Across the nation, the protective restrictions established during the COVID-19 pandemic are beginning to ease.
Stores, restaurants and workplaces are slowly reopening or soon plan to. As we navigate this transition, it’s apparent that it won’t be business as usual. Employees and customers are cautiously stepping back into the world, and we need to shift our behaviors, interactions, and ways of moving through public spaces. Your wayfinding signage, when thoughtfully designed and implemented, can encourage the practices that will allow people to safely maneuver in this new landscape.
HERE ARE SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING GRAPHICS THAT CAN HELP VISITORS AND EMPLOYEES FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE AS YOU OPEN FOR BUSINESS.
Consider the entire journey through the space.
What’s most important to your visitors as they return to your location? How are they feeling? What do they need? Envision the full user journey from the moment they enter your facility and put yourself in their place. For example, a friendly, upbeat message like “Welcome back!” posted at the entrance can reduce apprehensions and encourage calm. Post prominent notices where enhanced safety measures have been implemented, such as check in procedures or cleaning protocols. By proactively addressing changes like these, it mitigates the uncertainty of a new environment.
Incorporate social distancing into your wayfinding design.
Some studies suggest that six- foot physical separation requirements in public places will continue for a year or more. As a result, it will be necessary to devise a social distancing signage plan to ensure the ongoing safety of your employees, clients, vendors and visitors. Consider using arrow graphics and wayfinding signs to direct the flow of foot traffic and reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Floor decals can remind people to maintain a six-foot perimeter from others.
Don’t forget your brand.
As you help visitors tackle this new post-COVID environment, you have an opportunity to create an experience that promotes your brand and integrates with your architecture. Consider visuals that align with your corporate personality and colors, and choose materials and signage locations that complement the space.
Keep it positive.
Safety communications don’t have to come across as threatening. You have the power to transform what could feel ominous and restrictive into a positive, uplifting experience. Use clever phrasing, creative iconography and other visuals to lighten the mood. Helpful, easy to read signage such as welcome displays and indicators for hand sanitizer stations can aid visitors and employees in adjusting to new protocols. Don’t forget to extend this positive messaging to your company emails, social media, and other digital communications, as well as printed collateral.
By focusing on the user experience, you can create a connected space and a safer, more enjoyable environment for everyone who enters. Adler Display can help you create the signage tools your company needs for life after COVID-19. Please contact our knowledgeable team to get started.
About Adler Display: Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Adler Display brings more than 80 years of experience to its clients in need of recognition displays, lobby and corporate interiors, custom exhibits, historical timelines, trade show displays, and signage and graphics. For more information about Adler Display, please visit the website at https://adlerdisplay.com/ or call 855-552-3537.