How do I design a sign that will improve my business?

Ensure your street name signs are accessible to as many people as possible.

To make sure your street name signage is readable by those who may have difficulty, follow these guidelines.

Use large fonts

If someone has difficulty with their vision, they may require larger street name signs to be more visible. Larger street name signage is especially helpful if the street is not straight or if there are several street name signs close together. All street names should ideally use letters that are at least 200mm (8″) high. If you need to use smaller text due to space limitations, try using larger lettering for your street number and/or street type identifiers, such as ‘avenue’ or ‘way’. The size of the sign border and fill can also help improve visibility by making the sign stand out more on street poles.

Choose contrasting colours

Colour choice is important when it comes to street signage. If street name signs are not contrasting enough, they may be difficult to read. For example, white text on a green background is more difficult for many people to read than black text on yellow or orange backgrounds because the human eye has trouble focusing on muted tones. Also ensure there is sufficient lighting at night; street name signs could even include reflective backing which will make them stand out under street lights.

Ensure street name signs are visible during the day and night

Street name signs should ideally be readable by drivers (if facing towards traffic) and pedestrians (if facing away from traffic). Ensure your street number signage is well lit at night; street number identifiers can either use backlighting or stencils with interior reflectors that reflect light from street lamps. Ensure street names are clearly visible by drivers at night with street name signs that use highly contrasting colours, such as white lettering on a black background.

Avoid clutter

Multiple street name signs close together can be difficult to read and usually appear cluttered. Street name signage should ideally be spaced far enough apart so that each sign is easily detectable without overlapping or obstructing the other street name signs in the area. This spacing may vary depending on the type of street and how many streets there are in your neighborhood; for example, it will generally be more difficult to locate street name signs in an industrial area where there are many intersecting streets than it would be if street signs were placed on less-busy residential streets.

FAQs:

Why are street name signs important?

Street name signs help drivers and pedestrians to easily identify where they are and to navigate their way around the street network. Street name signage helps all road users; for example, people who walk or use wheelchairs can locate nearby businesses more easily when street names are visible and street numbers are included.

What type of street is best for street name signs?

Street name signs should ideally be located on local streets with low traffic volumes (i.e., streets without large trucks or heavy commuter traffic) where it is easy to find a location for street sign posts near intersections. Drivers may accidentally drive over street directories if they are placed in high-traffic areas such as expressways and highways.

How do I choose street name signs that are visible during the day and night?

Street name signage should be readable by drivers (if facing towards traffic) and pedestrians (if facing away from traffic). Street number identifiers can either use backlighting or stencils with interior reflectors that will reflect street lamp light. Ensure street names are easily detectable in low-visibility conditions, such as foggy weather or at night, by using highly contrasting colours for street name signs.

How do I avoid clutter when placing street name signs?

Multiple street name signs close together can be difficult to read and usually appear cluttered. Street name signage should ideally be spaced far enough apart so that each sign is easily detectable without overlapping or obstructing the other street name signs in the area.

Conclusion:

Street name signs are important for street direction and way finding. Signs can either be street looking numbers, stencils with interior reflectors, street names on street poles, and street name signs with street looking numbers. Ensure street numbers are visible during the day and night by using backlighting or stencils with interior reflectors. Ensure street name signs are visible during the day and night by using highly contrasting colours for street name signs.