The Ins and Outs of Wayfinding Signage

Wayfinding signage is typically used to guide occupants into and through a property, such as an approaching patient who first sees street signage informing about a hospital’s different access points and later on the interior signage pointing to different treatment areas, explained Marina Batzke, general manager, American Permalight.

There are a wide variety of wayfinding signage options available, ranging from large-scale towers and pylons to smaller wall signs, projecting signs, and directories. While the majority of wayfinding signage is for indoor use, there are certain products that can double for indoor or outdoor usage.

Wayfinding signage can be used in nearly any environment, and is ideal for high-traffic areas where direction, identification or promotion is necessary. For example, SignPro’s dealer network has created signage solutions for hospitals, eye care centers, frozen yogurt stores, schools, car dealerships, office buildings and churches, often incorporating both indoor and outdoor sign solutions, said Julien Aiglon, SignPro Systems sales manager.

Visual Graphics’ patented Visual Magnetics Graphic System for wayfinding signage is a three-part system, “a magnetic sandwich” consisting of ActiveWall magnetic primer; MagnaMedia, a magnetic receptive print media available in 17 different finishing options (matte, satin, etc.); and a flexible magnetic tile. “The magnetic primer activates the wall to work with the company’s tile, which locks on level to the wall without adhesives, nails, or screws, using the company’s InvisiLock system,” commented Naomi Mukai, Visual Magnetics marketing and public relations manager.

The InvisiLock system leverages a grid of magnetic poles to allow objects backed with the product (the magnetic tile) to move around and lock into place when applied to a wall or another large surface also fitted with InvisiLock. The Magna Media can be easily swopped out to change the “signage,” depending on use.

Photoluminescent signage, another option for wayfinding signage, is designed to guide occupants out of a darkened building. Often safety signs are printed onto white plastic; should the power fail, those signs are not visible in the dark. Photoluminscent safety signs light up in the dark to show their message.

“During a building fire, a power outage or simply at night, photoluminescent signage and egress path markings provide a non-electrical yellow-glowing guidance line in floor proximity from the place of occupancy all the way down the emergency staircases to the exit door,” explained Batzke.

Based in Torrance, CA, American Permalight offers photoluminescent emergency and fire safety signs in plus 55/8 luminance. They are available in peel-and-stick, self-adhesive film and durable, non-adhesive PVC.

American Permalight’s photoluminescent signage is used in a variety of settings, including on the International Space Station, where the signage reduces maintenance costs of the battery powered emergency egress guidance system. Its photoluminescent high performance PVC complies with all of the stringent NASA requirements relating to effectiveness, reliability and durability and was accepted for the installation on the ISS.

Its PVC product with a luminance of 600/90 mcd /m2 was processed into circular discs in different sizes and installed using a long-duration adhesive. The markers were placed around the hatch ways of Node 1, Node 2, Node 3, the U.S. Lab and Permanent Multipurpose Module and enable crew members to identify the egress path in sudden darkness and during a power blackout.

Visual Magnetics, headquartered in New York City, also produces magnetic material for wayfinding signage, retail, wall coverings, and graphics, The benefit of the material is not only is it printable—there are 22 different substrates you can print on—but you can also easily change out the signage, said Mukai.

Carnival Cruise Lines, for example, uses the room signage for one purpose in the morning and another in the afternoon. “With our material, you can very easily change what the sign says; without having to stick on vinyl or adhesive,” noted Mukai “There are layers (printable media) that you can throw up on the wall or take down.”

The Art Institutes used the Visual Magnetics system when rolling out is new brand identity at a handful of North American locations. Branded environments implementer Aion Solutions, hired to create graphic solutions for wayfinding and staff directories that could be changed easily, looked to VM-POLYmatte. Wayfinding graphics change based on the flooring, facility design, and use-case. When one of the school locations hosts an event, the signage can be changed by staff, since new graphics can be printed in-house on the VM-POLYmatte using a water-based inkjet printer.

SignPro Systems extensive range of wayfinding signage solutions includes curved wall frames, directory systems, projecting and suspended signage, snap edge poster frames and light boxes, desk frames, and triangular signs. In addition, SignPro also offers several styles of towers and pylons, including backlit options, and a variety of sign stands and outdoor signage solutions.

Joining cut aluminum extrusion frames with a clear protective lens creates most wayfinding signage products, explained. Aiglon. “ To create SignPro’s wall, projecting, suspended and directory frames, all aluminum extrusion frames and clear, non-glare lenses are measured, cut and assembled in its Woodridge, IL facility. Many frames can also be customized to create specialized directories or divided wall signs with the addition of plastic dividing strips in standard or custom widths,” she said.

Wayfinding signage is not limited solely to wall frames or directories, but can also apply to the use of towers in office lobbies, poster frames used to hold menus in restaurants, or suspended poster frames used to showcase banners for a theatre program. “Just as there are numerous wayfinding solutions available, there are an equal, if not larger, number of applications,” Aiglon commented.

ADA Requirements

Any space required to feature emergency wayfinding signage is also now required to have these signs comply with American Disabilities Act, hung at specific heights and locations to serve the disabled community. These features include ADA compliant inserts that combine raised lettering, Braille beads, contrasted colors, and more, Moreover, all room markers that identify permanent spaces—like bathrooms and kitchens—must meet ADA standards. If the use of a room changes frequently or if it is not set up to fulfill the same function in the near future, there is no need for ADA signage.

Photoluminescent signage must also follow strict codes. The IBC – International Building Code and IFC – International Fire Code, as well as NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code specify luminous egress path markings for high-rise building emergency staircases, Batzke explained. These markings include directional signs (man running), stairway identification signs, step and landing markings, perimeter demarcation lines on landings, obstacle, handrail and exit door markings.

“The codes require compliant photoluminescent signs and markings,” she said. “UL1994 listed ready-made signs and markings are available. Additionally sign businesses can create the code compliant signage using UL1994-listed printable substrates, available as flexible film roll goods and as stiff rigid PVC sheets, ideal for digital printing with solvent based inks and for screen printing.”

Additional codes include IBC Paragraph 1022.8 Sub 6; the floor level on floor ID signs is raised with Braille underneath. The sign text, which changes on each and every sign, is typically digitally printed or surface-applied plotter-cut lettering. Then the floor level (e.g., B for basement, PH for penthouse, or the floor number) is surface applied and Braille is inserted underneath.

These code requirements are enforced for new construction and major alterations of high-rise buildings of specific classifications, such as educational, business, and hotels/motels.