Signs are great multi-taskers. They’re responsible for welcoming visitors to places of business, assisting travelers with directions, sharing important safety messages, and indicating where to park at the hospital emergency room, to name a few.
It’s easy to see why signage design should be an important part of planning for any company. People are bombarded with a staggering amount of visual stimulation these days, so there’s a lot of competition for their attention. That means getting creative is more important than ever.
Read on for seven surefire signage design tips that will help you attract and engage your target audience.
1. Keep it short and sweet.
You may be tempted to include every bit of information you can on your sign, but it’s best to use the minimum amount of words possible. The efficient use of space is not only more visually appealing, it’s less confusing to readers who may need to grasp the content quickly. For optimal readability, experts recommend leaving 30% to 40% of the sign as white space.
2. Give careful thought to color.
When choosing a background for your sign’s design, don’t use anything that will make it difficult to focus on the primary message. Keep in mind that the greater the contrast between the background and text, the more legible your sign will be from a distance. Black contrasts well with any light color, while white works well with lettering in a dark hue. Colors that are more similar, such as a red background and orange lettering, don’t have sufficient contrast, making them more difficult to read.
3. Avoid fancy fonts.
Frilly, decorative fonts may draw the eye but they’re hard to read and decipher. Instead, focus on fonts that are crisp, clean, and powerful, such as Arial, Garamond, and Helvetica. They will give your sign a commanding presence that stands out from the crowd and is easily read by passersby. Also, don’t use more than two fonts in one sign as it can be confusing to viewers.
4. Include interesting visuals.
When vivid, colorful digital photos are incorporated into a signage design, they add instant impact. Logos and other branding elements can also enhance the overall design and layout. Think about what interesting visuals your business could use to capture attention and communicate your message? Be creative but don’t go overboard. Going too far out of the box can be a turn-off to some consumers.
5. Consider the visual hierarchy.
What do you want people to read first when they see your sign? Text size creates a natural visual hierarchy. The largest type will grab readers’ attention first, so this should be the primary message you want to get across. Then, include any secondary elements or supporting messages.
6. Keep movement to a minimum.
The human eye is attracted to motion so animation and video can be effective ways to drive engagement when using digital signs. Viewers need enough time to read the text, though, so make sure the movement isn’t too fast or abrupt. Consider keeping your logo and any other important features on the screen at all times to create a consistent and easily-identifiable brand presence.
7. Include a specific call to action.
Whether you’re creating a digital signage system or a static one, the best way to engage people is by giving them an opportunity to participate. “Like Us on Facebook” or “Text This Number to Earn Rewards”, for example, are clear calls to action that tell viewers exactly what you want them to do.
From trendy digital displays to captivating oversized graphics, Adler Display is your source for amazing visual communications solutions. When it’s time to create, replace, or refurbish your signage, rely on our friendly professionals for compelling designs that get noticed. To get started, please contact our experts today!
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.