun especially once you're working for paying client:

• signage expresses the brand and builds on understanding the needs and habit of users in the environment

• legibility, visibility, durability, and positioning must drive the design process. distance, speed, light, color, and contrast affect legibility

• signage is a mass communications medium that works 24/7 and can attract new customers, influence purchasing decisions, and increase sales

• exterior signage must consider both vehicular and pedestrian traffic

• every community, indestrial park, and shopping mall develops its own signage code; there are no universal codes

• signage codes affect material, illumination (electrical), and structural choices; zoning or land use issues affect placement and size of signage

• zoning constraints need to be understood prior to design development

• permit and variance applications should include the benefit to the land-use planning scheme

• signage requires a long-term commitment, and maintenance plans and contracts are critical to protecting the investment

• developing prototypes minimizes risk by testing design prior to fabrication

• signage should always complement the overall architecture and land use of a site

• signage standards manuals include various configurations, materials, supplier selections, and production, installation, and maintenance details

this information will be specified in your final schematic:

• brand identity system (logo)
• color, size, scale, format
• typography
• lighting
• materials and finishes
• fabrication techniques
• mounting and hardware
• placement