The Complete Guide to

WAYFINDING AND DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE

Have you ever walked into an unfamiliar building, office complex, or shopping centre and somehow naturally ended up where you needed to be?

No? Well, it’s more than likely that you were supported by effective wayfinding signage: the hidden hero in the mundane to the most time-critical of everyday situations. These often-overlooked signage systems are responsible for keeping people on track the world over, and it’s when they’re working well that we hardly notice their presence.

It can be frustrating when you plan a journey in advance, arrive at the venue with time to spare and then be confused by poorly designed signage – the cardinal sin of user experience. But beyond helping to create a seamless journey for people navigating a physical location, wayfinding signage is so much more than just an element of environmental design.’     

It also gives you the opportunity to influence how people think and feel about your organisation or business – whether by telling a story with a unique or novel design or demonstrating your expertise with a cutting-edge solution – and ultimately, make it more likely visitors will invest their time, emotions, and money in your brand.

So, let’s get started!

What will I learn in this guide?

  • What is wayfinding?
  • Why is it important to have a wayfinding strategy?
  • What are the benefits of wayfinding and directional signage?
  • What are the different types of wayfinding systems?
  • What are the different types of wayfinding signs?
  • How can I increase the accessibility of my wayfinding?
  • Key things to consider for successful wayfinding systems
  • FAQ

What is wayfinding?

Wayfinding is an umbrella term that describes the problem-solving process people go through when they need to navigate a physical space. Within this process, along with information gathering, landmarks, and environmental cues, wayfinding signage is one of the tools people use to both orient themselves and navigate successfully to their destination.

Wayfinding systems answer typical questions like:

  • Where am I?
  • Am I close to where I need to be?
  • How did I get here?
  • How do I get somewhere?

At the very heart of it, wayfinding signage is about navigation. But it can also introduce a brand’s unique tone of voice, contribute to storytelling, and invoke specific emotions in your visitors. It typically includes words and symbols that tell people where they are and how they get to their destination.

Directional signage is part of the wayfinding signage family but is distinguished by the inclusion of a ‘directional element’, such as arrows that tell people whether they need to turn left, right or carry on straight ahead.

Finger Posts Signs

Why is it important to have a wayfinding strategy?

If you’re wanting to revamp or introduce a new wayfinding system at your business, it’s important you don’t just replace existing signs with new ones that do the same thing. It’s key to have a well-thought-out strategy to ensure you:

  • Evaluate whether your current system is meeting the needs of your visitors;
  • Identify any pain points or problem areas for people when navigating around your business;
  • Look at alternative routes that can improve and expedite the visitors’ journey to their destination.

Having a wayfinding strategy ensures you promote a better user experience within your organisation. In the modern world, user experience and ease of use is king – so don’t overlook this step!

In summary, wayfinding refers to the overall system of guiding people through a space using signs, maps, and other visual cues, while navigation is the active process of moving through a space, often using wayfinding aids.

What are the benefits of wayfinding and directional signage?

More than just helping your visitors navigate, wayfinding signage is a great opportunity to show off the personality of your brand. It also says a lot about the experience you want to create for your visitors, and how much attention and consideration you’ve given to looking after them while on-site.

Let Wayfinding and Directional Signage Help You

benefit

Create comfort and consistency for customers: The wayfinding design process is about guiding and supporting your visitors when they come to your organisation. The right signage helps your visitors to discover a space on their own, instead of forcing them to ask for help or struggle without assistance.

benefit

Build brand strength: Working collaboratively with Signs Express, we can design clear and effective wayfinding solutions that deliver the required information alongside the company personality and message.

benefit

Differentiate yourself: With wayfinding signage, you can reinforce to visitors that you run a focused business that stands out from competitors by utilising bespoke designs.

What are the Four Categories of Wayfinding Signs?

No one enjoys getting lost or feeling confused and out of their comfort zone. With effective wayfinding design, organisations can respond to customer pain points before they emerge. However, you will need to decide what types of wayfinding systems you require. If you are unsure, our experienced team are happy to guide you. Most of the time, the wayfinding design process will include a combination of some of the following signage solutions.

1. Identification Signs

Identification signage is the most common type of wayfinding signage, helping users to arrive at their destination and serving as reliable landmarks. Whether you’re navigating a building or an outdoor space, these signs provide instant recognition of key locations.

Lost? Identification signage quickly orients you. If you're searching for the Sales department but keep seeing signs for Human Resources, you’ll know you’re off track.

For maximum effectiveness, identification signs should be clear, uncluttered, and instantly recognisable. A well-designed sign communicates its purpose in seconds—no guesswork required.

General examples:

  • Door plaques (nameplates to room names)
  • Departmental markers (Accounting and Finance; Sales)
  • Landmark signage (donor plaque; historical marker)

2. Directional Signs

Directional signage acts as a guide, leading people step by step to their destination. These signs are most effective at junctions, decision points, and areas without a clear traffic flow. 

For visitors unfamiliar with their surroundings, well-placed directional signs make navigation seamless. They can be as simple as arrows pointing left or right or as detailed as color-coded floor stickers leading directly to a destination. 

Continuity is key. If someone gets lost between two points despite following the signs, the system isn’t working effectively. Directional signage should provide continuous and intuitive guidance to ensure a smooth journey.

General examples:

  • Junction signage (left to till; right to an exit)
  • Coloured floor graphics (differentiating between departments such as blue for Marketing; red for Sales)
  • Directory signage (8th floor; HR department)

3. Informational Signs

Unlike identification signage, which labels a specific area, informational signage provides essential details about a facility. These signs help users understand the broader layout and services available, making navigation easier. Common locations for informational signs include receptions, waiting areas, and building entrances – all places with high visibility.

A well-designed sign should anticipate and answer common questions:

  • Where are the restrooms?
  • What are the opening hours?
  • Is there a lift?

To ensure understanding, symbols and icons should be used alongside text.

General examples:

  • Amenities and accommodations (free Wi-Fi; stairs)
  • Facilities signage (bathrooms; exits; cafe)
  • Business information (opening hours; address)

4. Regulatory Signs

Regulatory signage is a proactive way to enforce safety, establish boundaries, and ensure compliance within a space. These signs highlight what is and isn’t acceptable in your facilities, helping to maintain order and prevent issues before they arise. 

Since regulatory signs often relate to safety, security, and liability concerns, they need to be bold, clear, and impossible to miss. 

General examples:

  • "No Parking" signs keep operations running smoothly.
  • "Authorised Personnel Only" restricts access to private areas.
  • "Fire Exit – Keep Clear" ensures that emergency routes remain unobstructed.

By using high-contrast colours and simple wording, regulatory signage ensures that important rules are understood instantly.

What are the Types of Signs Used in Wayfinding and Directional Signage?

OUTDOOR BUILDING SIGNS

Outdoor building signs and plaques serve as key visual identifiers, helping businesses establish their presence and communicate essential information.

Common uses of outdoor building signs:

  • Outdoor building signs and outdoor plaques typically display business logo, name, contact information to help visitors gather information.
  • Help visitors identify and navigate to the premises from longer distances.

TOTEMS AND MONOLITHS

Totem and monolith signs provide a high-impact, freestanding solution for visibility and navigation.

Common uses of totems and monoliths:

  • Signal entrances and exits of retail, industrial and car parks.
  • Inform passers-by of a business’s presence or facilities and opening times.

POST AND PANEL SIGNS

Post and panel signs offer a versatile, durable way to guide and inform visitors outdoors.

Common uses of post and panel signs:

  • Direct people to entrances and exits of your premises from long and short distances.
  • Display maps and other graphics to facilitate navigation & orientation.
  • Direct visitors between exterior areas of a site.
  • Communicate traffic information (turnings, car park locations and parking regulations etc.)

FINGER POSTS

Finger posts are multi-directional signs that provide clear navigation across large outdoor areas.

Common uses of finger posts:

  • Keep visitors on track to their destination at different stages of their journey
  • Commonly used outdoors around university campuses, hospital and healthcare facilities, and outdoor attractions such as parks

DIRECTORIES AND INTERCHANGEABLE PLAQUES

Directories and interchangeable plaques offer structured navigation, particularly in multi-floor buildings.

Common uses of directories:

  • Located near lifts, stairwells, corridors, unit entrances to help visitors navigate different floors.
  • Display information such as room numbers, facilities, or time-sensitive information like events.

WALL GRAPHICS

Wall graphics combine wayfinding with creativity, enhancing the visitor experience.

Common uses of wall graphics:

  • Can enhance the user experience with an impactful take on wayfinding using creative designs and illustrations.

FLOOR GRAPHICS

Floor graphics offer practical and space-efficient wayfinding solutions.

Common uses of floor graphics:

  • Located in reception areas of hospitals, GP surgeries, and schools to convey regulatory information.
  • Demarcate disabled parking bays.

DOOR SIGNS

Internal brushed aluminium door signs

Door signs provide clear labelling for rooms and restricted areas.

Common uses of door signs:

  • Schools, hospitals and any business with staff-assigned spaces.
  • Separate communal spaces from private.
  • Increase accessibility with the addition of braille.

BANNERS

Banners offer a flexible, high-visibility solution for temporary or large-scale wayfinding.

Common uses of banners:

  • Temporary wayfinding solution for events.
  • Permanent wayfinding for large structures.

How can I increase the accessibility of my wayfinding?

There are several aspects to consider to ensure your wayfinding and directional signage is accessible. The first is for people who are visually impaired, incorporating touch elements such as braille, raised large print, pictograms, and symbols to help them successfully interpret your signage.

Other features that can increase accessibility are using lighter text on a dark background which can reduce halation, a matt finish to reduce glare, and having a white border around the sign.

Also consider the height of your signage, which will be different for visually impaired persons and wheelchair users, which should be between 1400-1700mm and 1000-1100mm respectively. Signs near control panels should be lower, located around 900-1200mm.

Additional Considerations for Successful Wayfinding Systems

Combine Fun with Functionality

At its core, wayfinding is about making navigation easy and intuitive. But functionality doesn’t have to mean boring! A simple journey is what users want, but engaging wayfinding solutions can enhance the user experience while keeping things practical. Consider these creative approaches:

 

  • Projected arrows on the floor: Simple, effective, and easy to understand. Paired with additional signage, they create a streamlined shopping experience for customers.

 

  • Colour-coded pathways: Direct visitors effortlessly while tapping into the benefits of colour psychology to reinforce your brand’s personality.

 

  • Themed wayfinding signage: Make your signage an extension of your brand. For example, a movie theatre could use film reel-shaped directional signs for a more immersive experience.

Simple Symbols and Accessibility

When customers visit a new or unfamiliar destination, the first things they want are simplicity and clarity. A universally understood icon, such as baby-changing facilities, can communicate more effectively than text alone. A well-designed wayfinding system can, therefore, combine symbols and text to direct your visitors. 

Declutter Decision Points

More signage doesn’t always mean better navigation. Overloading a space with signs can confuse rather than assist. Instead, focus on strategic “decision points” - places where visitors must decide on where they’re going next. Obvious points include stairwells, lifts, and exits. Let the experts at Signs Express help you to identify these crucial spots in your organisation.

Never Miss a Branding Opportunity

Wayfinding isn’t just about getting from ‘A to B’; it can become an extension of your brand identity. Creative, branded signage helps reinforce what makes your organisation unique while guiding visitors effectively.

Discover Your Wayfinding Definition

Good design is often invisible, but it plays a central role in our day-to-day-lives. Without thoughtful wayfinding, navigating public spaces like museums, offices, or shopping centres would be far more frustrating. While it might not be the first thing brands consider, a well-planned wayfinding system can be the key to a smooth, memorable visitor experience.

Want to create a wayfinding system that’s both functional and engaging? Let Signs Express help you design a solution that fits your brand and space perfectly.

FAQ

  • Q. What is the history of wayfinding?
    Collapse Expand toggle icon

    Wayfinding existed in the earliest civilisations, with the first wayfinding signage found in ancient Greek and Roman times, around 2,000 years ago. They focused on images and symbols rather than words as most people could not read or write.

  • Q. Which kind of business will benefit the most from wayfinding and directional signage?
    Collapse Expand toggle icon

    All businesses who receive customers, visitors and staff at a physical location will benefit from wayfinding and directional signage. Wayfinding signage is especially important at sites where people are likely to visit less frequently, such as hospitals, airports, and cities with high numbers of tourists. Businesses or groups of businesses spread across multiple floors and premises will also benefit, such as hospitals, universities, construction sites, industrial and retail parks.

  • Q. Where can wayfinding and directional signage be utilised?
    Collapse Expand toggle icon

    Wayfinding and directional signage are found in, on and around the interior and exterior of buildings used for many purposes, such as business, recreation, healthcare, and education. It is typically located throughout the journey to the visitor’s destination and is especially important at key points such as corners and crossroads that require the user to decide to go in one direction or another. Wayfinding is now typically part of the building design process but can be retrofit to improve the functionality and user-friendliness of existing structures.

  • Q. What materials are used in directional signage?
    Collapse Expand toggle icon

    Directional signage is typically made from materials such as acrylic, aluminum, PVC, wood, and stainless steel, depending on durability and aesthetic requirements.

  • Q. What are the colours for wayfinding?
    Collapse Expand toggle icon

    Commonly used colours for wayfinding include blue for information, green for safety, red for warnings, and yellow for caution.

  • Q. What is the difference between dimensional letter signage and panel signage?
    Collapse Expand toggle icon

    Dimensional letter signage features individual raised letters or logos that create a three-dimensional effect, while panel signage consists of graphics or text displayed on a flat surface or board.

  • Q. Do all wayfinding signs need to be DDA compliant?
    Collapse Expand toggle icon

    Wayfinding and directional signage should meet requirements set out by the UK’s 1995 Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) to help your indoor and outdoor spaces comply with accessibility regulations. This includes accommodating visually impaired persons with features such as high contract colours, bold and legible fonts, white borders around signage panels, raised letters and pictograms and braille. It also encompasses installation height, which differ for visually impaired persons and wheelchair users. They should also mark accessible areas, such as lifts, ramps, parking spaces, toilets, entrances and exits.

  • Q. Why choose Signs Express for my wayfinding and directional signage?
    Collapse Expand toggle icon

    Signs Express has been established for 35 years, with 60 locations across the UK and Ireland, with a broad expertise across all types of wayfinding and directional signage. Having worked with companies of all sizes and industries, we will evaluate your current wayfinding system or create one completely bespoke from scratch, select, and manufacture the right signage from our vast catalogue of solutions, and complete the installation at a time that keeps disruption to your business to a minimum. 

Get in Touch

Enquiry Form

Please contact your local centre by completing this enquiry form and we shall respond to your request as soon as possible.

  • Aberdeen
  • Abingdon & Didcot
  • Aylesbury
  • Basildon
  • Bath
  • Battersea
  • Bedford
  • Belfast
  • Birmingham SW
  • Bristol
  • Cardiff
  • Chelmsford
  • Cheltenham
  • Colchester
  • Coventry
  • Cumbernauld
  • Derby
  • Enfield
  • Exeter
  • Falkirk
  • Gateshead
  • Glasgow
  • Gloucester
  • Harlow
  • Grantham
  • Hull
  • Huddersfield & Halifax
  • Ipswich
  • Ireland
  • Lancaster
  • Leeds
  • Leicester
  • Loughborough
  • Lincoln
  • Liverpool & Wirral
  • Manchester
  • Milton Keynes
  • Mullingar
  • Newcastle
  • Northampton
  • NW Kent & SE London
  • N & NE Lincs
  • Norwich
  • Nottingham
  • Oxford
  • Peterborough
  • Plymouth
  • Portsmouth
  • Preston
  • Reading
  • Rotherham
  • South Durham
  • Salisbury
  • Scarborough
  • Sheffield
  • Slough
  • Southampton
  • Stirling
  • Stockport
  • Swansea
  • Swindon
  • Taunton
  • Teesside
  • Telford
  • Twickenham
  • Warwick
  • Wearside
  • Worcester
  • York
  • Winchester
  • High Wycombe
  • Northallerton
  • Dublin
  • Southport
  • Agriculture
  • Charity
  • Construction
  • Creative Agencies
  • Education
  • Health
  • Hospitality
  • Hotels / Bars / Restaurants
  • Import
  • Industrial
  • Local Authority
  • Media
  • Private Sale
  • Professional Services
  • Recreation & Leisure
  • Retail
  • Sign Company
  • Trades People
  • Transport
  • Utilities
question icon
upload tip
Upload Tip

If you would like you can upload a maximum of 5 PDF, JPG, PNG or EPS files to support your application. These should each be 5mb or less.

By checking this box, I agree to receive marketing communications to the contact information provided. I understand that I can withdraw my consent at any time. View our privacy policy to find out more.
* These fields are mandatory
Call Now

What our customers say

I would like to say a huge thankyou to everyone at Signs Express Swansea, who helped us with a Communication Boards project. Sharon was very... I would like to say a huge thankyou to everyone at Signs Express Swansea, who helped us with a Communication Boards project. Sharon was very organised and professional, taking a site visit to make sure that the boards were the perfect size and well situated. Phil was always reassuring, talking us through the fitting process and confirming delivery. Adam and Andrew were very flexible with delivering the boards for us and fitting them so that they were just the right height to be accessed by all. The boards themselves look amazing, Stuart the graphic designer is extremely talented and made all the right tweaks to fill the space on the boards! Thanks so much to all of the team, I would highly recommend!
Lisa Harrison - Swansea Bay UHB - CTM ALD Team
Signs Express
I just want to say thank you to yourself and the team, the rebrand to Atherton flooring has been great and I'm receiving lots of positive fe... I just want to say thank you to yourself and the team, the rebrand to Atherton flooring has been great and I'm receiving lots of positive feedback regarding how the vans look.
Ashley Atherton - Atherton Flooring
Signs Express
I would like to truly thank you for all your kindness and help. Your team did a fantastic job for our shop, which we are all grateful for an... I would like to truly thank you for all your kindness and help. Your team did a fantastic job for our shop, which we are all grateful for and love. I'm sure that in the future there will be something else that we will turn to you for.
Eve Cox - Tailorations
Signs Express
First class service from Signs Express Wearside. From Design to Installation these guys understand our high quality expectations and are a t... First class service from Signs Express Wearside. From Design to Installation these guys understand our high quality expectations and are a trusted partner for all our company signage.
Fairgrieve Compression
Google
Many thanks to Signs Express (Exeter) for our new sign, they gave very helpful advice and the installation was quick and efficient.
J Parsons - Kadampa Meditation Centre
Google
Incredible from start to finish & super professional. Would highly recommend!
Will Keogh - Orega
Google
Incredible from start to finish & super professional. Would highly recommend!
Will Keogh - Orega
Google
Great customer service, quality product. The fitter was very professional.
Chinedu Nnaemeka
Google
I needed sign writing on my new van. I contacted Signs express and they talked me through a few different price options and discussed my req... I needed sign writing on my new van. I contacted Signs express and they talked me through a few different price options and discussed my requirements. they pointed out that part of what I wanted would require the use of vinal wrap and explained why. they then sent me some ideas of what my van would look like. I requested to change a couple of bits and very quickly we had designed exactly what I was looking for. I proof checked it and got booked in for fitting. I dropped the van off in the morning and it was ready for collection in the afternoon, looking exactly how I wanted it. I highly recommend signs express, the whole process was excellent.
Alex Smith
Google
Great quality of work, quick responses to a quote request and very friendly staff who go out of their way to help. Really pleased with the... Great quality of work, quick responses to a quote request and very friendly staff who go out of their way to help. Really pleased with the window graphics they installed, would recommend to anyone!
Adrian Froggatt
Google
Excellent Service from Signs Express Leeds! All that you would want in a supplier, professional, great job and quick turnaround! Thank you!
Julia Jagger
Google
Rick and the team were excellent, comms were quick, price was reasonable, the guys doing the fitting were great and most importantly the sig... Rick and the team were excellent, comms were quick, price was reasonable, the guys doing the fitting were great and most importantly the signs look amazing.
David Taylor
Google
Fantastic service and speedy turnaround. Really impressed with the communication, Rick was great at getting our signage sorted in time for o... Fantastic service and speedy turnaround. Really impressed with the communication, Rick was great at getting our signage sorted in time for opening. Thank you!
The Hot Yoga Chapel
Google
Love my new signs! They look classy, elegant and fit my brand perfectly! The product and quality of the workmanship is fantastic too! Faultl... Love my new signs! They look classy, elegant and fit my brand perfectly! The product and quality of the workmanship is fantastic too! Faultless process from start to installation! Absolutely recommend 👏🏻👏🏻
Claire Wood
Google
Great service, my second time using these guys and will continue to use them in the future. The artwork/mock up process is seamless and they... Great service, my second time using these guys and will continue to use them in the future. The artwork/mock up process is seamless and they worked with me to make the little tweaks I wanted. Everything looks super high end, the fitting team were lovely and respectful and I couldn't recommend highly enough!
Lumiere Photographic
Google
Everyone on the Team were so helpful, we had an external sign that as 6m long, and internal signage fitted. The service went above and beyon... Everyone on the Team were so helpful, we had an external sign that as 6m long, and internal signage fitted. The service went above and beyond from start to finish. The signage looks amazing, the installation team were quick and professional, and the design team so helpful. Thank you
Candida Edwards
Google
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish! Query was answered quickly with amazing attention to detail and all options explained. I... Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish! Query was answered quickly with amazing attention to detail and all options explained. I felt at ease to make the best decision for me and my business without any pressure or time constraints. Every contact was professional and based on knowledge. I even made changes at the final hour and they were all accommodating and helpful throughout. The end product is amazing, I’m so pleased! I couldn’t recommend enough, thank you!
Sara Cowie
Google
Hi, Fountain. We must have done something right to get such a good rating from you. We really appreciate you taking the time!
Fountain Admin
Google
In January 2023 we made an initial order of some aluminium signage to be displayed in our elevators and communal stair landings. Since this... In January 2023 we made an initial order of some aluminium signage to be displayed in our elevators and communal stair landings. Since this first order, we have continued using the services of Signs Express for the past 2 years and have subsequently ordered a vast array of signage for our site in Leeds. Providing both an excellent service and a high quality product they are now our "go to" company for all our printing and signage requirements. Rick Nurse has always been extremely helpful and knowledgeable when discussing our requirements. His expertise means he is able to ensure all our requirements are exceeded and that we receive the best product. Highly recommended!
Peter Niven
Google
Excellent service from beginning to end. Great work on the sign too. Thank you
Steve Austin
Google
Fantastic service from Signs Express - always super communicative, accommodating and do a great job with our signs. Would highly recommend!
Lisa Credland
Google
Good communication, always happy to answer any questions I have and great end product
CarrManorOnline
Google
Great service, helped with designs, even gave full tour of printing facilities. Then got everything printed very quickly for us. Great serv... Great service, helped with designs, even gave full tour of printing facilities. Then got everything printed very quickly for us. Great service thank you!
Nathan Walsh
Google
Signs Express are fast, efficient and super friendly. They get all work done as quickly as possible and it always looks great. Will definite... Signs Express are fast, efficient and super friendly. They get all work done as quickly as possible and it always looks great. Will definitely use against!
Clare Delaney
Google